Natalie James

Experience

• 

  Library Foundation of Los Angeles

  Jan 2004 - Jan 2010

  Assistant Director of Retail & E-Commerce Services

  Oversaw daily retail operations and online sales for the Library Store, ensuring an excellent customer experience both in-store and online. Responsibilities included managing staff, inventory, merchandising, and e-commerce platforms, as well as developing marketing strategies to boost sales. The role also involved financial management, reporting, and collaborating with the Director to execute business goals. This position required strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills, with a focus on retail management and e-commerce growth. Weniger anzeigen

• 

  Citysearch.com

  Jan 2011 - Jan 2013

  Curator & Social Media Manager

  At Citysearch, I played a pivotal role in shaping the go-to platform for urban exploration and lifestyle enhancement, guiding users to live bigger, better, and smarter in their cities. Covering over 75,000 locations nationwide, Citysearch merged insider editorial recommendations with candid user reviews and expert advice from local businesses. My work contributed to creating a trusted resource for people seeking the best dining, entertainment, and experiences in their area, ensuring that both residents and visitors had access to authentic, curated insights into the pulse of their city. Weniger anzeigen

• 

  Refinery29, Inc.

  Jan 2011 - Jan 2012

  Food Writer & Photographer

  Conceptualized, developed, and pitched compelling, trend-driven stories that captured the vibrant essence of Los Angeles' diverse culinary scene, showcasing everything from hidden local gems to renowned dining hotspots. Demonstrated a deep understanding of the city’s evolving food culture, providing unique insights resonating with locals and visitors alike. Collaborated with industry insiders and chefs to curate authentic, engaging narratives.

• 

  NJ in LA

  Jan 2012 - now

  Creative Director

  Photographer and writer at NJinLA.com• Named one of the Best Food Blogs by Refinery 29• Photography accolades from Vogue Mexico, Glamour, Elle China• Contributing writer & photographer at Complex, First We Feast, Foodbeast, SBE• Has grown social media following to over 70K via Instagram, Twitter, & Pinterest• Selected out of millions to be an Instagram Suggested User• Named one of L.A’s Best Instagram Accounts by BuzzfeedPublic Speaking• The Annenberg Space for Photography, on Lifestyle & Commercial Photography• Soho House x Fair Trade, on how to become a better food photographer• Claremont Colleges, on how to improve photo editing skills• Working Women, on how to develop a personal brand• Hispanicize, on how to develop a brand in the age of social mediaselect clients: Absolut, Bon Appétit Magazine, British Airways, Citibank, Coachella, Lexus, Dom Pérignon, Don Julio Tequila, Godiva, Lexus, Pebble Beach Food & Wine, Renaissance Hotels, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Travel Channel, Vegas Uncork'd, & Vice. Weniger anzeigen

• 

  Karen Kimmel Studio

  Jan 2013 - Jan 2015

  Digital Marketing Strategy, Brand Content Producer, & Social Media Manager

  As a Digital Marketing Strategist, Brand Content Producer, and Social Media Manager, I helped lead the global social media strategy for beloved brands Splendid and Ella Moss. With deep expertise in traditional creative, social activations, and digital deliverables, I provided strategy for Karen Kimmel Studios, Splendid, and Ella Moss, driving brand awareness and engagement across platforms. Our team spearheaded the creation of branded content—photography, copy, and video—optimized for targeted distribution on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. These efforts successfully grew Splendid and Ella Moss' social media following to over 145K, solidifying their digital presence. Weniger anzeigen

• 

  WannaGo App

  Nov 2013 - Nov 2014

  App Development, Influencer Partnerships, Digital Marketing Strategy

  I was instrumental in driving app development, influencer partnerships, and digital marketing strategy for a platform designed to revolutionize local restaurant discovery. By collaborating with local food and drink experts, influencers, and trusted tastemakers, we created curated lists that simplified the dining experience for users. WannaGo's cutting-edge algorithms personalized recommendations, prioritizing relevance based on location, time of day, and user interest graphs, setting it apart from the noise of mass reviews. My contributions helped make WannaGo an essential tool for effortlessly finding the best dining spots, tailored to each user's unique preferences. Weniger anzeigen

• 

  Sbe Lifestyle Hospitality

  Jan 2014 - Jan 2015

  Food Writer & Photographer

  As the lead L.A. food writer and photographer for SBE Lifestyle Hospitality, I shaped the narrative of Los Angeles' dynamic culinary scene for SBE.com. I conceptualized, developed, and pitched editorial content highlighting the city's most exciting dining destinations. In addition to writing, I captured compelling photography for featured food guides, offering readers a visually rich and immersive experience. My work contributed to positioning SBE.com as a trusted source for uncovering L.A.’s best culinary experiences, blending storytelling with vibrant imagery to engage a discerning audience. Weniger anzeigen

• 

  NTS LIVE LTD (NTS RADIO)

