“They’re not getting paid for it”: Charnelle Merritt on the untapped market for trade creators

Victoria Ibitoye | Sep 9, 2026

Trade creators are attracting growing brand interest, but many are still accepting free products in place of payment. Build and Bloom founder Charnelle Merritt told The Daily Influence why she sees an untapped commercial opportunity in the sector and how its business-minded creators are approaching brand deals.