Dear Creator

My first solo entry of Dear Creator. In this episode, I’m doing a complete 2025 business and life recap — breaking down each quarter, the wins, the challenges and what I learned as a business owner.

This isn't your typical highlight reel. I'm sharing the messy middle… what it really looks like to launch your first digital product, make the hard call to close a program, seek financial stability through part-time work, and rebuild your business without burning out.

2025 Quarterly Breakdown:

• Q1: Investing in sales training, building a writing practice, and throwing spaghetti at the wall
• Q2: Launching Pivot Proof (my first digital product), hiring support, and restructuring my daily operations
• Q3: Closing my group program, prioritizing mental health, and navigating my dog's cancer diagnosis
• Q4: Landing a stable marketing gig, going viral on TikTok, pursuing YouTube, and working through identity shifts

Key Lessons for Service Providers:• Your business can hold multiple truths at once—you can launch AND close offers in the same year• Support is not optional (therapy, coaching, peer mentorship all matter)• Sometimes the best business decision is a life decision• You are not your output—untangling worth from productivity

Actionable Takeaways:

1. How to conduct a seasonal business audit (with specific reflection questions)
2. Ways to build stability before you need it (retainers, part-time work, signature offers)
3. Creating sustainable structure through themed days and time blocking

January 2026 Updates:

• Turning 30 and entering a new era
• Dear Creator's growth and my marketing plans for Q1
• New ventures: UGC services and brand partnerships
• How I'm categorizing tasks in Notion for better project management

Advice I received for my 30th birthday on Instagram:

• Start seeing a chiropractor, acupuncture, and massage therapist
• Wear sunscreen and moisturize
• Give less f*cks
• Things will unravel and reveal themselves, trust time
• Hottest year ever
• Index yourself examine what containers, externals and internals you have allowed in your 20s
• Let it go with love
• Stand on your business and f*ck everything else
• Enjoy them by embracing the whole 'give less of a sh*t' that comes with them
• Really feels like the time we get to choose and build for ourselves and honor our energy
• Its your 20s but better. Don't let it scare you! 30s rule!!
• This has been my most fruitful decade thus far. Finally living as my true self.

LINKS(FREE) Build In Public Workshop: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/build-in-public-workshop

(FREE) Pivot with Purpose Notion Workbook: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/pivot-with-purpose

Pivot Proof Content Planning Course: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/pivot-proof

Offer In Progress: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/offer-in-progress

Website / Work With Me: https://www.morganmarkowski.com/

Subscribe to Newsletter: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/newsletter-sign-up

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganmarkowski

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganmarkowski

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morganmarkowski

Dear Creator Podcast: https://dearcreatorpodcast.substack.com/

What happens when you achieve your dream—and realize you have nothing planned next? Olivia and I dive into the courage it takes to shift paths after shooting for Vogue and figuring out those next steps.

Olivia is a brand photographer and artist with over 15 years of fashion photography experience. She helps women step into their It Girl era through elevated, editorial-style personal brand shoots.

We're exploring the uncomfortable space between who you were and who you're becoming. If you've ever felt like you're living someone else's definition of success, or wondering if it's okay to want something different even when you've "made it"—this conversation will remind you that transformation is evolution, not betrayal.

Connect with Olivia

Website: www.oliviabossert.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/oliviabossert

Archetype Freebie: https://oliviabossert.myflodesk.com/archetypes

Morgan's Links(FREE) Build In Public Workshop: ⁠https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/build-in-public-workshop

⁠(FREE) Pivot with Purpose Notion Workbook: ⁠https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/pivot-with-purpose⁠

Pivot Proof Content Planning Course: ⁠https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/pivot-proof⁠

Offer In Progress: ⁠https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/offer-in-progress

⁠Website / Work With Me: ⁠https://www.morganmarkowski.com/⁠

Subscribe to Newsletter: ⁠https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/newsletter-sign-up⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@morganmarkowski⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/morganmarkowski⁠

Tiktok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@morganmarkowski⁠

Dear Creator Substack: ⁠https://dearcreatorpodcast.substack.com/⁠Don’t forget to hit follow and review the podcast! This is completely free and greatly appreciated.

