What happens when marketing moves beyond transactions and becomes a platform for inclusion and community?

In this episode of The Spark, host Mark Scrivner sits down with Jacqui Hayes, founder of Crayons & Marketers and president of AMA Nashville. Jacqui's work focuses on creating marketing strategies that elevate diverse voices, foster belonging, and help businesses grow with authenticity.

For founders, entrepreneurs, and creative leaders, Jacqui's story offers a roadmap for building brands that don't just sell — they connect. She shares how inclusive marketing can scale businesses, strengthen community impact, and empower the next generation of leaders.

What You'll Learn:

• Why inclusive marketing is more than a buzzword — and how to do it right.

• How Jacqui built Crayons & Marketers into a platform for change.

• The role of storytelling in amplifying underrepresented voices.

• Lessons from her leadership at AMA Nashville.

• Practical ways to align marketing with purpose and community.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to The Spark

01:00 – Introducing Jacqui Hayes

04:15 – The mission behind Crayons & Marketers

09:20 – The harm of making assumptions in inclusive marketing

14:40 – Transparency when brands make mistakes

20:30 – Market research as a foundation for authenticity

25:15 – How brands fail (and succeed) at cultural relevance

30:20 – Jacqui's advice for creative leaders

Subscribe to The Spark and never miss an episode featuring Nashville's most inspiring creative leaders.

Learn More & Connect:

• Creative Assembly: https://creativeassemblynashville.com

• Connect with Jacqui Hayes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquihayes | https://crayonsandmarketers.com

• Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner

• Thanks to our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshotinteractive.com

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