ABOUT US
Next Step Talent is committed to nurturing and amplifying our clients' influence and presence. We place a significant emphasis on developing long-term growth strategies and fostering genuine, organic connections with each of our talents. Our approach is centered on enabling our clients to build strong relationships with their audience, leveraging their platforms for positive change, and encouraging growth and self-expression, all while staying true to their unique identity. We actively assist our talents in strategizing and building their careers from the ground up, collaborating closely to expand their teams and increase profitability. Additionally, Next Step Talent is dedicated to staying ahead of the curve in promoting diversity and inclusion, as well as addressing mental health issues within the ever-evolving digital landscape of the entertainment industry.
FOUNDER & CEO
Temima
Shames
OUR FOUNDER
Temima Shames, a dynamic entertainment executive at the forefront of where psychology, social media, talent development and tech meet in today's digital influencer era, is the Founder and CEO of Next Step Projects at just 25 years old. Her first venture, Next Step Talent, is a comprehensive management firm dedicated to fostering long-term growth through innovative digital strategies and nurturing audience relationships. Born in Israel and raised in New York, Temima began her career in acting, gaining early exposure to the entertainment industry. She pursued a music business degree at SUNY Oneonta while working with notable companies such as Atlantic Records and Visionary Music Group. During this time, she contributed to various successful platinum records and billboard charting campaigns, laying the groundwork for founding Next Step Talent, which now represents some of the world's most prominent talents.
Under Temima's leadership, her team and clients have achieved remarkable brand growth milestones, including over 10 billion YouTube views, a Spotify album debut at #7, featuring in Youtube’s Black Creator Class of 2023, recognition as TikTok’s top POV star, 100M+ music streams, and securing one of the highest brand returns at NYFW 2023 (over $723K). These viral campaigns have gained media attention from outlets like Business Insider and New York Post. Her partnerships span across major brands such as YouTube, Meta, Disney Music Group, BOSS, Neutrogena, HBO, Netflix, Target, Universal Music Group, and NYX Cosmetics. Her leadership at Next Step Talent is marked by a strong focus on psychological insights, aiming to understand audience motivations and foster genuine connections.
Dedicated to social causes, Temima has supported OutRight Action International for the LGBTQIA+ community and spoken at the United Nations with Strength to Strength, an organization for children affected by 9/11 and terrorism. She co-founded Women PowHer Music to encourage female entrepreneurship during quarantine. A strong advocate for mental health and entrepreneurship, Temima inspires others to seize opportunities regardless of age. Her focus is on identifying and collaborating with emerging talent and partners, striving to make a meaningful impact in the business ecosystem.
- TEMIMA SHAMES
“Management is more than just a business; it is about helping clients make their dreams come to life and being there for them through the bumps along the way.”
