We were lucky to catch up with Adora Drake recently and have shared our conversation below.
Adora , appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
I keep my creativity alive by staying curious and making space for inspiration to show up in my everyday life. I try to pay attention to the things people are saying in conversation, the art on the street, other successful women, and the random stories I stumble across online. I love learning about different cultures, subcultures, and voices that don’t always get heard. That kind of stuff fuels new ideas. With that said I also value my quiet time. Some of my most creative ideas happen right after taking a good nap!
I believe creativity thrives when you’re not afraid to try new things, even if they don’t work the first time (or the second). So I build that into how we work as a team. We leave room to experiment, to brainstorm freely without being judged, and to have fun with the process. That’s where the magic happens.
I also make sure to step away from the screen to go for a walk every now and then, as well visit a museum, or have a real conversation with someone I’ve never met. Creativity isn’t something you force, it’s something that grows along with you.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
At our core, we’re a mission-driven marketing agency that partners with organizations doing real, meaningful work like nonprofits, government programs, small businesses, and community-led initiatives. What we do goes beyond branding or running a campaign; we help our clients tell their stories in ways that move people, inspire action, and create real impact.
What’s most exciting to me is knowing that our work can make a difference not just for our clients, but for the communities they serve. We get to amplify voices that often go unheard, and that’s something we take seriously. Whether it’s helping a local nonprofit connect with more families, launching a public health campaign, or working with a small business that just needs someone to believe in them. We show up with heart, strategy, and creativity.
What I want folks to know about our brand is that we care. We’re small but mighty, and we always put people first. We listen closely, collaborate deeply, and create with purpose. And when you work with us, you’re not just hiring a marketing team, you’re gaining a partner who’s just as invested in your mission as you are.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful things in my journey were: empathy, adaptability, and storytelling.
Empathy has shaped everything, from how we work with clients, to how we build campaigns, and how we show up as a team. Being able to really understand people and their challenges, cultures, fears, and hopes is what makes all the difference when you’re trying to create messages that resonate. My advice? Slow down and really listen. Ask more questions than you answer. The more you understand people, the more powerful your work will be.
Adaptability has been huge. This industry moves fast. Client needs shift, tech evolves, and sometimes your biggest ideas don’t land the way you thought they would. Being able to pivot, stay curious, and keep learning has helped me not just survive but grow. For anyone starting out: Don’t be afraid to try something new or take on a project that stretches you. That’s where growth lives.
Storytelling is what ties it all together. No matter how great your strategy is, if you can’t tell a compelling story, you’ll lose people. I’ve spent years honing that skill through writing, design, and most of all engaging in conversations. My advice: Practice telling stories in all forms. Read great copy. Watch great campaigns. Write and rewrite your own. Learn what moves people emotionally, not just logically.
If you build your journey on empathy, adaptability, and strong storytelling, you’ll be unstoppable.
How would you describe your ideal client?
Our ideal client is someone who cares deeply about the work they’re doing and the people they’re serving.. What matters most to us is that they’re mission-driven and open to collaboration.
We do our best work with clients who are passionate, clear on their “why,” and willing to trust the process. We’re not just here to “make things look good”, we’re here to build something meaningful together. So we love when clients come to the table with ideas, feedback, and the desire to make an impact.
If you value thoughtful strategy, authentic storytelling, and a team that’s as invested in your success as you are, then we’re probably a great fit. We don’t do cookie-cutter, and we don’t do fluff, we build brands and campaigns that reflect real people and real purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.highspiritsessentialsmarketing.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adoradrake/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.