  Nov 2016 - Jan 2020

  Radio Programming, Producer, Radio Host, Artist Relations

  As a producer and host on the world’s highest-streamed global independent radio station, I spearheaded content creation by booking talent, curating playlists focused on emerging artists, and premiering new tracks. I fostered relationships with artists for guest spots and live performances, while researching, writing, and conducting in-depth interviews. I also handled all post-production editing, with proficiency in Audacity, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools. Additionally, I organized and managed a vast archive of music, audio, video, and photo assets, ensuring seamless operations behind the scenes to deliver top-tier broadcasts.Selected Guests: Spellling, Dreamcrusher, Ana Roxanne, JPEGMAFIA, 03 Greedo, Denzel Curry, Show Me The Body, Yeule, Slauson Malone, La Goony Chonga, Hello Yello, Butch Dawson, Ho99o9, Jasper Lotti Weniger anzeigen

• 

  Spotify

  Sept 2017 - Jan 2017

  Video Content Producer, Creative Producer, Writer

  Conceptualized, wrote, and pitched complex, high-value editorial video programs incorporating top musical talent for both RapCaviar and ¡Viva Latino!• Provided creative, interviews, and concepts for videos accessed by over 14 million subscribers• Conceptualized and wrote over 20+ videos during a four-month freelance project for some of the world's biggest artists, including but not limited to PARTYNEXTDOOR, T-Pain, Chris Brown• Worked with the #1 Spotify streamed artist, Daddy Yankee, on his ¡Viva Latino! video debut• Wrote “Sight & Sound” feature for the most streamed rap video on Spotify, highlighting Migos’ director DAPS• Conceptualized and wrote Jeezy's Atlanta car video• Lead interview writer on Chris Brown’s RapCaviar paint dance video Weniger anzeigen

• 

  Output Inc.

  Jan 2018 - Jun 2020

  • Developed video content based on the direction of the Marketing Department.• Worked in tandem with the in-house video team, engineers, content editor, and designers.• Created, presented, and managed project budgets.• Effectively communicated project goals, deadlines, and changes.• Worked with Marketing Team to ensure paperwork was completed for all parties.• Hired and managed a team of freelancers to execute each project on time and onbudget.• Managed potential scheduling and delivery conflicts early and proactivelyproposed solutions for resolution. Weniger anzeigen

  • Video Producer

    Jan 2020 - Jun 2020

  • Video Content, Artist Relations

    Jan 2018 - Feb 2020
• 

  Native Instruments

  Jan 2019 - Apr 2020

  Video Content Producer, Creative Producer, Artist Relations

  As a Video Content Producer and Creative Producer at Native Instruments, I led the creation of high-impact branded video content, including the acclaimed Maschine artist video series. I conceptualized, wrote, and produced stylized music editorial videos, crafting compelling narratives that highlighted a diverse range of artists. My role extended to artist relations, where I fostered connections with established and emerging talent while developing innovative strategies for customer retention and growth. From writing and conducting interviews to coaching talent on set, I drove the creative vision behind projects that elevated the brand’s storytelling and expanded its reach within the music industry. Weniger anzeigen

• 

  The African Desperate

  Jan 2021 - Apr 2022

  Post Producer & Music Supervisor

  • Film nominated for John Cassavetes Award, Independent Spirit Awards• Rotterdam Internation Film Festival 2022• New Directors / New Films Showcase 2022

• 

  Dominica Publishing

  Nov 2021 - Feb 2022

  Producer, Prada Mode L.A.

  On February 16 & 17, Prada presented the seventh iteration of Prada Mode at Genghis Cohen featuring an immersive installation by the artist Martine Syms, to coincide with Frieze Los Angeles.

• 

  Treasury Wine Estates

  Jun 2022 - now

  DTC E-Comm Marketing - Luxury Wine

  My responsibilities involve managing DTC email marketing communications across five distinguished wine brands, collaborating with the team to align promotional campaigns and content strategies for a comprehensive email marketing calendar, and conducting A/B testing to optimize performance. I have helped align our business goals with exceptional consumer experiences by fostering collaboration and driving operational improvements through automation. As part of the DTC E-Comm team, we have transformed TWE's email marketing landscape by executing the highest volume of campaigns in the company’s history.I spearheaded creating and implementing a project management system for the DTC E-Commerce team, which has been instrumental in executing our monthly promotions and consistently exceeding budget expectations. Additionally, I provided strategic social media creative direction for five luxury brands, enhancing their brand presence and updating key strategy documents. Weniger anzeigen

• 

  Raya

  Apr 2023 - now

  Places App

  Places is a social discovery platform designed to help users explore and connect with curated local spots recommended by a trusted network of friends and tastemakers. It combines personalized recommendations with community-driven insights, allowing users to find the best restaurants, bars, and hangouts in any city. Places enhances the experience of local discovery by offering an exclusive, insider perspective tailored to individual preferences, all while fostering meaningful social connections.