A one-woman agency. Building standout brands, de-blanding content, firing up creative teams ✨

Brand consultancy

I design brands. That typically means defining a purpose, manifesto and personality. I create easy-to-follow principles, laid out in guides. If you need a name, I’ll lead you through the process using the method I developed for Future Learn. And if your brand’s already established, I’ll assess how it’s doing and show you how to make it stronger.

Writing

I write, edit and conceptualise. Strategy or comms asset, long-form content or headline, internal or external piece, let me at it and I’ll de-bland it. I also build language models for AI assistants like ChatGPT, so they understand your tone of voice and can create content that’s properly on brand.

Coaching

I help marketing and creative teams shine through a mix of workshops, targeted training, and 1-1 mentoring. (Book a session here.) I do something similar in schools too, connecting students to their creative superpowers.

A bit about me

Hi, I’m Jem. Since doing an MA in Languages at Oxford, I’ve made a career out of words and ideas. I’ve produced industry-leading journalism at the BBC, led comms for Europe’s fastest-growing health tech, got Wolff Olins recognised as the world’s most innovative design agency, rebranded death at Farewill, written the brand strategy for Pizza Pilgrims, and taken Dishoom’s social following to half a million people.

I’ve taught at General Assembly, created main stage presentations for Web Summit, and advised Seedcamp founders. I’ve written for Fast Company, been interviewed in the Drum, and won a few awards.

In 2021, with 15 years’ experience under my belt, I started Wakey Wakey Write & Shine from my beach hut office. Past clients include Sorted Food, Tangle Teezer, Wagamama, Much Better Adventures, Homebase, Seraphine, Joseph Joseph & Zoopla. Drop me a line if you’d like case studies, or want to chat about how I can help you. Fancy head shots are not my thing so here are a few snaps from work-related things instead.

Nice stuff people said

“The person you first meet is the one you'll get under pressure. She’s bright, warm, can-do, inclusive and professional. She’s a beautiful writer with a style that’s lyrical and fresh. She is sharp and quick witted, highly articulate, and with focused energy. She was always cherry-picked for the highest value and most conspicuous projects. Partner with her to plan and stride the revolution!”
— Emma Booty, Creative Director

“Jem was an integral part of my marketing team. She’s extremely diligent and hardworking, and is a very skilful communicator, able to pull together and motivate people from all levels. She’s a creative thinker, able to keep the bigger picture in mind while maintaining excellent attention to detail. She was a pleasure to work with and I would be more than happy to recommend her.”
— Lucy Milne, CMO

“Jem is the manager I always wished I’d had. Instead, I was fortunate enough to have her as my mentor. She’s the person whose opinion I value the most when it comes to my career. Her belief in clear communication, and ability to simplify, is elegant and inspiring. Whether building a brand or team, you want Jem in your corner. I feel incredibly lucky to have her in mine.”
— Maaike Klein, Senior Associate