Dea began her career as a copywriter in 1988 with Lawton Hawthorne Advertising of Preston. She worked on accounts such as Monsanto, Preston Borough Council, Pataks and Booths supermarkets, writing brochures as well as press ads and radio and TV commercials.

Dea established The Competitive Edge in March 1991. Working with other freelance designers and photographers, Dea goes after new business, manages projects and looks after the creative direction as well as writing copy and PR material.

Dea occasionally undertakes commissions to write for trade magazines, and writes creatively for the page and stage.