A nomination I never imagined receiving

Six months ago, when I started Donna Creative, I was focused on one thing, building something meaningful, sustainable and genuinely helpful. Awards and nominations were not on my radar at all, so being nominated for the Rising Maven (new business women) category has been a real pinch me moment.

It is one of those moments that makes you stop, take a breath, and reflect on just how much can change in a short space of time.

From uncertainty to opportunity

In August 2025, I took redundancy from my communications role in the NHS. It was a moment filled with uncertainty, but also possibility. Rather than seeing it as an ending, I chose to see it as an opportunity to finally build the business I had been quietly thinking about for a long time.

Donna Creative was born from a desire to make marketing feel clearer, kinder and more accessible, especially for people who feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start. I wanted to create more than a service. I wanted to create support.

Building with intention

From day one, I focused on laying strong foundations. I created my own website and social channels, wrote a clear business plan, forecast income and set realistic but ambitious goals. That early structure gave me confidence and helped me grow with purpose rather than panic.

One of the things I am most proud of is the free resources space I have built on my website. These resources are designed to genuinely help people, particularly those at the very beginning of their journey. They are organised into three easy to navigate bundles, brand and messaging, strategy and planning, and engagement and content.

My aim was to remove barriers and make marketing feel achievable, not intimidating.

Community at the heart of everything

Getting involved in the local business community across Winchester and Southampton has been a huge part of this journey. Through networking events and conversations, I quickly realised how many people were in the same position as me, new founders with brilliant ideas but limited budgets and little marketing experience.

That insight directly inspired my budget friendly workshops on marketing fundamentals and brand fundamentals. They are designed specifically for non-marketers who want clarity, confidence and practical tools they can actually use.

Early impact and growth

In just six months, I have had the privilege of working with a range of clients. From refreshing website copy and supporting ongoing social media management, to securing freelance work with a national sports disability charity, helping strengthen their digital presence.

I have been incredibly grateful for the feedback clients have shared, including testimonials and five star Google ratings. Knowing that the work is making a real difference means more to me than any metric.

Why this nomination matters

This nomination is not about recognition for the sake of it. It feels like acknowledgement of the values behind the business, clarity, generosity, collaboration and community.

The last six months have been full of learning, growth and stepping outside my comfort zone. There have been challenges, but there has also been huge pride and momentum.

Being nominated for the Rising Maven category feels like encouragement to keep going. To keep building something aligned, supportive and meaningful, not just for me, but for the people and businesses I support along the way.

And that, more than anything, is something I never imagined when I started.