Meet Abby Bradetich | Founder & Creative Director

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

Hi Abby, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I grew up in a very artistic family – both of my parents were professional musicians – so it was practically a requirement for me and my siblings to try out something in the arts. And I really took advantage of that! I played three different musical instruments growing up (piano, violin, and flute) while also playing sports, until I found my true love: dance.

I started dancing around the age of 8 or 9 and never stopped! I got my BFA in Modern Dance in college, then went straight into pursuing it professionally for years – as a freelance artist and with a professional company – until the pandemic hit in 2020. I still dance to this day, but in a more at-home, because-I-want-to kind of way.

The arts came naturally to me – and they are also where I feel most at-home! So pursuing a creative career was a no-brainer. Although I loved dance and am beyond grateful that I got to pursue it in college, I also always knew it wouldn’t pay the bills… Luckily, I found another creative passion that could: graphic design.

I started learning graphic design in high school and college, as a member (and eventually editor-in-chief) of the yearbook. My 7+ years spent on both yearbooks taught me a LOT about design, project management, and managing and leading a team – all skills I use in my business today! It also showed me what a creative career could look like – that my artistic skills and passion didn’t have to be shut down when I wasn’t dancing (which is what I feared when looking at other “regular” jobs). The opportunity to be able to creatively express myself through a career in design was instantly appealing to me, so I found ways to begin freelance design work, even before leaving college.

My freelance journey took me from designing event posters for dancers, musicians, and yoga teachers to a magazine internship in social media (where I got my start in that skillset) to designing websites for small businesses, and eventually branding too. And now, I run a Design and Social Media Agency that helps bold female founders elevate their presence, expand their visibility, and grow their business through branding, copywriting, web design, and social media management.

The arts will always have a special place in my heart, and I’m so grateful that I get to do something within it that I love every day for “work”.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the Founder and Creative Director of IlluminEssence Creations, LLC – a design and social media agency, where we specialize in branding, copywriting, web design and social media management for a diverse set of clients, made up of bold, empowered female business owners that want to be THE go-to in their industry.

I am passionate about empowering my clients to grow their brand and build community by creating clarity, consistency, and confidence everywhere they show up online. We focus on digging deep to truly understand each client and use their uniqueness and expertise to create personality-infused brands, copy, websites, and social media that speak to their ideal clients, increase visibility, and convert sales. It’s a dream come true getting to do this work for so many amazing women!

Lately, I have been working on growing my creative agency – I’ve been a solo business owner for the last year and a half, but this summer I hired a Junior Social Media Manager that has been absolutely crushing it (and taking tasks off my plate, which is a big relief!). My goal is to hire an amazing individual for each part of our creative process so we can work collaboratively to bring our client’s vision to life. I love working with people and leading the creative direction, so I can’t wait to continue to grow this part of my company!

Owning a business is tough (of course), but in the best possible way! I love getting pushed outside my comfort zone, learning new things, and challenging myself, while creating the life of my dreams. The time and financial freedom is 10000% worth the work, effort, and commitment it takes to get here.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m new to the area – just moved here in April 2023! – so I’m still exploring myself, but I have a few ideas for where to go…

First off, we’d HAVE to get brunch at the Denver Biscuit Company – those biscuit sandwiches are out of this world! – at Stanley Marketplace (so we can browse the shops while we wait for our table).

Then we could explore downtown – hit up Meow Wolf, stop by a rooftop bar (like Tap Fourteen), see a Nuggets or Broncos game if possible, and end the day getting fried tacos at Mexico City Lounge, followed by a whiskey nightcap at Seven Grande.

I’d also take them adventuring out in the mountains! Either we’d take a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, or we’d find a hike within an hour’s drive and enjoy mountain views up close and personal.

If we had more time for food, I’d take them to Los Chingones for margarita flights and then to dinner at Torchy’s Tacos – because even though they weren’t founded here, their tacos really are damn good! And if we could fit it in, we’d head out to Aurora and stop by the Green Valley Ranch Beer Garden – their BBQ pulled pork sandwich is the best barbecue option we’ve found here (speaking as someone that just moved from North Carolina!) and their cheese curds are 100% worth the trip.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would not be where I am today without three very special people: my twin sister, my mom, and my boyfriend. They are my biggest supporters, the ultimate cheerleaders, and the ones to push me to actually go for it and start my own business! I had done freelance work for years and years, and probably wouldn’t have taken that leap if it weren’t for them.

They see the best in me no matter what, and push me to go after what I want – no matter the risks, work, or struggles that might come along with it. Even though they don’t fully understand what it’s like to own a business, they are always there for me to talk through ideas with, vent to, celebrate with, and get picked up when I’m feeling low. Owning a business is a tough, lonely, rewarding, amazing thing – and I could not do it without these three incredible people.

Special shoutout to my boyfriend for being there day-in and day-out with me on this journey. He supports me no matter what and always pushes me to be my best (and to see it within myself, even on my hardest days); I feel unstoppable because of him and am truly grateful he’s on this adventure with me!

There are plenty of others that have helped me out on this business-owning journey that deserve a thank you too – from freelance clients that became friends and mentors as I made the switch to business owner; to business-owner friends I’ve made along the way that have become confidants and the best to bounce ideas off of; to my family and friends that have supported me every step of the way and will speak my name in rooms when I’m not there. I’m surrounded by an incredible group of people and would not be where I am today without each of them.

Website: illuminessencecreations.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illuminessencecreations/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abby-bradetich/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/illuminessencecreations