Meet Cherida Smith | Founder, We Be Giggin’

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cherida Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cherida, how does your business help the community?

We Be Giggin’ is revolutionizing the future of work by providing a safe space, resources and meetups for the gig work community.  We have created a network to cultivate community for individuals navigating the gig economy. Sharing experiences, tips, and resources to help gig workers thrive in what can sometimes be a challenging and uncertain work environment.

Gigs are independent jobs. Also known as 1099’s- including contractors and freelance workers. Typically when working these types of jobs, you’re pretty much on your own. This community creates a safe space for entrepreneurs who are figuring things out during career transitions, and while they’re building their brands and companies.

On a broader scale, We Be Giggin’ fosters a sense of solidarity, advocating for gig workers across this yet to be defined work landscape. By amplifying our collective voice, we can influence policies and regulations, contributing to more equitable work conditions across the gig economy. We are the hub for skill-sharing and networking, boosting the overall efficiency and professionalism of gig workers – ultimately, contributing to a more sustainable, inclusive, and supportive non-traditional work ecosystem.

And our in-person meetups are full of energy, connections, and creativity!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Personally, I entered the gig space by way of Lyft. I drove full-time and absolutely loved it before pivoting to their National Driver Advisory Council. I represented the driver base within California, Nevada, and Hawaii- specifically advocating for women drivers and drivers of color. In 2020 during the pandemic, rideshare and delivery driver worker classification was up for debate in California. I worked as a community organizer on the Prop 22 campaign advocating for independent contractors and app-based drivers. That’s when I realized community was missing most- not only for drivers, but any contractor or freelancer untethered to a company. The road literally gets lonely!

Our meetups kicked off during LA Tech Week, and we connect freelancers and gig workers to local small business owners and early stage startups looking for contractors. Today there are over 76 million gig workers – growing 12 million since the start of the pandemic. So I’m really excited to create this space for so many people who are bolstering the gig economy for success.

We Be Giggin’ isn’t just about revolutionizing work; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging in an often solitary journey. And with each connection made and each resource shared, we’re building a stronger, more resilient gig community for the future.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The funnest thing I have done in LA was go camping! I love the outdoors. If my best friend was visiting the area I would round up friends and head to Lake Elsinore. Something about roasting marshmallows, sleeping in sleeping bags & tents, and cooking steaks on the grill – make me so happy. Even if it’s chilly that time of year, we can cozy up with drinks and extra layers around the fire. If its warm? even better! 🙂

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Jeanette “JJ” Branch is an Actress and Stuntwoman who has been navigating Hollywood gigs for decades. If it were not for her mentorship, love and support through the years, We Be Giggin’ would not be what it is today.

Instagram: @webegiggin_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherida-smith/

Twitter: @webegiggin

Image Credits
Image Credit: Montez Harris @tcleanmedia