There’s something I need to tell you that might go against everything you’re hearing in those creative business Facebook groups.
Right now, there has rarely been a stronger moment to build a small creative business.
Here’s What the Numbers Actually Show
The combined creative economies of the US, UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada are now valued at over $1 trillion. That’s driven primarily by solo entrepreneurs and small teams just like yours.
Here in the UK alone, we contribute over £115 billion annually – more than oil, gas, and aerospace combined. We’re home to 268,000 creative businesses supporting 2.4 million jobs.
If you’ve been wondering whether there’s really room for you, here’s your answer: the creative economy is genuinely thriving.
So Why Do So Many Creative Entrepreneurs Still Struggle?
I know those statistics might not match what you’re experiencing day to day. You might be thinking, “If it’s all so rosy, why do I still feel like I’m struggling to make this work?”
Here’s what I see happening.
Most creative entrepreneurs are following advice that was never designed for how their brains work. They’re trying to force themselves into marketing strategies that feel completely performative, or business models that drain all their creative energy.
And then they blame themselves when it doesn’t work.
The real issues? Three things:
You don’t feel legitimate calling yourself a business owner. (That “I’m just a photographer” thing? That word “just” is telling you everything.)
You dismiss the things you’re naturally brilliant at because they come easily to you. But here’s the thing – what’s easy for you is often impossible for your clients. That’s exactly why they need you.
You’re trying to learn from advice designed for people who think in spreadsheets and conversion funnels. When that doesn’t fit, you either feel overwhelmed or try to force strategies that fundamentally don’t align with how you work.
What’s Actually Working Right Now
The creative entrepreneurs who are thriving aren’t starting with marketing tactics or business plans.
They’re starting with something much more fundamental.
They shift their identity. Instead of “I’m a creative person trying to figure out business,” they think “I’m a creative business owner who knows what I bring to the table.”
This isn’t just positive self-talk. It changes everything – how you price, how you talk to clients, what opportunities you say yes to.
They build around their strengths. Rather than trying to fix their weaknesses, they double down on what they’re naturally exceptional at and structure their entire business around those strengths.
They create sustainable systems. They design their businesses around how they actually work best, not how they think they should work.
Why This Moment Is Different
Here’s why I’m so excited about right now.
People want authenticity more than ever. In a world of AI-generated content and cookie-cutter marketing, genuine creativity has become incredibly valuable.
Yes, everyone has access to the same tools now. But that doesn’t mean everyone can do what you do. The tools being accessible makes your specific way of using them even more valuable.
And consumers aren’t just buying products anymore – they’re buying relationships, values, experiences. Creative businesses are uniquely positioned to offer all three.
The Thing That Changes Everything
Without the right foundation, every business strategy feels forced and uncomfortable. You constantly undercharge, second-guess every decision, and feel like you’re pretending to be something you’re not.
But with the right foundation? Strategies feel natural and aligned. You price confidently. You trust your judgment. You know you belong in business.
That foundational shift – from self-doubt to genuine confidence in what you offer – that’s what makes sustainable success possible.
What Happens Next
The creative economy has never been stronger. People are genuinely hungry for authentic, meaningful work from people who know their value.
You’re more ready than you think you are.
Your creative business isn’t just viable – it’s needed. The world needs what you have to offer.
You just need to believe it’s possible.
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