What if confidence isn't something you find—but something you decide?

Sara Joelle (Website Girl) is a copywriter and ADHD business owner who talks about why your website matters more than social media profiles, ADHD-friendly business rituals, and how to succeed by being unapologetically yourself.

If you've felt too scattered or "too much" for business—this is your permission slip to own who you are!!! Tune in.

Connect with Sara:Website: www.betweenthelinescopy.com

Podcast: www.betweenthelinescopy.com/podcast

Newsletter (free copywriting tips): www.betweenthelinescopy.com/subscribe

Website copy course: www.betweenthelinescopy.com/site-series

Freebies: www.betweenthelinescopy.com/free-stuff

Newsletter subscription: www.betweenthelinescopy.com/swipe-file

Instagram: www.instagram.com/btlcopy

Substack: www.btlcopy.substack.com

LINKS(FREE) Build In Public Workshop: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/build-in-public-workshop(FREE) Pivot with Purpose Notion Workbook: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/pivot-with-purposePivot Proof Content Planning Course: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/pivot-proofOffer In Progress: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/offer-in-progressWebsite / Work With Me: https://www.morganmarkowski.com/Subscribe to Newsletter: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/newsletter-sign-upYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganmarkowskiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganmarkowskiTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morganmarkowskiDear Creator Substack: https://dearcreatorpodcast.substack.com/

Turning 30 next month and reflecting on 5+ years of entrepreneurship. Here are the 10 biggest lessons I wish I knew when I started my business in my 20s.

MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO

Substack Article: https://morganmarkowski.substack.com/p/5-different-anti-burnout-ways-to

Lorin’s Dear Creator Podcast Episode: https://youtu.be/pfIhb-5XxSY?si=hQUYCezAaPs6nzs6

Book a 1:1 Consulting Session: https://www.morganmarkowski.com/contact

Chelsea Riffe’s Episodes: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4gJ8vR90F3Bf2DGoyXMKx6?si=9a415891b96b4aa3

LINKS(FREE) Build In Public Workshop: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/build-in-public-workshop(FREE) Pivot with Purpose Notion Workbook: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/pivot-with-purposePivot Proof Content Planning Course: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/pivot-proofOffer In Progress: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/offer-in-progressWebsite / Work With Me: https://www.morganmarkowski.com/Subscribe to Newsletter: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/newsletter-sign-upYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganmarkowskiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganmarkowskiTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morganmarkowskiDear Creator Podcast: https://dearcreatorpodcast.substack.com/

In this episode of Dear Creator, I’m chatting with Alexa to explore how creators can evolve into media companies and thought leaders through the lens of entrepreneurial journalism.

We unpack what it means to treat content as a product, how to use platforms intentionally, and why building authority now requires more than just marketing content. Alexa also shares how her viral TikTok on entrepreneurial journalism (1M+ views) reshaped her career and visibility online, and what it truly takes to balance creative ambition, credibility, and consistency.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What entrepreneurial journalism is and how to start
• The difference between creator brands and media companies
• Why authority content matters more than just marketing/selling content
• The truth about Substack, platform dependency, and media trust
• Real workflow and consistency tips for multi-platform creators
• How to find in-person networking events in your city

It’s a big conversation with loads of value! You won’t want to miss. If you enjoyed this episode, please give us a rating or review! It’s greatly appreciated.

Connect with Alexa:

Instagram

Tiktok

Website

Newsletter

Linkedin

Threads

Alexa’s Viral Video

Connect with Morgan:

(FREE) Build In Public Workshop: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/build-in-public-workshop

(FREE) Pivot with Purpose Notion Workbook: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/pivot-with-purpose

Pivot Proof Content Planning Course: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/pivot-proof

Offer In Progress: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/offer-in-progress

Website / Work With Me: https://www.morganmarkowski.com/

Subscribe to Newsletter: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/newsletter-sign-up

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganmarkowski

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganmarkowski

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morganmarkowski

Dear Creator Podcast: https://dearcreatorpodcast.substack.com/

Affiliate Link:

Get 50% OFF for two months of Descript’s Creator plan — https://descript.cello.so/6HSAN8HO4Ps

You can get the unlimited plan for life and 50% OFF your first year using Flodesk (Before November 28)— https://flodesk.com/c/MORGANM

Don’t forget to hit follow and review the podcast! This is completely free and greatly appreciated.

