The Magicc of Real Connection: Meet the Connector Bringing {THE AND} to NYC's Creative Scene

We actively try to build connection through the people who believe in our work. That's where our Connectors program comes in, partnering with creators who are already weaving deeper human connection into their communities.

The Magicc of Real Connection: Meet the Connector Bringing {THE AND} to NYC's Creative Scene
Two attendees connect over conversation at a Magiccal Moments event. (Image credit: Vashnie Prasad)

One of those Connectors is S. Magicc Vanderhorst, an Atlanta native and NYC-based founder of Magiccal Moments and Magiccal Moments Music. Her culture-forward brand uplifts Black creatives through immersive experiences that emphasize connection and opportunity. Drawing on her background in marketing, media, and talent acquisition, including her time as a Snap Inc. lead and managing rising artists, Magicc created a platform where independent artists, performers, industry leaders, and tastemakers can come together. True to her name, her mission is to create meaningful connections and foster lasting impact.

Here's the story behind Magicc's work and her journey with The Skin Deep:

Magicc's Work

Magicc is building something powerful in New York City's creative scene. Through Magiccal Moments and Magiccal Moments Music, she creates spaces where Black artists and creatives can showcase their talents and truly connect. Her events blend live music, spoken word, and performance art, but they're about so much more than entertainment. They're about networking, community, and building relationships that extend far beyond a like, share, or repost.

Her latest project, the Magiccal Moments Music 2025 Summer Tour, brought her scaled-up Open Mic Nite series across the Northeast, hitting NYC, DC, and Philadelphia. The vision? To expand into multiple regional tours that can run year-round, creating consistent spaces for connection and creativity across the country.

Three-panel collage showing performers at a Magiccal Moments event with vibrant purple, blue, and pink lighting against a wooden backdrop. Left: Nate Joël with green hair holding a microphone, center: A'LAHN seated performing, right: Tawobi with arm raised, audience silhouettes visible in foreground
Performers Tawobi, A'LAHN, and Nate Joël bring energy to the stage at a Magiccal Moments Music event. (image credit: Steve Ferri)

Why Human Connection Matters to Maggic

For Magicc, "Unlocking the Power of Deeper Human Connection" means so much more than a phrase. It's a reminder to tap into our shared humanity and connect beyond the surface. In today's world, where so much feels transactional or fleeting, creating intentional spaces to explore relationships in a direct yet safe way feels not only important but necessary.

In a city full of creatives, deeper ways to connect are essential. Surface-level interactions won't build the kind of community that sustains careers, sparks collaborations, or creates lasting change. That's exactly what Magicc is building through her work, and it's a belief we at The Skin Deep share with her.

How She Found The Skin Deep

Magicc's connection to The Skin Deep started organically, the way the best discoveries often do. A friend mentioned it in passing, and later, during a mini trip to New Orleans, actually introduced her to the card packs. After playing a few rounds, she was hooked. It quickly became part of her self-care ritual to watch our YouTube channel every Sunday, and she even binge-purchased six {THE AND} card game packs. Since then, she's made it a point to share them with everyone close to her, whether playing together or encouraging them to play with their own circles. She's been a proud fan since 2021.

What This Partnership Looks Like

As a Connector, Magicc brings {THE AND} card games into her events to spark conversations that move beyond the surface. She was already using the cards at Magiccal Moments shows before officially joining the program, integrating them naturally into spaces designed for meaningful connection. She's used the Good Vibes Edition, Friends Edition, and Strangers Edition to help artists and attendees break the ice, connect authentically, and build relationships that matter.

For Magicc, these tools add depth to the spaces she's already creating. They help people show up with presence and curiosity, opening doors to conversations that might not happen otherwise. And for us at The Skin Deep, it's a joy to see how our card games can live outside the screen and come to life in community spaces like hers.

Colorful {THE AND} card game cards spread across a table in orange, yellow, red, and green, displaying the brand's signature design
{THE AND} card game Friends Edition, Good Vibes Edition, and Amusing Edition laid out at a Magiccal Moments event. (Image credit: Vashnie Prasad)

How You Can Support Magicc

Want to Become a Connector?

The Skin Deep Connectors Program partners with creators, events, and storytellers who bring our mission into the real world. If you love what {THE AND} stands for and want to bring it into your community, we'd love to have you join our Skin Deep Connectors Program. As a Connector, you'll receive:

  • A 15% discount code to share with your audience
  • 15% commission on qualifying sales
  • Product donations or bulk discounts for events
  • Joint giveaways
  • A chance to co-create meaningful content and experiences with us

Visit our Community page to apply and become a Connector.

The Skin Deep Community

Luana Costa
The Skin Deep Head of Social Media & Community