Heather Hildebrandt
Heather Hildebrandt has always been drawn to storytelling and creative expression. Growing up as a dancer, she originally imagined a future opening her own dance studio and telling stories through movement and performance. After earning a degree in communications from the University of Minnesota Duluth, she began her career in event planning before naturally transitioning into marketing and brand communications. An early role at Target headquarters in Minnesota introduced her to the power of storytelling in business and how strong brand narratives can bring companies to life. Following a corporate layoff in 2015, Heather joined Boston Scientific, where she discovered a passion for marketing communications and spent more than a decade blending creativity with business strategy in the medical technology industry.
Throughout her fifteen-year career, Heather developed expertise in brand strategy, messaging development, campaign execution, and integrated marketing. During her time at Boston Scientific, she led award-winning campaigns, contributed to successful product launches, and helped align brand strategy with larger business goals in highly regulated healthcare markets. In 2020, while spending more time at home during the pandemic, she launched a small e-commerce dog goods business that introduced her to entrepreneurship and community building in an entirely new way. That experience sparked a deeper interest in helping founders and small business owners communicate their stories more clearly and authentically. As more entrepreneurs began seeking her advice, Heather realized she could combine her extensive corporate experience with her firsthand understanding of running a business, ultimately leading to the launch of her consulting company, Brightcraft Studios.
Today, Heather works with founders, startups, and growing brands to help them create clear, compelling messaging and sustainable marketing strategies that connect directly to their business goals. She believes that effective marketing begins with brand clarity and that authentic storytelling is one of the most powerful tools a company can use to build trust and long-term growth. Known for her thoughtful, collaborative approach, she helps clients bridge the gap between business strategy and creative communication so their marketing feels aligned, consistent, and impactful. Outside of her consulting work, Heather remains passionate about community involvement, creativity, and animal welfare, continuing to support organizations such as the American Marketing Association and Mission Animal Hospital’s young professionals group.
• University of Minnesota Duluth
B.A., Communication, Psychology
• Marketing Excellence Award
• Business Innovation Award
• Winning Spirit Award
• American Marketing Association
• Mission Animal Hospital Young Professionals Board Co-Chair
• Sleigh Belle Dancers Choreographer and Coach
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to having the courage to take leaps of faith and trust myself throughout different stages of my career. Self-awareness has played a major role in helping me make decisions with confidence, while my background in communications and many years of marketing experience have provided a strong foundation for growth. Each experience has helped shape my perspective and strengthened my ability to adapt and evolve professionally.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to remember that you do not need to have everything figured out right away. It is absolutely possible to change directions, explore new opportunities, and build a successful path that aligns with your interests and strengths. Be open to learning, follow what genuinely excites you, and trust yourself enough to take chances and invest in your own potential.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges has been repositioning myself both personally and professionally after spending many years in a corporate environment while building a new entrepreneurial vision. Running a business also requires constant learning, especially when it comes to marketing, strategy, and staying current in a rapidly evolving industry. At the same time, the rise of artificial intelligence is creating both uncertainty and opportunity in marketing. It raises important questions about how technology will impact human storytelling and whether it will transform traditional roles or create more flexible and fractional opportunities.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are storytelling, community, creativity, self-trust, and service. I believe in the power of authentic connection and meaningful communication, both professionally and personally. I also care deeply about giving back and supporting causes that matter to me, including animal welfare, which is a passion I hold close to my heart.
Locations
Brightcraft Studios
Brooklyn Park, MN 55443