Julie Lamb is the Head Of Events for the Web3-native incubation studio, CryptoOracle Collective, and the Founder of NFT ticketing platform, NFT-Vip.io.
Julie describes herself as a problem solver, a storyteller, a connector, a digital content creator, a marketing geek, and an NFT collector. It’s Julie’s passion to help brands build community using current tools and a highly curated network of viral agents. She has 30 years of experience in B2B & B2C connections, helping memorable marketing messages stick. Her successful collaborations include iHome, Disney, Hasbro, Banksy, HBO, CNN and many more.
My journey into the Web3 space was not linear.
I’m the daughter of a magician who rarely shared his secrets. If I asked how he made “that happen,” it was suggested I look it up in our private library of vintage magic books. So, I read each one cover to cover until the pages almost vanished from overuse. Growing up, I always knew that if I wanted to make extraordinary things happen, I had to figure it out myself.
Moving from a small southwest town to the largest city in the world inspired creative confidence. I found my voice, packed with my father’s hand-me-down toolbox, the passion to follow my dreams, and a few of those magic books. I’m a classically trained musician and self-described Bougie Degen or a Normie on the frontline of the Web3 revolution.
During my career, I’ve built recording studios, played craps all over the world, and I always seem to bet on the underdog. My trainer at the gym gave some investment friends a hot tip and introduced them to “Crypto Rob.”. They had no idea what he was about and called me into the meeting to see if I could decipher what it all meant. My mind was blown. I got it right away: blockchain, proof of ownership, public ledger, immediate creator royalties, and a way to cut out the middleman.
Since that first meeting, I have forged my path through various ventures, such as utilising my experience in the media, events and music industries as the Head Of Events for the CryptoOracle Collective Web3 advisory firm and the NYC arm of their Crypto Mondays community. I have also founded my own NFT-based business, NFT.vip, a blockchain-based ticketing platform. My story is proof that with drive, creativity, and ingenuity, a range of skills can be transferable into emerging technology.
The NFT industry is an exhilarating space, and several aspects particularly excite me about its potential. Firstly, the democratisation of art and creativity is fascinating. Through NFTs, artists can directly connect with their audiences, bypass traditional gatekeepers, and monetise their work more efficiently. Secondly, the concept of digital ownership and its implications for virtual economies is intriguing. With NFTs, individuals can truly own and trade unique digital assets, paving the way for new digital ownership and value exchange forms. Lastly, the potential for NFTs to revolutionise various industries beyond art is exciting. From gaming and entertainment to real estate and identity verification, NFTs offer a versatile solution for representing ownership and authenticity in the digital realm. Overall, the innovative possibilities inherent in NFTs make the industry incredibly dynamic and promising for the future.
A prevalent myth about NFTs is the misconception that they are solely about owning digital images of cartoon apes or similar artworks on your phone. While high-profile NFT art projects like CryptoPunks or Bored Ape Yacht Club have garnered significant attention, NFTs encompass a broader spectrum of digital assets. NFTs have the potential to revolutionise ownership and authenticity across a wide range of industries, not only digital art. As we progress into the mass adoption of Web3 usability, more people will begin to recognise their versatility and the exciting potential impact on various industries.
For any female entrepreneurs looking to venture into the NFT space, there are some fundamentals to understanding the unique dynamics of this rapidly evolving industry. From my own experience and working with leaders pioneering this technology, I would give the following advice:
Develop a thorough understanding of blockchain technology and how it enables NFTs’ creation, ownership, and transfer. This includes grasping concepts like smart contracts, decentralised ledgers, and cryptographic hashing. If you are new to blockchain, teaming up with advisors who work in the industry can accelerate and support your learning.
As the NFT space evolves, navigating legal and copyright considerations becomes increasingly important. You must stay informed and understand intellectual property rights, licensing agreements, and potential legal risks of creating and selling NFTs. Connecting legal experts experienced in blockchain and digital assets can help protect your interests and mitigate potential challenges.
Cultivating a dedicated community is crucial for long-term success in the NFT industry. NFTs often come with additional benefits or utility beyond ownership, such as access to exclusive content, participation in governance, or perks in virtual worlds and online communities. Engage with your audience through social media, online forums, and virtual events. In the world of Web3, community is valued and nurtured. A wealth of like-minded and supportive members could be potential customers, advisors, or investors.
Creativity and originality are crucial in a competitive market to stand out and attract interest from collectors and enthusiasts. Embrace experimentation and exploring new formats and themes can help set your products and business concept apart.
The NFT world is constantly changing, with new trends, platforms, and tech continually popping up. It’s important to stay flexible and keep learning so you can adjust your strategies as things evolve. Whether you’re checking out new blockchain networks, trying out cool new token standards, or getting into trends like metaverse NFTs, keeping an open mind and being ready to adapt is vital to success in this fast-paced industry.
Entering the world of emerging technology may seem daunting, as the evolution has recently accelerated, propelling us into a new era. However, my passion for tech, my tendency towards creative innovation, and the skills I have gained in completely different fields have served me well in transitioning into this career path. The NFT space is full of opportunity and potential for female entrepreneurs to make their mark and launch projects that genuinely solve problems and benefit society in the future.
