Real work.
Real brands. Real results.
The Essence Internship Program places emerging creatives and strategists inside live client work — branding, marketing, strategy, and growth — from day one.
About the Program
Strategy-first.
Studio-real.
Essence is a Honolulu-based creative agency working with restaurants, hospitality brands, wellness businesses, boutiques, and entrepreneurs across Hawaiʻi. Our internship is not busywork — you will contribute to live projects, work alongside our creative director, and build a portfolio that reflects the standard of our clients.
This is an unpaid internship — your compensation is experience, mentorship, real portfolio work, and a pathway to the FAMES Hawaii Scholarship Award.
Internship Tracks
Choose Your Focus
Select one primary track. Cross-track collaboration is expected and encouraged.
Brand & Design
Visual identity, layout, mood boarding, creative direction, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, presentation decks, and asset production.
Strategy & Consulting
Brand audits, competitive research, positioning, proposal writing, client intake, SEO foundations, and strategic deck development.
Social Media & Content
Content calendars, copywriting, Reels scripting, platform audits, performance reporting, and visual brief creation for shoots.
Sales & Business Development
Lead research, outreach drafting, CRM support, client onboarding, partnership research, and proposal support.
What You Gain
More than a line on your résumé
01
Live Client Work
Contribute to real campaigns, real brands, and real deliverables from week one.
02
Direct Mentorship
Work closely with Gabriella Wilson-Rytting, Founder & Creative Director of Essence.
03
Portfolio Piece
Complete a capstone deliverable in your track to feature in your professional portfolio.
04
FAMES Scholarship
Qualifying interns are nominated for the FAMES Hawaii Annual Scholarship Award — min. $1,000.
Eligibility
Who Should Apply
We welcome applicants from any major or background — what matters most is drive, curiosity, and a genuine interest in building things that work.
Essence Requirements
- Current college student (1st or 2nd year preferred) or graduating high school senior
- Hawaii resident, U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Ability to commit 10–15 hrs/week, June–August
- Genuine interest in your chosen track
FAMES Scholarship Eligibility
- High school senior (graduating 2027) or 1st/2nd year college student
- Minimum 20 hours of community service
- FAMES application submitted by August 15, 2026
- Essay, letter of recommendation, biography + headshot
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
Partnership Award
The FAMES Hawaii Scholarship
Essence is proud to partner with FAMES Hawaii — a Honolulu-based 501(c)3 dedicated to mentoring, educating, motivating, and leadership development. Interns who complete the program and meet FAMES eligibility will be nominated by Essence for the annual scholarship award.
FAMES Hawaii Annual Scholarship — October 2026
Recognized as an outstanding individual on stage at the FAMES Gala.
All scholarship recipients are awarded at the FAMES Gala at the Hilton Hawaiian Village on October 10, 2026. Essence will guide nominated interns through the full FAMES application process.
Key Dates
Program Timeline
Applications Open
Rolling review. Early applications encouraged. Capacity is limited.
Program Begins
Orientation, track assignment, and first client project briefings.
FAMES Deadline
Nominated interns must submit completed FAMES application by this date.
Program Ends
Capstone deliverable due. Completion certificates issued.
FAMES Gala
Scholarship award ceremony at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Applications
Apply to the Program
Fill out the form below and we will be in touch within 5 business days. Rolling review — apply early.