Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachael Dickhute.
Hi Rachael, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I moved to Los Angeles nearly 20 years ago to attend college, where I earned my degree in marketing. Right after graduation, I stepped into the fashion industry, working in marketing roles and learning firsthand how to build brand value in a competitive space. I stayed in that world for over a decade before transitioning into academia, where I became a professor at my alma mater, teaching digital marketing to college students.
Over the next 15 years, I expanded my experience by working with some of the world’s most influential companies—Amazon, Meta, British Petroleum, City National Bank, Viking Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises, and many others. That time gave me an invaluable foundation in high-level corporate marketing. But after years in the corporate setting, I felt the need for change. I put my belongings into storage in Hollywood and took a leap—I traveled the world full-time for two years.
When COVID brought me back to Los Angeles, I used that pause as an opportunity to create something of my own. I launched a full-service creative marketing agency, Wayward Creative Studio, with the mission of bringing that same level of strategic thinking and execution to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Now, I get to choose the industries I serve, which makes my work not only more impactful but also far more fulfilling. I have the freedom to work with clients I genuinely connect with, and I get to create smart, customized strategies that truly move the needle for their businesses. That’s what makes this journey so rewarding.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like many entrepreneurs, I faced intense self-doubt and imposter syndrome—especially in the early days of launching my agency. Despite over 15 years of experience with some of the world’s top companies, I questioned whether my expertise would truly translate into success for my own clients. I grappled with keeping up with rapidly evolving technology, struggled to set healthy business boundaries, and, like many, operated from a place of scarcity—undercharging and undervaluing my worth. These challenges were real and recurring, but they also became my greatest teachers. Each hardship pushed me to re-evaluate, adjust, and ultimately strengthen my business and mindset. I’ve learned that the most valuable growth comes from those difficult moments, and they’ve shaped the way I show up, lead, and serve my clients today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Wayward Creative Studio?
What sets my agency apart is the perspective I bring—shaped by my experience as an influencer, a former corporate VP, and now an entrepreneur. I’ve sat on all sides of the table, which allows me to approach marketing strategy holistically. I understand firsthand what it takes to build a personal brand, scale a company from the inside, and run a business from the ground up. That insight informs everything I do.
My agency is known for crafting marketing strategies that are both creative and data-driven. We start by looking at the full picture—performance metrics, audience behavior, brand voice, visual identity, and business goals—then build a plan that’s tailored, intentional, and results-oriented. Our work is rooted in strategy, but comes to life through production that’s visually compelling and strategically sound.
I’m most proud of the fact that we help small businesses and creative entrepreneurs tap into the same level of marketing expertise that Fortune 500 companies use—without compromising authenticity. I want your readers to know that my agency offers more than just services—we offer a partnership. Whether it’s paid advertising, content creation, CRM systems, or full brand strategy, we bring clarity and cohesion to your marketing so that every piece of the puzzle works together.
What’s next?
What’s next for my agency is all about expansion—with purpose. I’m now offering hands-on workshops for entrepreneurs and small businesses focused on Meta ad strategy, including how to properly set up campaigns, create high-performing assets, and use data to optimize results. These sessions are designed to give business owners the tools and confidence to run ads that actually convert. I have also started a Youtube channel where I will be sharing strategy and marketing tips.
In addition, I’ve expanded the Wayward Creative brand to include curated travel itineraries based on my global adventures. These guides share my favorite stays, local spots to eat, travel logistics, and insider tips—offering a resource for those seeking thoughtfully crafted, design-forward travel experiences. Both of these new offerings reflect what I love most: empowering others with the tools and knowledge to elevate their own journeys—whether in business or in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.waywardcreativestudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waywardcreativestudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaywardCreativeStudio/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayward-creative-studio/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WaywardRoamer
- Other: https://www.patreon.com/c/WaywardCreativeStudio
