Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Brilliant
Hi Denise, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My career began in management consulting, where I honed my skills in strategic problem-solving, data-driven decision-making, and uncovering growth opportunities for businesses. It was a challenging and rewarding start that gave me a deep appreciation for the importance of both creativity and precision in driving results. But I always knew I wanted to chart my own course—one that aligned with my passion for innovation, travel, and collaboration.
That desire led me to entrepreneurship, where I’ve built businesses through strategic joint ventures and partnerships. By aligning with forward-thinking collaborators and leveraging shared strengths, I’ve been able to scale ventures that deliver transformative value to clients and customers. Today, I’m proud to lead The Hatch Works (www.thehatchworks.com), a marketing agency that helps investment-backed startups and growing brands navigate the complexities of scaling while fostering creativity and innovation.
Fifteen years ago, I launched BrilliantBox (www.brilliantbox.co) to serve as a fractional marketing resource for small to mid-size businesses. Understanding that many growing companies need senior-level marketing expertise but not necessarily a full in-house team, BrilliantBox delivers tailored, results-driven strategies that help businesses scale efficiently and competitively.
Meanwhile, Brilliant Lifestyle (www.mybrilliantlifestyle.com) was born out of my belief that success isn’t just about professional achievements—it’s about designing a life that aligns with your passions, values, and aspirations. The platform offers tools, resources, and experiences—including ProVizn, my actionable vision board process—to help people turn their dreams into reality, whether in business, personal growth, or travel. It embodies my philosophy that success should be both intentional and fulfilling.
Travel has always been a cornerstone of my journey. It’s not just about exploring new places but gaining fresh perspectives and fostering connections. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to meet incredible mentors like Richard Branson, Sara Blakely, Ed Bastian, and Bobby Flay, whose wisdom has profoundly shaped my entrepreneurial spirit. Richard Branson has taught me the art of bold leadership and risk-taking, while Sara Blakely has been a model of resilience and creative problem-solving. Ed Bastian’s leadership at Delta exemplifies the power of vision and customer-first innovation—an ethos I bring into my own businesses.
And as an avid foodie, I’ve had the privilege of learning from Chef Bobby Flay, who has inspired me not only with his mastery of flavors but also with his relentless pursuit of excellence and reinvention. His approach to culinary artistry mirrors my philosophy in business—stay passionate, stay innovative, and always strive to elevate the experience for your audience.
Brilliant Lifestyle is a reflection of this journey—a celebration of ambition, travel, and the power of dreams. Whether mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs through my Flight School program or collaborating on new ventures, I strive to inspire others to take bold steps toward their goals. My path has been guided by resilience, a belief in the power of partnerships, and the joy of exploration. It’s not just about achieving success—it’s about living brilliantly along the way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Entrepreneurship is rarely a smooth road—it’s more like an unpredictable flight path with turbulence along the way. Early on, one of my biggest challenges was transitioning from the structured world of management consulting to the uncharted waters of building something from scratch. I quickly learned that being an entrepreneur requires wearing many hats and navigating ambiguity daily. There’s no playbook; you have to create your own.
One of the toughest lessons I’ve faced is managing the uncertainty of scaling a business. When launching BrilliantBox and The Hatch Works, I had to balance ambitious growth goals with limited resources, all while staying true to my vision. Hiring the right talent, maintaining cash flow, and ensuring that every client felt like the most important one—those were challenges that often kept me up at night. I had to learn how to be both scrappy and strategic, knowing when to take risks and when to stay the course.
Another struggle has been finding the elusive balance between work and life. As an entrepreneur and mother, I’m constantly juggling competing priorities. There were moments when I questioned if I could give enough to both my business and my family. However, I’ve learned that delegation, setting boundaries, and leaning on a strong support system are crucial. Travel, which has always been a source of inspiration for me, has also been a great way to recharge and reset when the pressure builds.
Of course, there have been moments of doubt. Rejection and setbacks are part of the process, whether it’s a pitch that doesn’t land, a product that doesn’t perform as expected, or a partnership that falls through. The key for me has been to view every setback as a lesson rather than a failure. Mentors like Sara Blakely and Richard Branson have reminded me to embrace the “oops” moments, because they’re often where the best growth happens.
At the end of the day, the struggles of entrepreneurship are what make the victories so meaningful. Building a business isn’t easy, but the resilience it requires has made me stronger, more innovative, and more determined to create impact. Every challenge is a reminder that the road to success is not linear, but it’s worth it when you’re building something you truly believe in.
