NINETY-NINE

CREATIVE

Power through story.

Nothing changes until we change it.

Strategic storytelling for the good guys. 

what we do

Ninety-Nine Creative is a digital content consultancy for mission-driven organizations doing work that actually matters. I partner with public-interest, cultural, and civic groups to build narrative power through digital media. 

These institutions are the keepers of some of our most important stories. But in a digital landscape drowning in content inside an algorithm tailored to outrage, those stories often go unheard.

I’m here to change that. I turn your values into a clear, strategic digital narrative—so you can cut through the noise, build trust, and connect with the people who need to hear it most.

about me

Fighting for the 99 percent.

I’m Nicole James, an award-winning, director-level writer and content strategist with 15 years of experience shaping narratives for major media and tech organizations. I’ve led editorial teams and creative projects at MTV, NBC, Snapchat, Netflix, and Amazon, and got out (almost) unscathed.

After years of developing high-impact work inside the rarefied world of Silicon Valley, I stopped biting my tongue and bowed out, taking everything I learned inside the halls of the one percent and putting it to work—for the people and organizations challenging the systems stacked against them.

Ninety-Nine Creative was born from that decision: a consultancy inspired by rabble-rousers, built for the 99 percent, and dedicated to helping essential organizations grab attention, build power, and say the things that need to be said.

Aerial city view of downtown Chicago--the birthplace of the modern labor movement--showing tall skyscrapers, including the Wrigley Building and other prominent buildings, with Lake Michigan in the background.

Made fresh in Chicago. 

Carl Sandburg said it best: Chicago’s the City of Big Shoulders. It’s not just where I’m from and where I’m based, it’s also the backbone of how Ninety-Nine Creative works.

Chicago is the birthplace of modern labor organizing, the home of Haymarket, Pullman, and the Chicago Teachers Union. Defiance is in the water here. Probably in the hot dogs, too.

Fueled by grit and imagination, I take my cues from the city’s radical past and its no-nonsense present and try to hold myself to the same standards—no bullshit, no jargon, and no shortcuts. I see things clearly and never forget who the work is for. 

Tailored content support for

mission-driven organizations.

services

I offer three distinct strategic programs—Insight, Core, and Anchor—designed to scale from quick diagnosis of common digital content problems to long-term executive creative oversight. Check out more below on how I can help.

  • Targeted audit & strategic roadmap for a single platform (YouTube, TikTok, newsletter, etc.).
    Duration: 3-week sprint

    A fast, focused engagement that diagnoses a critical content problem or builds a strategic foundation for a single priority platform (TikTok, YouTube, newsletters, etc.).

    Who It’s For
    Organizations needing quick results on one high-priority channel, or those who want to evaluate our process before committing to a deeper partnership.

    Deliverable
    A concise audit and prioritized roadmap outlining how one platform can work harder for your mission.

  • Your organization's proprietary Content Playbook.
    Duration: 8-week deep-dive

    The heart of the Ninety-Nine Creative approach. I embed with your team to diagnose structural issues, clarify narrative confusion, and build a cohesive content framework. You’ll receive your own Content Playbook that defines your voice, narrative pillars, editorial workflow, and multi-platform strategy.

    Who It’s For
    Organizations that need clarity, alignment, and a sustainable content engine across platforms.

    Deliverable
    An editorial framework that removes guesswork, sharpens messaging, and ensures every piece of content ties back to your mission.

  • Fractional, director-level content oversight.
    Duration: 6-month minimum retainer

    After completing the Core program, I serve as your fractional Chief Content Officer, providing ongoing, executive-level oversight of your content ecosystem.

    Who it’s For
    Teams that want ongoing expertise, institutional memory, and high-level accountability.

    Deliverable
    Strategic continuity, continuous refinement, and director-level stewardship of your content system.

I also offer custom, project-based support tailored to your organization. Send me a message and let’s figure out how I can help.

Contact

Let’s get the job done.

contact