Community-led growth strategies for ambitious brands.

I build marketing programs that tap into your most valuable growth channel — your community. Whether you're just scaling up or starting out, this is your wave to catch.

Let’s unlock your next wave of growth.

Are you an established brand looking to connect with your audience in a new way or a startup that’s ready to grow? I work with founders and marketing leaders to build brand and community marketing strategies that drive efficient growth and enduring loyalty.

Trusted by

It's not you; it's today’s growth challenges. Navigating the evolving landscape alone is tough.

Traditional growth strategies can fall short, and acquisition costs keep rising. This is where we ride together. From new funding or rapid expansion, to preparing for the next wave, you’ll get expert guidance tailored to your goals and strategic marketing programs that don’t look like everyone else’s.

Featured Program

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Featured Program

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Featured Program ~ Featured Program ~

The 6-Week Accelerator

For brands ready for a strategic sprint: unlock new, community-led growth channels (like ambassador and influencer programs, events, and more) that drive efficient growth — in just 6 weeks.

MEET YOUR GROWTH PARTNER

Hi, I’m Emily — Brand Marketer, Community Builder, Surfer.

I founded Next Wave to unlock the next phase of growth for my clients after spending a decade inside fast-growing consumer startups like Rent The Runway, The Wing, and Tia.

An organic marketing and community building expert at heart, I’m dedicated to helping startups fuel efficient, sustainable growth. If you’re up for a discovery chat, a surf lesson, or both, I’d love to connect.

  • Emily is a tenacious marketer who is both data driven and devoted to creative — a rare blend. She will deliver."

    Celestine Maddy, Chief Marketing Officer (Pinterest, The Wing, Reddit)

  • “Emily’s plans were strategic, ideas thoughtful, execution flawless, and communication impeccable."

    Jess Anselmi, VP of Marketing (The Sill, Trade Coffee, Dunkin’)

  • “When Emily takes on a project, you can trust it will be thoughtfully planned and flawlessly executed.”

    Rachel Breitenwischer, VP & Startup Founder (Rent the Runway, Supernow)

MY APPROACH

I’m not your average growth partner.

Community-Led Approach

My marketing strategies help you tap into your most valuable channel — your community. I’ll give you the tools to cultivate long-term customer relationships and growth.

Lasting Impact

I thrive in turning chaos into order. I create structure, systems, and rinse-and-repeat processes that ensure your team is set up for success and can carry on seamlessly, even when I’m not there.

Collaborative Network

I have a strong network of collaborative partners to tap for expertise. By integrating industry experts, I can level up your work and move from ideas to execution.

Experienced Thought-Partner

Having been through the startup trenches myself (10+ years as a startup marketer!), I bring invaluable experience and insight, helping you sidestep common pitfalls and fast-track your success.

The Next Wave Method

Instead of investing money into the uncertainty of paid ads, I focus on community and a bottoms-up approach. My signature process will turn your customers into brand advocates and create a sustainable growth flywheel.

  • I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. I'll start by diving deep into your marketing operations to identify challenges and opportunities, setting the stage for tailored growth.

  • Next, I’ll develop a dynamic, rinse-and-repeat organic marketing strategy designed to build momentum, create long-term engagement, and turn customers into die-hard brand advocates.

  • Finally, I’ll guide you in implementing and executing the strategy–whether it’s alongside your team, or with external partners. The result? Launched marketing campaigns that drive sustainable growth and foster a loyal community while reducing reliance on paid channels.

LET’S CATCH THE NEXT WAVE

I build community-led marketing programs that drive efficient growth and enduring loyalty. Want to get in the pocket?