Nimbus, a Louisville-based creative agency, is making waves in the advertising world. Under the leadership of co-founder Dr. Dawn Wade, the company is reshaping how brands connect with diverse audiences. Their innovative approach has earned them recognition as AdAge’s 2023 Small Agency of the Year.
Nimbus: A Powerhouse in Multicultural Advertising
Founded in 2002 by husband-and-wife team Stacey and Dawn Wade, Nimbus has grown into a full-service agency. They partner with big names like KFC, Jack Daniel’s, and MassMutual. Their goal? Bringing multicultural advertising to life.
Dr. Wade explains their approach: “We get to dig deeper into how you really bring culture into brands that traditionally don’t incorporate the culture.” This strategy has paid off. Nimbus now generates millions in annual revenue.
Championing Black Influence and Historical Justice
“The power of Black influence is something businesses should consider, not just for African-American audiences, but for the general population, too,” says Dr. Wade. Nimbus puts this belief into action through their campaigns.
In 2022, they teamed up with Jack Daniel’s for “Gentleman Jack Culture Shakers.” This nationwide initiative showcased six Black and Brown bartenders. The following year, Nimbus and MassMutual created a campaign focused on Black generational wealth.
Diversity in Action: Nimbus’ Workforce and Campaigns
Nimbus walks the talk when it comes to diversity. Nearly 80% of their staff comes from historically underrepresented groups. Their campaigns consistently feature Black creatives and professionals.
Dr. Wade sees herself as a change agent. “I like change. I like mixing things up… [this] comes through marketing with Nimbus,” she shares. This mindset drives the company’s innovative approach to advertising.
Balancing Success: Dr. Wade’s Multifaceted Career
Dr. Dawn Wade’s leadership at Nimbus is just one part of her impressive career. She completed an executive doctorate in business at Georgia State University in 2017. This education enhances her work as an entrepreneur.
Beyond Nimbus, Dr. Wade has launched West End Gin. Named after Louisville’s West End, this passion project aims to expand distribution across the eastern seaboard by late 2024.
