March 4, 2025 – Melbourne, Australia – Willow & Blake is transforming the branding and advertising industry with an all-female leadership team that’s breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sector. With a fresh, innovative perspective, this all-star team of women is not only leading the charge for female representation in leadership roles, but also paving the way for creativity that resonates across the world of branding and advertising.

Launched in 2010 by Co-Founders Bree Johnson and Jess Hatzis as an online magazine, Willow & Blake has evolved over the past 15 years into one of Australia’s leading boutique creative agencies. Today, the agency is known for its high-profile partnerships with brands such as Bali Body, Briogeo Haircare, KEVIN.MUPRHY, York Street Skincare, DISSH, BMW, Vitable, Hanes Group, and, most recently, July. On top of their agency’s success, Bree and Jess are also well-regarded for their role in founding the global skincare sensation, frank body.

As the agency continues to expand, it is guided by an exceptional leadership team, including Business Director Madeleine Hargreaves and newly appointed Creative Director Bri Nixon. Bri’s appointment is a particularly significant milestone, as she joins a select group of women in Australia’s creative industry. According to recent reports, only 24% of creative directors in Australia are women, underscoring the rarity of Bri’s position (The Creative Industries: State of the Sector Report, 2023). Additionally, the 2023 Women in Business Report by Grant Thornton reveals that while 31% of senior management roles globally are held by women, this figure drops to 29% in Australia, highlighting the continued importance of championing female leadership in the sector.

“I am incredibly proud to be among the few women holding the role of Creative Director in Australia,” says Bri Nixon, Creative Director at Willow & Blake. “My journey has been one of dedication and perseverance, and I hope my story can inspire other women in creative fields to break through barriers and pursue leadership roles.”

Supporting Female Entrepreneurs:

Willow & Blake’s commitment to female leadership goes far beyond their own internal structure. For years, Bree and Jess have supported the global female entrepreneurial community through their creative agency, Willow & Blake, by offering direct mentorship, angel investing, and launching initiatives like the ‘Of Course’ course for startup founders.

“Supporting women in business has always been a driving force for us,” says Bree Johnson, Co-Founder of Willow & Blake. “Through our agency, we’ve had the privilege of providing mentorship, backing women-led startups, and helping female founders build confidence through our work.”

Specialising in the health, beauty, and fashion sectors, Willow & Blake has earned a reputation for creating brands that truly understand and resonate with women. Their deep connection to female audiences is matched only by their ongoing dedication to empowering women in business. Their list of partnering female-led businesses on both small- and large-scale projects includes DISSH, Tower 28, SLICKHAIR, Briogeo Haircare, Sheila The Label, Shameless Media, Romy The Brand.

As Willow & Blake continues to grow, they are not only making waves in the branding and advertising world—they are building a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations of women leaders.