9th Sep 2026
Meet the Member – Emma Donaldson-Tonner – The Narra Creative Co & Studio
Name, business name
Emma Donaldson-Tonner – The Narra Creative Co & Studio
Tell us about your businesses, the inspiration behind it and when you launched it?
I’ve worked in marketing for over seven years, but my background has always sat between the creative and the commercial.
With a BA (Hons) in Fashion Design & Production with Business, followed by an MSc in Marketing, I’ve always loved the balance between creating something beautiful and understanding why it works.
That’s really where The Narra Creative Co. came from.
I wanted to build an agency that brings both sides together, creative thinking and strategic marketing, to help businesses not just look good, but grow, connect with their audience and thrive in Glasgow. I feel ike we need to showcase the talent and creatives in the city more and i’m here to make that happen.
Marketing has always been a genuine passion of mine, and Narra is my way of bringing that passion, experience and creativity together to help ambitious brands tell their stories and build something meaningful.
And then came The Narra Creative Studio.
I wanted to create a space where creativity could happen without limitations. A place for brands, creators, entrepreneurs and creatives to come together, make content, host events, build their personal brands and simply create.
So, Narra is more than an agency and a studio.
It’s a space built around creativity, strategy, community and the belief that good ideas deserve to be brought to life.
Best piece of advice you were given at the start of your business journey?
Work hard and keep going. Try not to compare yourself to others – you’re you and thats your gift so use it to your advantage!
What has been your biggest lesson/ challenge faced so far and how did you overcome it?
Theres been a few! Marketing can be difficult with so much competition and the market becoming saturated but you need to focus on WHY you’re different and how this can help the clients. That’s what were currently focusing on.
What is your number 1 business tip for success?
Be completely passionate about your business – if you’re not it won’t survive. Work to your talents.
What are the big business goals for the next year?
To grow the team, take on some influencers/ creators build a creative community within the studio and create some really cool campaigns that convert to clients/ conversions whatever the client needs and is focusing on!
How can the GGC Business membership help?
To network, to become part of something bigger and to cement roots in Glasgow. It’s such a creative city we need to showcase it more!
What’s the dream?
To grow the agency and studio. The studio becoming a creative hub. Clients and talent across the uk – Glasgow becoming the hub for Narra and nurturing creative talent through job oppourtunities, campaigns and clients!
Fave mantra to get you buzzed up for business!
I actually don’t have one i can think of ! Maybe this is something to work on lol!
Shout out to another local business you admire?
Lauren from Wee Ghost Beauty- she has changed the game for Scottish Korean skincare lovers and has also set the bar! Kelly at Ban-Dia, completely passionate about her business and helping others whilst doing so (and working a full time job!)
Three fun facts about you!
I love to create, sew, paint and design! Anything creative i’ll turn my hand to. My dogs Vinnie & Orla may make an appearance now and again I love to include them where I can and my clients are also obsessed! I swam competitively when I was younger and its something Istill love to do to clear my head – I think this is where the ambitious side comes from.
