In August 2024, we celebrated a milestone that felt both monumental and humbling: five years of 8:28 Insights. What started as a vision to create a marketing strategy and consumer insights agency rooted in cultural competence and truth has grown into something much bigger—an entity shaped by the human stories we’ve heard, the brands we’ve supported, and the moments that have inspired us along the way.

Looking back on these five years, I am filled with immense gratitude for the journey, the lessons, and the incredible people who have made this milestone possible.

Building a Business Rooted in Humanity

When I founded 8:28 Insights, I was driven by a simple but profound idea: understanding people helps brands grow. I believed that the most meaningful marketing insights come not from algorithms or surface-level data but from immersing ourselves in human experiences. (It’s a part of the reason why I traveled the world for a year when I left my last corporate marketing role… I wanted to immerse myself in the human experiences of cultures around the world!)

Five years later, that philosophy remains at the heart of everything we do. We’ve had the privilege of partnering with some of the world’s leading brands, helping them navigate cultural nuances, uncover deep consumer truths, and build strategies that resonate authentically. From working on groundbreaking multicultural marketing campaigns to redefining how brands think about consumer intimacy, 8:28 Insights has grown into a trusted partner for businesses that want to keep their brand-building human.

Reflecting on the Past Five Years

The past five years have been nothing short of an adventure. We’ve faced challenges, celebrated wins, and grown stronger with every step. Some standout moments include:

Partnering with admired brands that recognize the power of deep human understanding to drive growth-focused business decisions.
Immersing ourselves in the lives of diverse consumers, patients, and cultures by stepping into their homes to uncover not just what they say they do, but the rich context of how they live.
Achieving certification as a minority- and woman-owned business, reflecting our unwavering commitment to representation and equity in the marketing and advertising industry.
Launching the award-winning 8:28 Creative Collective, elevating human storytelling to inspire breakthrough solutions for our clients.

Each moment has been a stepping stone, bringing us closer to our mission of empowering brands (and their creative agencies) to see people—not just data points.

A Celebration to Remember

This August, we brought our community together at our office to celebrate five years of impact. The anniversary party was filled with laughter, heartfelt toasts, and, of course, some amazing food and music. It wasn’t just a celebration of what 8:28 Insights has achieved—it was a tribute to everyone who has been part of this journey. From our clients and collaborators to the 8:28 team, each person in that room (and many beyond it) has played a role in shaping our story.

Here are some moments captured from the celebration that remind us why we do what we do:

Five Lessons From Five Years of Business

People First, Always: Whether it’s our team, our clients, or the audiences we research, success starts with valuing people. It’s about creating space for stories, perspectives, and insights that matter.
Agility is Strength: The marketing landscape is constantly changing. Being small but mighty has allowed us to pivot, innovate, and stay ahead of the curve.
Celebrate Every Milestone: Big or small, each achievement matters. Celebrating these moments fuels the momentum to keep going.
Stay True to Your Mission: Even when challenges arise, staying rooted in our purpose has guided us forward. Our work is about helping brands connect with people on a deeper level, and that mission remains unchanged.
Growth Happens Together: Collaboration is the heart of progress. From our team to our clients and partners, the best insights and solutions come from working together with curiosity, respect, and a shared vision. (Shout out to Priscilla McKinney for writing a fabulous book on this topic titled ‘Collaboration is the New Competition’.)

Looking Ahead: The Next Five Years

As we reflect on where we’ve been, we’re also dreaming big for the future. In the next five years, we plan to:

Expand our capabilities, incorporating more cutting-edge methodologies and technologies.
Deepen our commitment to multicultural marketing and culturally intelligent insights.
Continue fostering long-term partnerships with brands that share our passion for humanity.
Grow our team, building on the foundation of talent, curiosity, and heart that defines 8:28 Insights.

Thank You for Five Incredible Years

To our clients, team members, collaborators, and supporters: thank you. Thank you for believing in our vision, for trusting us with your stories, and for being part of this journey. The last five years wouldn’t have been possible without you.

Here’s to the next five years of growth, impact, and keeping brand-building human.

Five Years of 8:28 Insights: Celebrating Growth, Gratitude, and the Journey Ahead