🚀 How Emerging Brands Can Leverage AI to Scale Faster
- Kyle Frazier
- May 2
- 5 min read
Updated: May 14
In today’s fast-moving digital landscape, startups and emerging brands must embrace AI to stay competitive. Whether automating workflows, enhancing customer experience, or making data-driven decisions, AI is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. As a co-founder and creative brand strategist of Archtoculture, my partner Damon White and I have witnessed firsthand the challenges founders face when scaling their businesses. One of the biggest hurdles? Time and efficiency. (LINK)
When I started integrating AI into my workflow, it was a game-changer. Tasks that once took hours—from content creation to audience engagement—were streamlined, allowing me to focus on high-level strategy and brand building. Many founders I work with struggle with bandwidth, trying to do everything manually while wearing all the hats. But those who successfully scale lean into AI to optimize their workstack. (LINK)
Let’s explore how AI is reshaping startups and look at leaders who’ve leveraged technology to their advantage.
⚡ Why Brands leverage AI to Scale
The business world is shifting, and startups that fail to integrate AI into their operations risk being left behind. AI isn't about replacing creativity or intuition—it’s about enhancing efficiency and freeing up time for innovation.
Here’s why AI adoption is crucial for startups: (LINK)
✅ Automation Saves Time: From chatbots handling customer service to AI-generated content, businesses can automate repetitive tasks, reducing workload and increasing productivity.
✅ Better Decision-Making: AI can analyze customer data, spot trends, and provide actionable insights, helping brands make informed, strategic decisions.
✅ Scalability Without Hiring More Staff: AI tools help founders scale operations without needing a massive team, which is crucial for lean startups.
*NOTE: This doesn’t mean dump more work and responsibility onto your team. (LINK)
"AI shouldn’t replace people—it should support them."
The founders who truly level up their businesses leverage AI to work smarter, not harder. Let’s look at some examples of entrepreneurs who have successfully integrated AI into their business strategies.
🔥 Success Stories: Entrepreneurs Using AI to Scale
📢 Morgan DeBaun – Founder of Blavity & AI Adopter
(LINK)
Morgan DeBaun, the powerhouse behind Blavity Inc., has been ahead of the curve when it comes to using AI in media. From streamlining content creation to automating audience workflows, Morgan’s leadership has helped transform Blavity into a multi-platform empire amplifying Black voices across news, lifestyle, and tech. Her savvy use of AI tools reflects her commitment to building inclusive, efficient, and forward-thinking media ecosystems. (LINK)
👟 Liz Bacelar – Innovation Leader at Under Armour
(LINK)
Liz Bacelar, a Brazilian-American trailblazer and founder of Decoded Fashion, has long been at the intersection of technology and fashion. She pioneered the conversation around AI in fashion long before it was cool—connecting brands with AI-powered innovation. Now, as SVP of Innovation at Under Armour, Liz is redefining the retail experience with AI, using data-driven personalization, predictive inventory tools, and immersive customer touchpoints to future-proof the brand.
"I'm excited to see how Under Armour embraces Liz and AI."
💬 David Cancel – Founder of Drift
(LINK)
NYC native and Afro-Latino entrepreneur David Cancel is the visionary behind Drift, a leading conversational marketing platform powered by AI. With Drift’s AI-driven chatbots, David revolutionized how companies handle customer interactions—automating lead qualification, real-time messaging, and support services. His approach has allowed businesses to scale their sales and service efforts while maintaining meaningful customer engagement. His story is a masterclass in using AI to scale without losing the human touch. (LINK)
🎨 Nicki Saunders – Digital Brand Strategist & AI Advocate
(LINK)
Nicki Saunders, is a digital branding genius known for her ability to decode the latest tech and turn it into actionable strategies for content creators and brands. She’s been a vocal advocate for integrating AI into content strategy—using it to analyze audience behavior, personalize content, and boost engagement across platforms. I personally enjoy her transparent breakdowns and honest reviews of the newest AI tools. Her content is both educational and empowering for founders navigating digital growth.
Here is an example of her presence and reviews on the newest tech tools. (LINK)
“Brands that leverage AI gain a clear edge in both efficiency and productivity.”
✨ My Personal Journey with AI in Brand Strategy
As a creative brand strategist and co-founder of ARCHTOCULTURE, I quickly realized that manual processes were slowing me down. From crafting brand strategies to managing content calendars and clients, there are only so many hours in the day.
That’s when I started exploring AI-driven solutions:
🚀 Content automation tools to streamline campaign development
📊AI-powered research assistants to analyze market trends faster
🎨 Automated design tools to create rapid prototypes
By integrating AI into my workstack, I was able to provide more value to my clients while freeing up time for high-level strategy. Today, I help emerging brands leverage AI to scale without sacrificing quality or authenticity.
🙌 Bonus: To see more AI Tools for Productivity and Automation click on the link below.
🔗 (LINK)
4 Tips for Getting Started with AI in Your Business
1. 💡 Automate Repetitive Tasks
Identify tasks that consume a lot of time, like customer support or content creation, and use AI tools like chatbots (Drift) or content generators (ChatGPT, Jasper) to automate them. This will free up time for more strategic activities.
2. 🛠 Start Small with User-Friendly Tools
Choose simple AI tools that are easy to integrate and don't require technical expertise. Test tools like AI-powered chatbots for customer service or market research tools to track trends and gain insights.
3. ⚡ Personalize Customer Experiences
Leverage AI to create personalized experiences for your customers by analyzing their behavior. Use AI to deliver tailored recommendations, content, or offers that increase engagement and drive sales.
4. 📈 Monitor and Optimize Performance
Track the effectiveness of the AI tools you implement, measuring metrics like engagement or efficiency. Continuously adjust and fine-tune your AI strategy to ensure it’s delivering the best results for your business.
🚀 Conclusion: AI is the Ultimate Scaling Tool for Emerging Brands
(LINK)
The future of business belongs to founders who embrace AI as a strategic ally—not just a shiny new tool. Leaders like David Cancel, Nicki Saunders, Liz Bacelar, and Morgan DeBaun prove that AI isn’t just for Silicon Valley—it’s for any brand looking to grow with intention and agility.
From my own experience, I’ve learned that founders who integrate AI into their workstack gain a true edge. They’re able to do more with less, while creating space to focus on what really matters—innovation, strategy, and connection.
💡 Try this: Pick one AI tool to test this week. Whether it’s ChatGPT for copywriting or an AI assistant for research—track how much time it saves or how it boosts your workflow. If it works, bake it into your daily flow.
“It’s not about replacing human creativity—it’s about amplifying it.”
💬 What’s one AI tool you’ve tested (or want to try) that could save you time or elevate your brand?
🤖 Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re scaling smarter! ✨
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