Strategic Marketer & Entrepreneur – Shaping brands & forging success stories

Esther Cunliffe Downton.

From Marketer to Entrepreneur: A Journey of Transformation and Innovation

My journey into entrepreneurship has been more than a career transition - it has been a catalyst for personal and professional growth. The landscape, scattered with unique challenges and new opportunities, has not only honed my business skills but also deeply enriched my perspective, fueling a passion for innovation and creativity.

Ritual Powders, my functional beverage company, is the embodiment of this journey. It reflects the culmination of a wide breadth of marketing skills and experience, refined over years and applied to the exciting world of entrepreneurship. The result is a venture where brand strategy and product development are infused with an entrepreneur's drive and commitment.

This blend of professional expertise and entrepreneurial spirit is what I bring to every project and consultation. My transition from seasoned marketer to successful business owner is a testament to the synergy of skills, passion, and a steadfast belief in one's vision.

Ritual Powders

In 2019, my love for healthy living led me to venture into the world of entrepreneurship.

I founded Ritual Powders, a successful functional beverage brand that aims to bring wellness to everyday life. Today, I continue to manage this business, infusing the valuable experience I've garnered in the marketing world into my own brand.

Services

  • Brand Strategy Consultation

    In this package, we will work together to develop the framework of a robust, compelling brand. This will include defining your needs for your brand's identity, exploring a unique value proposition, understanding your target audience, and framing out a differentiation strategy. This offering is rooted in my 18 years of marketing experience, with a special emphasis on brand strategy and design.

    Price: from $500 for a one-time 3-hour consultation, or defined as per your needs. Output: draft framework

  • Digital Marketing Starter Pack

    Let’s work to help your business establish a formidable online presence. We will look at developing a strategy for key areas such as SEO, social media, email marketing, content creation, and paid advertising. Let's leverage the digital world to propel your business to new heights.

    Price: based on scope

  • Product Launch Planning

    Capitalizing on my experience in launching Ritual Powders, this package guides you through the intricate process of introducing a new product to the market. This includes conducting market research, setting product positioning, planning the launch strategy, and analyzing post-launch results.

    Price: Starting at $2,500 for a comprehensive product launch plan.

  • Content Production Guidance

    Let’s get your business in creating engaging, high-quality content for your brand. We can sketch out a package that includes concept development, production management, and post-production evaluation across digital and traditional media. Let's create content that resonates with your audience and propels your brand forward.

    Price: based on scope

  • Marketing Health Check

    As a diagnostic service, I will review your current marketing strategies, suggest improvements, identify missed opportunities, and provide a future marketing roadmap. Let's ensure your marketing efforts are optimized for success.

    Price: $500 for a one-time comprehensive review and recommendation report.

  • Workshops and Training + Office Hours

    Tailored to your specific needs, I offer consultation on various marketing topics. From basic marketing principles to more specialized topics, these conversations can be ad hoc based on your needs, conducted individually or in groups. Let’s equip you or your team with the skills and knowledge to drive your business forward.

    Price: $125 per hour for individual sessions or $500 for a half-day group workshop.

"Embracing the journey of entrepreneurship is not just about building a business, it's about creating a life enriched by challenges, opportunities, and endless learning. Our greatest success is not measured only in profits, but in the growth we experience and the positive impact we make along the way." - Esther Cunliffe Downton

Recent Experience

Founder + CEO:

Ritual Powders

New York, 2018 - Current

As the Founder and CEO of Ritual Powders, a successful functional beverage brand, I have overseen every aspect of the business, from initial concept development to market entry and beyond. This role has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of product development, branding, and entrepreneurial strategy.

In the early stages, my key responsibilities involved formulating the business plan, securing funding, and coordinating product development. Leveraging my extensive experience in brand strategy, I guided the creation of our unique brand identity, ensuring it resonated with our target market and stood out within the competitive landscape of the functional beverage industry.

Leading the charge in marketing and sales, I developed and implemented comprehensive marketing strategies that spanned digital and traditional media. My proficiency in digital marketing, content production, and product launch planning proved invaluable in these efforts.

Additionally, I built a team if subject matter experts to formulate a line of innovative products fostering a culture of innovation, productivity, and mutual respect. I also manage and maintain strategic partnerships and supplier relationships.

Through my role at Ritual Powders, I've solidified my skills in strategic planning, product development, digital marketing, and team leadership, all while navigating the complexities of running a business in the highly competitive consumer goods industry.

Executive Production Director:

Sub Rosa

New York, 2014 - 2017

As Executive Production Director at Sub Rosa, a premier brand strategy agency, I headed a multi-tiered production team, bringing sophisticated brand strategies to life. Our comprehensive through-the-line projects and initiatives consistently delivered strong, cohesive messaging across all channels.

I led the production process end-to-end, harmonizing strategy with activation. My keen grasp of traditional and digital marketing landscapes ensured our solutions stayed innovative and impactful.

My leadership fostered a high-performing, collaborative team, boosting creativity and professional growth. This role fortified my expertise in strategic planning, cross-platform management, and the seamless transition from brand strategy to engaging activations.

Executive Producer:

Stinkdigital

New York, 2012 - 2014

As Executive Producer at Stinkdigital, a renowned digital production company in New York, I spearheaded a dynamic team of producers, crafting award-winning digital projects for prominent global brands.

My role encompassed managing production timelines, coordinating resources, and driving innovative digital solutions. The projects under my leadership were distinguished by their creativity, technical excellence, and alignment with brand objectives.

Guiding the team, I championed creativity and collaboration, while maintaining rigorous quality standards. This balance resulted in work that consistently won industry acclaim, demonstrating my adeptness in leading high-performing teams and producing exceptional digital content.

Senior Producer:

AMVBBDO

London, 2009 - 2012

As a Senior Producer at AMV BBDO, one of the UK's largest advertising agencies, I helmed high-impact projects for leading global brands, distinguishing myself with leading award-winning campaigns for our longest brands Pepsico, Mercedes Benz and Mars.

I led teams in the conception, development, and execution of diverse marketing campaigns, my role being critical in the intersection of creative and technical aspects. We continually pushed the boundaries of innovation, as evidenced by our ground-breaking, award-winning work.

My ability to drive excellence and innovation was recognized with a BAFTA award for an innovative project for Wrigleys, a testament to my commitment to producing remarkable, industry-leading work.

Education

King's College London Master Arts (MA), 

Creative and Cultural Industries · 2002 - 2004

UCL Bachelor Art (BA hons)

Silversmithing and Metalwork · 1996 - 1999

Wine & Sprit Education Trust Diploma (WSET) 

Winemaking · 2008 - 2010