about me

Creativity has always been a lens through which I see the world. Growing up with grandparents in the dry-cleaning and tailoring business, I was introduced early on to the power of craft and detail—often creating projects on a knee-lever Singer and cultivating a sharp eye for detail. By the time I could reach displays at my mother’s favorite clothing stores, I was already rearranging jewelry and observing the impact of branding. These early experiences shaped my love for design and placemaking, and my education at The Shannon Rodgers and Jerry Silverman School of Fashion Design and Merchandising at Kent State University refined this foundation into a skill set that connects design with strategy in practical, meaningful ways.

Formative experiences with industry experts in Florence and New York City deepened my understanding of tastemaking, craftsmanship, and the strategic art of brand storytelling. My curiosity about branding—its philosophy, psychology, and cultural impact—has driven my career and ignited a passion for creating community-centered brand strategies that make a genuine impact. I’ve seen firsthand how a brand’s success depends on understanding its audience, building purposeful partnerships, and adapting to evolving market needs. Known for my business acumen and ability to balance high-level strategy with hands-on execution, I manage initiatives with enthusiasm and vision, blending insight and innovation to authentically connect brands with their communities through shared values.

Whether designing loyalty programs, analyzing trends and consumer insights, crafting impactful pitch decks, or leading large-scale activations, I bring a thoughtful, organized approach that fosters collaboration and builds strong relationships with partners, businesses, and vendors. Described as a trusted advisor with a talent for balancing empathy, professionalism, and high standards for quality, I strive to create experiences that resonate. With each initiative, my work embodies purpose and elevates the consumer experience in meaningful ways.

Based in Boston, I find constant inspiration in art, nature, and the vibrant community around me. You’ll often find me in a yoga flow, sourcing treasures at estate sales, brewing a perfect cup of coffee, or reading in the Public Garden and connecting with friends and strangers. I hold Anthony Bourdain’s words close to heart: “Travel changes you.” I’m humbled by the experiences and opportunities life has offered so far, and I remain a sponge for lessons, insights, and new perspectives.


testimonials

Gillian is a self-motivated employee with a tremendous work ethic. She is rooted in delivering quality and cares deeply about brand reputation. She created, managed, and communicated extremely well, and even took the initiative of hiring an intern and supervising them. Her ability to wear many hats is admirable and no matter the job, she always went above and beyond to benefit my business.
— Tara West, Founder, Tara West Fashion
Gillian is the best version of all creative consultants I’ve worked with in that she understands the nature of communication that is authentic and proactive. What was startling to me was how intuitive she was, and how she worked with me in a way that made me realize we were in a genuine partnership. She listened, she engaged, she was (is) authentic and didn’t serve you up a smile or over enthusiastic response that wasn’t based on a grounded place of authenticity. In the work I do where I am the brand, she brought who she is to the process so I felt I was talking to a co-creator, a person who knew who they are and thus, able to be themselves without boundaries or guards. Her skill set and her human style of communicating make her a treasure and I do mean a treasure to be treasured. And I’m being very serious with that last sentence, even though it sounds like something Hallmark might have written inside a card about how no two snowflakes are alike.
— Michael B., Client
I have always been impressed with Gillian’s diligence, great work ethic, organizational strengths, writing skills, loyalty and professionalism. She had the opportunity to gain an overall understanding of the inner workings of a digital lifestyle publication. Because of her mature attitude, her ability to multi task and work under pressure, I gave Gillian the responsibility of being my right hand assistant and head of the fashion division. Gillian had a clear grasp of the Mood of Living mission, was always willing to offer her assistance and had an excellent rapport with the team. She will be a star at whatever career she chooses to pursue.
— Kate Moodie, Founder, Mood of Living
Finding reliable talent is hard to come by. Finding professional, courteous, independent, mindful, highly creative AND reliable talent is even harder to come by. Gillian embodies the latter and is someone I am grateful to have had as part of the JP Linguistics team. I would hands-down recommend her!
— JP Schmitt, Founder, JP Linguistics
I had the pleasure of working directly with Gillian via a mentorship where I presented her with real-life marketing scenarios involving platforms like Squarespace, Mailchimp, Hootsuite, Canva, the Adobe Creative Suite and more. She was not only a creative force-to-be-reckon-with, but also a genuine person who was capable of tackling every task presented to her. She was optimistic, filled with a true curiosity to expand her skill-sets and extremely professional. Gillian is a rare-find and someone who brings a lot to the table. I highly recommend hiring her for your creative consulting services!
— Thomas Graff, Founder, Visual Carbon

press

 
 

Holdette’s ‘women@work’ column 12/2019

Original Photo

“Gillian Dunn, an alumna of Kent State University, is a new member of the WS Development team where she works as a digital content coordinator creating and strategizing content for Boston’s Seaport neighborhood as it expands. Gillian sat down with Holdette to talk all things influencer, social media, and creativity after your 9-5. She is also my [aka Harper] old manager at my last internship!” … read more


 
 

boston magazine’s ‘hubthreads’ column 04/2018

Photo by Diana Levine

“Critics say this city has no style. We’re here to prove them wrong. Welcome to HubThreads, where we chat with the most stylish people we find out and about in Boston.

What brought you to Boston? I studied fashion merchandising at Kent State University, I minored in media and concentrated in sustainability. But after graduating I didn’t really have a route. My sister lives on Cape Cod and she offered for me to live with her, so I moved there. I came to Boston to visit friends and just fell in love with it. I worked four part-time jobs for six months on the cape before moving here a week ago.” … read more


MERAKI (ΜΕΡΆΚΙ) - THE SOUL, CREATIVITY, OR LOVE PUT INTO SOMETHING; THE ESSENCE OF YOURSELF PUT INTO YOUR WORK