In this episode of Dear Creator, I sit down with my longtime friend Tom to chat about creativity, inspiration, and what it truly means to be a modern Creator.

Tom shares his unique journey as a multi-hyphenate creative: from photography and drag to writing and documenting life with an old-school camcorder.

We explore:

• Balancing a 9-to-5 with creative projects (the "5-to-9 lifestyle")
• The importance of living your life for authentic inspiration
• The blurred lines between inspiration and copying in creative work
• How creativity isn’t just about output but also recovery and imagination

Tom also shares his 2025 creative goals, including leaning into writing, embracing weird drag content, and collaborating more. Whether you're a Creator juggling multiple projects or someone searching for inspiration, this episode will leave you with plenty to think about.

Connect with me! ↓

(FREE) Build In Public Workshop: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/build-in-public-workshop

(FREE) Pivot with Purpose Notion Workbook: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/pivot-with-purpose

Pivot Proof Content Planning Course: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/pivot-proof

Offer In Progress: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/offer-in-progress

Website / Work With Me: https://www.morganmarkowski.com/

Subscribe to Newsletter: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/newsletter-sign-up

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganmarkowski

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganmarkowski

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morganmarkowski

Dear Creator Podcast: https://dearcreatorpodcast.substack.com/

In this episode of Dear Creator, I chat with brand and web designer Lorin Husa about the messy middle of entrepreneurship, the pressure to constantly show up online, and the unexpected ways part-time work can actually breathe new life into your business.

Together, we also chat about:

• How to pivot without burning your business to the ground
• The difference (and overlap) between service providers and creators
• Why working part-time or outside your business can spark creativity, stability, and confidence
• Navigating content creation pressure, showing personality online, and embracing authenticity
• Mental health when it comes to building a business and being online
• Living creatively versus just “being creative” and why structure often fuels inspiration

If you’ve ever felt stuck on the hamster wheel of entrepreneurship, struggled with balancing business and life, or questioned whether you’re a “real” creator, this conversation will remind you that pivoting is part of the journey, not a sign of failure.

Connect with Lorin:

Instagram

Website

Lorin’s Blog Post (a MUST read)

Tiny Mic Video

Connect with Morgan:

(FREE) Build In Public Workshop: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/build-in-public-workshop

(FREE) Pivot with Purpose Notion Workbook: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/pivot-with-purpose

Pivot Proof Content Planning Course: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/pivot-proof

Offer In Progress: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/offer-in-progress

Website / Work With Me: https://www.morganmarkowski.com/

Subscribe to Newsletter: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/newsletter-sign-up

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganmarkowski

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganmarkowski

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morganmarkowski

Dear Creator Podcast: https://dearcreatorpodcast.substack.com/

Affiliate Link → You can get the unlimited plan for life and 50% OFF your first year using Flodesk — https://flodesk.com/c/MORGANM

Don’t forget to hit follow and review the podcast! This is completely free and greatly appreciated.

Starting over in business can either be a powerful reinvention or a hidden form of self-sabotage.

In this episode, I unpack the truth behind “burning it all down” and how to know whether your reset is growth-driven or avoidance in disguise.

I share my own experiences with uprooting, self-sabotage patterns, and the lessons learned from The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest. You’ll hear practical insights on:

• How to recognize red flags that you’re sabotaging progress instead of evolving

• The difference between refining your systems vs. completely starting from scratch

• Why creators often get stuck in the “honeymoon phase” and avoid the messy middle

• Signs that your reset is actually an intentional, aligned reinvention

• How to bring fresh energy into your brand and business without losing momentum

Whether you’re a creative entrepreneur, founder, or multidimensional creator, this episode will help you reflect on your next move, reclaim self-awareness, and pivot with purpose—without falling into the trap of chasing newness for the wrong reasons.

