We had the good fortune of connecting with Claire Dew and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Claire, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

Starting my own business was a necessity for me. In today’s world, gatekeeping and hindering others’ growth often stem from insecurity or deep-seated fear. I repeatedly found myself being held back whenever I tried to expand my role or take on new challenges. It wasn’t until I collaborated with people who had a clear vision for their lives—without insecurity but with a sense of purpose and freedom—that I realized I had not only the potential but also the right to pursue my dreams. These individuals weren’t concerned with what others were doing around them; they were focused on their vision. Experiencing that mindset first hand helped me understand that I had control over my destiny.

Starting Dew Media Productions wasn’t just about launching a business; it was about keeping my dreams alive. We often assume someone else will help us break through, but in reality, it’s the motivation within ourselves that drives us forward. Once I acknowledged that, my path began to flourish in ways I never imagined. I had to face the fact that if I wasn’t willing to do it for myself, no one else would do it for me.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

I own two businesses, Claire Skiin and Dew Media Productions – but my media company is my passion. Almost like my love story to the world. It is important to me that DMP is built on authenticity, creating content that reflects real experiences and diverse perspectives. We don’t chase trends; instead, we focus on telling stories that resonate on a deeper level. Whether it’s a campaign, TV show, or music video, our work is intentional, designed to capture attention with its raw and genuine approach. We pride ourselves on spotlighting the underrepresented, sharing stories that often go unnoticed.

Our success comes from relentless consistency and a deep commitment to our vision. Starting this business wasn’t easy; even with my background and experience, it felt like starting from scratch. But we earned trust by delivering on our promises and staying true to our mission. Faith has been a cornerstone for us, providing strength during challenging times and guiding us when the path wasn’t clear.

One of the key lessons we’ve learned is that not everyone will connect with our work, and that’s okay. What matters is staying true to our purpose and continuing to push forward, no matter the obstacles. Success isn’t about waiting for someone to save you—it’s about persevering and creating those one-in-a-million moments through your own efforts.

We want people to know that you can start with nothing and still make it. The journey is about perseverance, belief in your vision, and the courage to dream out loud. You have everything you need within yourself to turn your dreams into reality.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I’m a night owl, so late dinners and nights that roll into the early morning are my thing. Giorgio Baldi is my go to—amazing food, great wine..just a vibe. I’m really into magic too, so we’d probably catch a live show somewhere, or if I can swing it, go to the Magic Castle. But if we’re feeling active, nothing beats a nice hike or to a super bloom in the valley.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Honestly, I want to recognize my family, especially my mother Dala. There were times when I wasn’t mentally strong enough to see things through, and my sisters Jennifer, Stephanie, and Elizabeth, mom, and dad Al, have really come through for me. They helped me push through my insecurities and fears, reminding me through scripture and faith that I could and can do anything. My mother, in particular, has been my rock—supporting me not just emotionally, and at times financially but also spiritually. We often take our families for granted, especially our mothers, but Mrs. Dala has always been there for me. Even when she didn’t have much to give, she always found ways to help me make my dreams a reality, from helping me get my LLC paperwork together to always feeding me encouraging words.

Another person who has been instrumental in my journey is Karese Henry. She’s not only a colleague but also a friend who sees no competition with others because she’s so grounded in who she is. Her authenticity and encouragement have been a source of strength for me, especially when I’ve doubted myself or my vision. Karese is someone who has sown beautiful seeds within our company, DMP, not just as a producer but as a legitimate friend and supporter. She’s a mother of two with a full life, yet she still finds a way to make everyone feel seen, heard, and loved. We all need those people in our lives who continuously sow genuine and positive seeds of encouragement, and Karese has been that person for me. She’s always encouraged me to stay strong and keep going, and I’m forever grateful for that.

Website: Dewmediaproductions.com

Instagram: @Whatwouldclairedew or @demediaproductions

Linkedin: Claire Dew

Youtube: Dewmediaproductions

Image Credits
Cheryl Fox, Maximiliano Romero, Dew Media productions

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.