Meet Dr. Stacey Wade, Co-Founder of Nimbus

Source: Mel B. Elder / Mel B. Elder

Named AdAge’s 2023 Small Agency of the Year, Nimbus is a full-service creative agency that takes a multi-pronged approach to strategy and cultural relevance to create “brand resonance.” Founded in 2002 by husband-and-wife team Stacey and Dr. Dawn Wade, Nimbus is a Louisville, KY-based company partnered with KFC, Jack Daniel’s, and MassMutual to bring multi-cultural advertising to life.

The Nimbus methodology and use of data continue to pay off, as the company now generates millions of dollars in annual revenue. MadameNoire spoke to Co-Founder Dr. Wade, who seamlessly manages her career, motherhood, marriage, and self-care.

“I did an executive doctorate in business at Georgia State University,” Wade explained. “I finished that back in 2017. And, I’ve been using that in business, as an entrepreneur at Nimbus.”

Nimbus is proud to have brought attention to historical injustices in the corporate sector through a large portion of its branding efforts. For example, in 2022, the firm collaborated with Jack Daniel’s to launch “Gentleman Jack Culture Shakers,” a nationwide initiative featuring six Black and Brown bartenders nationwide.  Then, MassMutual and Nimbus collaborated in 2023 to develop a campaign centered on Black generational wealth.

Source: Mel B. Elder

“We get to dig deeper into how you really bring culture into brands that traditionally don’t incorporate the culture,” Dr. Wade stated. “So, we get to utilize a lot of our insights and just what consumers are looking for to sell products you eat daily.”

These are just a few of the many examples of Nimbus’—and, by extension, the Wades’—dedication to telling stories of the people who have historically fought to be heard. Nimbus constantly collaborates to establish a workplace where the talent they partner with and staff members remain their authentic selves.

“The power of Black influence is something businesses should consider, not just for African-American audiences, but for the general population, too,” Dr. Wade added.

The agency, however, practices what it preaches in its award-winning campaigns. Most of Nimbus’s advertising campaigns include Black creatives and professionals, and almost 80 percent of the company’s workforce identifies as members of historically underrepresented or marginalized groups.

“I consider myself a change agent. I like change. I like mixing things up… [this] comes through marketing with Nimbus,” Dr. Wade said.

Source: Mel B. Elder / Mel B. Elder

To that end, Nimbus is leaning into the power of DEI, as they believe that diversity is crucial to the growth of ideas. The company is proud to keep its eye on the future while honoring the legacy of all those who came before them.

On top of its growing client list and agency accolades, Dr. Wade recently launched a passion project called West End Gin, named for the West End of Louisville, and plans to distribute across the eastern seaboard by the end of 2024.

According to the website for the liquor brand, “We are here to craft the best gin in the world but we are also here to give the community opportunity and a hand, without expecting anything in return.”

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