From Freelancer to Founder
A Panel Discussion with Q&A
This session explores practical steps, mindset shifts, and real stories from creatives who’ve built thriving businesses — turning solo work into long-term, mission-driven ventures.
How do you move from surviving gig-to-gig to building something lasting, mission-driven, and yours? This panel brings together a powerhouse lineup of creatives who’ve each carved their own path — building studios, shaping brands, and proving that founders don’t need to fit a single mould. Expect real talk on the highs, the hurdles, and the practical steps of turning freelance hustle into long-term impact.
Speakers include:
Elle Dimond – Director and Creative with a background in animation and commercial production. After producing campaigns for leading brands, Elle moved into directing where her love of detail and storytelling shines from concept to final cut. Her client list includes Pukka Herbs, Instax, NHS, Sainsbury’s, Habitat, Women’s Aid, and Vax. She is also the co-founder of Rabble Film, a Bristol production house championing South West talent.
Celia Hodgson – Founder and Creative Director at Tiny Studios, a B-Corp production company working with good people and brands. A connector and culture-builder, Celia also co-founded Making Moves + Movies, a community advocating for inclusivity, diversity, and transparency in film. At SISTALAND Festival, Tiny Studios proudly sponsors The Power of No, and Celia will also bring her insight to this career-focused panel.
Katie Cadwell – Creative Director, Co-Founder of Lucky Dip, and Host of The NDA Podcast. With over a decade shaping global brands, Katie believes building a great brand should always be an undeniably good time. With sharp insights, wit, and hard-won experience, Katie brings no-nonsense truth to the stage.
Hollie Abbott - Hollie is a business-winning TV development specialist, with a proven track record of landing commissions across leading production companies including Boom/ITV Studios, Zinc Media, Firecracker, Keshet, and STV. Known for her sharp creative instincts and strategic approach, she’s helped shape and sell standout factual and entertainment formats across the UK market. She is also the Founder of Awkward Studios, a new creative venture focused on telling original stories with heart, humour, and bite.
This is the panel for creatives ready to stop being ‘just a hire’ - and start shaping culture.
