STORY
Kent’ s Young Disruptors cont...
CREATIVE INDUSTRIES: Esther Johnson, Designed by Esther
Winner of the Creative Award at the Kent Women in Business Awards 2026, illustrator and designer Esther Johnson is part of a new generation of creatives building distinctive personal studios rather than traditional agency careers. Through her Rainham-based business Designed by Esther, she produces bold, illustration-driven branding spanning digital design, merchandise and visual storytelling for businesses and organisations. Her work has featured in exhibitions connected with the Port of London Authority at the Museum of London Docklands, demonstrating the growing reach of independent creative talent. This success reflects a wider shift in the creative economy, where designers are building direct relationships with clients and audiences through digital platforms rather than agency structures to create highly recognisable visual brands.
designedbyesther. co. uk designedbyesther
MEDIA PRODUCTION: Nikita-Dean Hart, NDH Productions
Content has become one of the most valuable currencies in modern business, a shift Sheerness-based entrepreneur Nikita- Dean Hart recognised early. Through NDH Productions she produces professional video, podcast and digital media content for brands seeking to communicate in an increasingly visual online landscape. The studio works with organisations looking to create broadcast-quality content for marketing, storytelling and social platforms. As demand for podcasts and video continues to grow, Hart’ s company reflects the rise of a new generation of creative production studios supporting businesses far beyond their local region. Recognised among the Kent Business Awards’ Under-30 finalists, NDH Productions demonstrates how modern media businesses are reshaping the way brands communicate with audiences.
ndhproductions. co. uk ndhproductions
FOOD & DRINK INNOVATION: Federico Gulino Camarero, Drylaw
The global spirits industry is built on centuries-old distillation traditions, but Federico Gulino Camarero is exploring new ways to refine the process. His Ashford-based company produces Drylaw, a spirit created using vacuum distillation technology designed to preserve delicate aromas while using less energy than conventional methods. Operating at lower temperatures allows flavour compounds to remain more intact during production, creating a distinctive spirit aimed particularly at mixologists and cocktail culture. By combining technical experimentation with a contemporary drinks brand, Gulino Camarero represents a younger generation that’ s pushing ahead with modern ideas within one of the world’ s most traditional industries.
drylaw. eco rylawspirits
DIGITAL CREATIVE: Shannen Lythgoe, Shannen Lythgoe Photography
In this ever-digital age, strong imagery has become essential for businesses trying to stand out online. Photographer Shannen Lythgoe has built her Westgate-on-Sea business around that need, specialising in brand photography, portraiture and visual storytelling for entrepreneurs and small companies. Her work focuses on creating professional yet authentic imagery that helps clients communicate their identity across websites, social media and marketing materials. As more businesses recognise the importance of visual branding, photographers like Lythgoe are becoming key collaborators in modern marketing and her growing client base reflects the increasing demand for imagery that captures personality as well as professionalism.
shannenlythgoephotography. co. uk shannenlythgoephotography
EXPERIENTIAL HOSPITALITY: Charlotte Silver, Silvers Showbar
Combining nightlife with live entertainment, themed performances and immersive events, Charlotte Silver’ s Silvers Showbar in Ramsgate taps directly into the rapidly growing demand for experiential nights out, offering a fresh take on Kent’ s coastal hospitality scene. By blending cabaret-style performance with a contemporary bar environment, Silver has created a destination that appeals to audiences looking for something more dynamic than traditional dinner and drinks. Named a Young Businesswoman of the Year Under-30 finalist at the Kent Business Awards 2026, Silver’ s concept reflects a broader trend within hospitality where creativity and entertainment are becoming central to attracting customers and building memorable experiences.
silversshowbar. co. uk silversshowbar
BEAUTY & WELLNESS: Olivia Boniface, Boniface Hair & Beauty
Shaped by social media, personal branding and evolving customer expectations, the beauty industry has changed dramatically in recent years. Olivia Boniface has built Boniface Hair & Beauty around that new landscape, creating a modern salon brand focused on client experience, high-quality treatments and strong online engagement. By combining traditional beauty services with contemporary digital marketing, she has developed a loyal customer community that follows the brand both in the salon and online. Recognised among the Kent Business Awards’ Young Businesswoman of the Year Under-30 finalists, Boniface represents a new generation of independent beauty entrepreneurs redefining the industry through community engagement and highly visible digital presence.
boniface. vip bonifacehairandbeauty
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