Moving Forward Authentically as a Creative Business Owner

Happy 2026! The last time I published a blog post was in November of last year. I’ve been busy wrapping up year-end client work and thinking intentionally about how I want to show up in my business this year. As I reflected, I focused on where I feel most alive and authentically myself and decided to lean into that rather than forcing an approach or showing up in spaces out of obligation instead of alignment.

a hand holding a lit sparkler in front of a window in a dark room

Early on, I received advice to show up where I feel most comfortable and at ease. I’ve taken that to heart by sharing primarily here on my website, with occasional short updates on Instagram and Pinterest to guide people back to my website. I’ve learned that recording myself or sharing every step of my process on social media isn’t for me, and that’s okay.

With that in mind, here’s how I plan to approach my business and life in the year ahead.

  1. Prioritize Authenticity

    I feel this deeply in how I show up in both my business and personal life, and in how I help other business owners shape their websites and brand identities. I love uncovering who people are at their core and translating that truth into their brand and website experience. The magic happens when that authenticity meets what truly resonates with their audience, creating a connection that feels real and intentional.

  2. Keep it Simple

    I haven’t been great at sharing my work on social media over the past few months. And I’ve worked with some incredible business owners whose powerful messages and branding deserve to be seen. Instead of overthinking a perfectly curated post, I’m keeping it simple: a quick homepage preview with a link to explore the full site. I’ll still share more in-depth branding work, but that will mostly appear here on the blog, with the occasional post on social media when I have the time or feel the spark.

  3. Embrace Downtime

    Along with taking a breather, I plan to use the in-between moments to create content that’s fun for me and sparked by genuine inspiration. Slowing down can be hard as a creative business owner, but it’s essential for recharging and keeping the creative juices flowing. I’ve learned that forcing content just to have something to share is boring—for me and my audience.

  4. Continue to Trust Myself

    Over the years, I’ve learned that my gut, my inner voice, is one of the most powerful tools in my toolbox. Waiting for that spark and trusting the feeling of “yes, this is it” has never steered me wrong when I am in creator mode. Building confidence and continuing to grow in that trust remains one of my top priorities.

  5. Work with Like-Minded Business Owners

    It can be challenging when you want or need the work, but I’ve learned that the magic happens when I prioritize projects where I feel inspired by the spark of the business owner. Sometimes that means stepping away from opportunities that aren’t the right fit, whether due to pricing, energy, or alignment. Focusing on projects that truly resonate allows me to create my best work and support clients in the most meaningful way.

    It is equally important to the client that website design and branding be approached as a deeply collaborative process, guided by partnership and trust. When we are truly aligned, the result can be transformative—a brand and website that feels authentic, intentional, and fully alive.

As I move into 2026, I’m excited to lean into authenticity, creativity, and meaningful connections in my work. If you’re a business owner ready to bring your brand and website to life in a way that truly reflects who you are, I’d love to help. Let’s create something that feels authentic, intentional, and designed to connect with your audience. Book a consultation and let’s get started.

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