Movers & Shakers | Bridget Banton | Founder | Dear Creative Gurl

Bridget founded Dear Creative Gurl, a creative consultancy specialising in unlocking creativity, facilitating storytelling, and producing world-class content and strategy. Its mission is to help clients crystallise their narrative, distil their offering, amplify their message, and hone their voice.

Bridget has successfully led and delivered projects for media companies globally, purpose-driven B Corps, broadcasters, brands, publishers, and tech start-ups.

Her career includes director-level and leadership roles at Paramount/Channel 5 (Milkshake!), Penguin Random House, BBC, and Channel 4. Bridget is on the Board of Governors at the Museum of London, is a full voting member of BAFTA, a fellow at The RSA, and has just been appointed a trustee of Chance UK.

What inspired you to start your own business?

I have always been entrepreneurial, even before formally establishing Dear Creative Gurl as a business.

My freelance work as a television producer, executive producer, and creative consultant over the years, honed my skills in creating impactful content and writing strategy. My drive to unlock creativity and facilitate storytelling in others led me to build a brand that reflects my passion and expertise.

I wanted to offer a service where my unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking could help others shine and connect deeply with their audiences. Over my 20-plus year career, I held leadership positions in large corporations including Channel 4, BBC, Nike, Paramount, and Penguin Random House, and it was really this experience that equipped me with the skills and confidence to venture out on my own to build Dear Creative Gurl.

What were the first few steps you took to get the business up and running?

The initial steps involved defining the brand identity, creating a bold look and feel, and establishing a clear USP. I tapped into my extensive network across TV, publishing, digital content, and NGOs, which I had built over years in these industries.

I outlined the services I wished to offer such as ghost-writing, storytelling, communications strategy, and digital content production. And off I went.

Most of my early clients came through word of mouth and recommendations, thanks to the strong relationships and reputation I had cultivated. I purposefully designed the brand identity to be bold and memorable, ensuring the USP was unmistakably clear.

How far ahead do you plan and what keeps you on track and motivated?

What keeps me motivated, firstly, is seeing the tangible impact of my work on clients’ businesses. I love working with founders and startups, helping them find their voices and connecting them with their audiences through creative and strategic storytelling. Every project is a unique challenge, and the satisfaction of solving problems creatively drives me.

Building Dear Creative Gurl and witnessing its growth is incredibly fulfilling, knowing that my efforts are making a difference. The positive feedback and success stories from clients who have benefited from my work are what truly inspire me to keep pushing forward.

Are there any sacrifices you’ve had to make as an entrepreneur?

Absolutely, there have been numerous sacrifices. Working alone means taking on all responsibilities and facing uncertainty without guaranteed outcomes. It’s a lot of risk, but I believe in myself, my services, and my brand.

The biggest sacrifice is perhaps the stability that comes with a regular job, but the freedom to create and the satisfaction of seeing clients succeed makes it all worthwhile. My passion and determination to make a difference keep me going.

What has been the most amazing day in your entrepreneurial life so far?

The day I launched the Dear Creative Gurl website was incredible.

The brand is very personal to me; every aspect was designed to reflect my authentic self, and I was the creative director. When the website went live, the positive feedback from friends, family, and colleagues was overwhelming. It was a moment of pride, knowing that I had created something bold, fearless, and truly representative of my vision. I knew it was just the beginning of something much larger, as I have plans for a podcast, merchandise, live events, and more.

What has been your scariest moment?

The beginning of every single project can be scary. Whether it’s developing a new TV series, writing a treatment for a pitch, crafting a communications strategy, devising and developing a business podcast, or coaching a founder on how to use LinkedIn, I always start with a blank sheet of paper.

The challenge is to find a creative and strategic solution that works for my client. The diversity of clients and projects means no two jobs are the same, but the fear of the unknown is part of what drives me. Feeling the fear and doing it anyway has become my mantra. Thank you Susan Jeffers!

How do you work on making your business grow?

Growth for me has been entirely organic, driven by word of mouth and recommendations. I am extremely patient when it comes to growth, and believe in building strong foundations for my business.

I do showcase my storytelling on LinkedIn, not as a marketing strategy per se, but more because I love writing and sharing stories with my friends, ex-colleagues and followers. And of course, I built a strong personal brand on the platform also.

Fortunately, what I write and the way I write resonates with people, and as a result, some reach out for help. My clients appreciate the authentic connection, and my business grows from delivering consistent, high-quality work.

What is the best thing about being your own boss?

The best thing about being my own boss is the freedom and flexibility. I get to shape my path and make decisions that align with my values and vision. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the direct impact of my efforts on clients’ successes. Being able to pour my creativity and strategic thinking into projects that matter to me and knowing that my hard work is building something meaningful is the greatest satisfaction.

What are the challenges of working for yourself and how do you tackle them?

The biggest challenge of working for myself is being responsible for everything. The uncertainty and risk can be daunting, but my mindset helps me stay focused and positive. Believing in what I’m doing, the value I provide, and having the support of friends and family is crucial. I also practice Bikram hot yoga and meditation, which keeps me centred and resilient. And I enjoy hiking and walking.

Who do you admire or look to for inspiration as a business owner?

Oprah is my ultimate inspiration as an entrepreneur. She doesn’t allow anyone to define her— she’s an actress, philanthropist, publisher, media mogul, author, and so much more. She dances thto e beat of her own drum and is unique. I love that.

Her ability to connect with people, create meaningful content, and make a significant impact is incredible. Her emphasis on gratitude and purpose resonates deeply with me and fuels my drive to build something impactful. Plus, Oprah has staying power: her success has been built over decades. Slow and steady wins the race.

What piece of advice has had the most impact on your business? And who was it from?

A piece of advice from my friend Yemisi Ilo has had a profound impact on me: “Face front, and do you!” It’s a reminder to be authentic, not to shy away from challenges, and to put yourself out there. Not being afraid to shine, learning to take risks, and showcasing my gifts has been pivotal in my journey. This mindset has helped me navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship with confidence.

What are some of the books, websites or resources (professional or personal) that you would recommend to other business owners?

 Atomic Habits by James Clear: This book is fantastic. It’s all about making small changes that lead to remarkable results over time.

Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins (Audiobook): Tony Robbins’ insights on personal development and taking control of your life are incredibly motivating.

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle: Running a business requires staying calm and centred. This book teaches the importance of being present and finding peace amidst chaos.

What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey (Audiobook): Oprah’s wisdom and life lessons are a constant source of inspiration for me. I listen to the audiobook when I walk often.

Insight Timer: An app I use for meditation, specifically the “Relax into Deep Sleep” by Meg James. Sleep is crucial for maintaining physical, mental, and emotional health. I take my sleep seriously!

What other passions do you have away from your business? How do you relax

Service and purpose are at the heart of everything I do. I’ve recently joined the board of Chance UK, a charity that supports children who have experienced trauma. I’m also on the board of the Museum of London and am involved with BAFTA, and B Corp UK.

Supporting the creative industries across film, music, dance, theatre, and art is a passion of mine. Living in London, I’m fortunate to be surrounded by a thriving cultural scene. To relax, I practice Bikram Hot Yoga, something I’ve done for the last 20 years, I meditate daily, laugh a lot, and spend quality time with the people I love.

Connect with Bridget @dearcreativegurl or LinkedIn