We’ve been impressed with Brilliantbox, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At BrilliantBox (www.brilliantbox.co), we specialize in providing fractional marketing services to small and mid-sized businesses, offering them the expertise of a senior marketing team without the overhead of a full-time staff. We understand that many growing companies face the challenge of needing high-level marketing strategies but often lack the resources to build and sustain an in-house team. That’s where we come in—plugging seamlessly into organizations to deliver tailored, results-driven marketing solutions that scale with their needs.
What sets BrilliantBox apart is our strategic, hands-on approach. We’re not just consultants who hand over a plan; we’re doers who execute alongside our clients to ensure their goals are met. Our services range from brand strategy, campaign development, and content creation to digital advertising, lead generation, and performance analytics. Whether it’s refining a brand’s identity, creating compelling content, or launching integrated marketing campaigns, we are a true partner in helping businesses grow.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how BrilliantBox adapts to each client’s unique needs. We’re not a one-size-fits-all agency; we act as a customized marketing resource, offering services and strategies that are tailored to the industry, audience, and growth stage of the businesses we work with. Our clients see us as an extension of their team, which is why so many of them stay with us long-term.
Another factor that differentiates BrilliantBox is our focus on collaboration. We believe the best results come from working closely with clients to truly understand their vision and goals. That collaborative spirit carries into the way we engage in strategic partnerships, where we align with other experts to amplify impact and deliver even greater value.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the way BrilliantBox empowers clients to achieve their vision. It’s incredibly rewarding to see a small businesses gain confidence in its brand and messaging or to watch a mid-sized company scale into new markets through the strategies we’ve implemented. Every success story is a testament to our commitment to delivering measurable impact.
For readers, I want them to know that BrilliantBox is more than just a marketing service—it’s a resource for business growth. We believe in the power of marketing to transform not just a company’s bottom line but also its culture, its relationships with customers, and its ability to create lasting value. If you’re a business owner or executive who’s ready to elevate your brand and scale your company, we’re here to help you take that next step with confidence and clarity.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Success is never a solo journey, and I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have extraordinary mentors, advocates, and supporters who have played pivotal roles in shaping my path—both personally and professionally.
Sara Blakely has been one of my biggest inspirations. As a mentor, she’s not only provided wisdom on entrepreneurship but has also shown me the power of resilience, creativity, and thinking differently. Watching her build Spanx from the ground up, revolutionizing an industry through sheer determination, has reinforced my belief that the best ideas come from seeing the world in a new way and having the courage to act on them. I was honored to be her first customer for SNEEX, and that experience solidified my deep admiration for her approach to business and innovation.
Richard Branson has influenced my perspective on leadership, risk-taking, and creating businesses that are as fun as they are impactful. His fearless approach to entrepreneurship—whether launching airlines, space travel, or lifestyle brands—has inspired me to think bigger and push boundaries. Meeting him and collaborating within the Virgin Voyages world has been a full-circle moment, showing me firsthand how vision and passion can redefine entire industries.
Ed Bastian, the visionary leader behind Delta Air Lines, has demonstrated what it means to lead with innovation, customer focus, and adaptability. As one of 100 SkyMiles members selected to experience his keynote at CES 2025, I was reminded of how important it is to continuously evolve, stay ahead of trends, and put people at the center of business decisions. His leadership has reinforced my belief that success isn’t just about profits—it’s about building a brand that customers trust and love.
As an avid foodie, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible chefs as mentors who have shaped my appreciation for both the culinary arts and business. Bobby Flay has shown me the power of reinvention, passion, and always staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry. His ability to build an empire while remaining true to his craft is something I deeply respect. Geoffrey Zakarian and Martha Stewart have also been huge inspirations, demonstrating what it means to create a brand with longevity, elegance, and innovation. Their commitment to excellence has pushed me to approach my own brands with that same level of intentionality and refinement.
Beyond mentors, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside incredible teammates, clients, and strategic partners who have played a huge role in the success of my businesses. The support of these relationships—from trusted collaborators to forward-thinking clients—has been instrumental in bringing my vision to life. Entrepreneurship can feel like a rollercoaster at times, but having a network of people who believe in you, challenge you, and celebrate your wins makes all the difference.
At the end of the day, I’m a firm believer in the power of mentorship, partnership, and community. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance and encouragement of those who’ve walked this path before me, and I hope to continue paying that forward by mentoring and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brilliantbox.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestilettocontessa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denise.f.brilliant/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-brilliant/
- Twitter: https://x.com/BrilliantStyle
- Other: https://www.mybrilliantlifestyle.com
Image Credits
Kiera Palmer