If you’re navigating burnout, struggling with constant pivots, or questioning if it’s time to reset your brand, this conversation will give you clarity and encouragement to make your next step intentional.

Follow Dear Creator Instagram

Subscribe to Dear Creator Substack

Connect with Morgan:

(FREE) Build In Public Workshop: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/build-in-public-workshop

(FREE) Pivot with Purpose Notion Workbook: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/pivot-with-purpose

Pivot Proof Content Planning Course: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/pivot-proof

Offer In Progress: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/offer-in-progress

Website / Work With Me: https://www.morganmarkowski.com/

Subscribe to Newsletter: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/newsletter-sign-up

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganmarkowski

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganmarkowski

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morganmarkowski

Dear Creator Podcast: https://dearcreatorpodcast.substack.com/

Don’t forget to hit follow and review the podcast! This is completely free and greatly appreciated.

You can get the unlimited plan for life and 50% OFF your first year using Flodesk — https://flodesk.com/c/MORGANM

In this episode, Amanda, known online as Creative Cool Mom, shares her journey of balancing motherhood, creativity, and entrepreneurship while navigating rebrands and pivots. She explains how rebranding and pivoting often go hand in hand, with soft pivots as small evolutions and hard pivots as complete resets. Through client examples and her own story, she shows how visuals, storytelling, and clarity of vision can guide these shifts.

The conversation digs into why multidimensional creatives shouldn’t feel pressured to “niche down,” how to build a personal brand rooted in lifestyle and authenticity, and the importance of trusting yourself instead of over-relying on mentorship or outside opinions. We reflect on the dangers of over-consuming content, the value of having fun again with social media, and how rebrands not only attract aligned clients but also repel those who aren’t a fit.

This is a friendly reminder that pivots and rebrands are natural expressions of growth, and that slowing down, embodying your brand, and creating from joy can lead to more alignment and clarity in both business and life.

Connect with Amanda:

Instagram

TikTok

Substack

YouTube

Connect with Morgan:

(FREE) Build In Public Workshop: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/build-in-public-workshop

(FREE) Pivot with Purpose Notion Workbook: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/pivot-with-purpose

Pivot Proof Content Planning Course: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/pivot-proof

Offer In Progress: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/offer-in-progress

Website / Work With Me: https://www.morganmarkowski.com/

Subscribe to Newsletter: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/newsletter-sign-up

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganmarkowski

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganmarkowski

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morganmarkowski

Dear Creator Podcast: https://dearcreatorpodcast.substack.com/

Don’t forget to hit follow and review the podcast! This is completely free and greatly appreciated.

You can get the unlimited plan for life and 50% OFF your first year using Flodesk — https://flodesk.com/c/MORGANM

*DISCLAIMER: THIS IS AN AFFILIATE LINK. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!*

Ylani shares how her business has evolved through different seasons and why this latest shift feels the most her—from refining her offers to showing up in her content in a way that feels natural and true.

Ylani Estwick is a brand coach and messaging mentor, supporting creative leaders in building a brand they love. With an approach that isn't surface-level, she believes in equal amounts of deep reflection, visualization, and action to move things forward.

She knows how much personal and business are intertwined and how brand growth happens best in the spaces embracing the whole person who’s running it all.

Follow Ylani ↓

Instagram

Threads

Website

Substack

Brand Messaging Hub

Newsletter

Podcast

Connect with me! ↓

(FREE) Build In Public Workshop: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/build-in-public-workshop

(FREE) Pivot with Purpose Notion Workbook: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/pivot-with-purpose

Pivot Proof Content Planning Course: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/pivot-proof

Offer In Progress: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/offer-in-progress

Website / Work With Me: https://www.morganmarkowski.com/

Subscribe to Newsletter: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/newsletter-sign-up

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganmarkowski

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganmarkowski

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morganmarkowski

Dear Creator Podcast: https://dearcreatorpodcast.substack.com/