There are 3 decisions every creative business owner needs to make right now if you want to stay relevant in 2026.

Because business has changed.

The old rules don’t work anymore.

What worked six months ago is already losing traction.

It’s time for a new approach.

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Want to go deeper? Join Aligned now. It's free when you join live — www.nataliewalton.com/aligned

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In this final episode of The State of Play: Creative Business in 2026, it's time to make three pivotal decisions to will determine whether your business stays stuck in old patterns — or becomes stronger, clearer, and more aligned for the year ahead.

You’ll learn what’s shifted in the creative industry, why so many business owners are feeling the effects, and the practical choices you need to make around your offer, your visibility, and your sales strategy if you want to move forward with more confidence and clarity.

If you’ve felt the shift but don’t know what to do next, this episode will show you exactly where to focus.➤ Let’s continue the conversation here — and share what resonates most with you: www.nataliewalton.substack.com~

Go Deeper

For Interior Designers & Stylists: A proven program to elevate your interiors, develop your signature style and attract your dream clients with clarity and confidence. | Start Here

For Creative Entrepreneurs: Expert guidance in a 1:1 mentorship intensive to start or scale your creative business. | Learn More

For Business Strategy, Systems & Support: A business growth program for interior designers and creative business owners who are focussed on growing smarter, not harder. | Join Here

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Let’s connect!

Join 20k readers of This Creative Life for free on Substack.

Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/nataliewalton

Explore my resources and programs: nataliewalton.com

Pre PS: Join me for a Free Live Workshop Series called Aligned — a space where creativity and profitability can co-exist.

If you're ready to embrace less but better in your business, this is for you.

Register now at nataliewalton.com/aligned

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What if the key to growing your business in 2026 isn’t about doing more — but doing what matters most?

In this episode, I’m sharing my plan for 2026 — and how I’m simplifying, refining, and reimagining my business through the lens of less but better.

After a year of testing and creating space to listen to my inner wisdom, you’ll hear how I’m approaching growth differently, what I’m prioritising (and what I’m not), and the guiding principles I’m taking into the new year — so you can do the same in your own business.

Welcome to The State of Play: Creative Business in 2026 — a special raw & unfiltered three-part series of the Imprint Podcast.

It's time to redefine success.

➤ Let’s continue the conversation here — and share what resonates most with you: www.nataliewalton.substack.com ~

Go Deeper

For Interior Designers & Stylists: A proven program to elevate your interiors, develop your signature style and attract your dream clients with clarity and confidence. | Start Here

For Creative Entrepreneurs: Expert guidance in a 1:1 mentorship intensive to start or scale your creative business. | Learn More

For Business Strategy, Systems & Support: A business growth program for interior designers and creative business owners who are focussed on growing smarter, not harder. | Join Here

~

Let’s connect!

Join 20k readers of This Creative Life for free on Substack.

Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/nataliewalton

Explore my resources and programs: nataliewalton.com

What once worked… doesn’t anymore.What used to sell… isn’t.And the rules we built our businesses on — they’re quietly — and quickly! — changing.

If you’ve been feeling like the creative business world has shifted — you’re not imagining it.

Welcome to The State of Play: Creative Business in 2026 — a special three-part series on the Imprint Podcast with me, Natalie Walton, that gives you a clear look at what’s really happening in the creative industry right now.

In today's episode — Part 1 — I'm sharing my top five predictions for what’s coming, what’s changing, and where the opportunity lies for those of us building creative businesses that are not only meant to last — but that feel good, and aligned with who we are, and how we want to show up in the world.

Change is inevitable, and the quicker we are at embracing it, the better off we will be. The more we understand what’s coming our way, the better equipped we are to build businesses that last.

Let's begin...

➤ Let’s continue the conversation here — and share what resonates most with you: www.nataliewalton.substack.com  ~

Go Deeper

For Interior Designers & Stylists: A proven program to elevate your interiors, develop your signature style and attract your dream clients with clarity and confidence. | Start Here

For Creative Entrepreneurs: Expert guidance in a 1:1 mentorship intensive to start or scale your creative business. | Learn More

For Business Strategy, Systems & Support: A business growth program for interior designers and creative business owners who are focussed on growing smarter, not harder. | Join Here

~

Let’s connect!

Join 20k readers of This Creative Life for free on Substack.

Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/nataliewalton

Explore my resources and programs: nataliewalton.com

Sometimes the next step isn’t about doing more — it’s about becoming who you need to be to grow and evolve.

In this Raw & Unfiltered episode of the Imprint Podcast, I share what it’s like to close a chapter and create space for the next chapter to emerge with clarity.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure of your next move, or ready to create a life and business that truly feels right, this episode is for you.

We’ll explore the questions, choices, and small actions that can help you move forward, without needing to have all the answers.

This is for you if you want to feel more aligned with the decisions you make in your home, business and life.

➤ Let’s continue the conversation here: www.nataliewalton.substack.com ~

Go Deeper

For Interior Designers & Stylists: A proven program to elevate your interiors, develop your signature style and attract your dream clients with clarity and confidence. | Start Here

For Mentorship: Customised guidance in a 1:1 mentorship intensive to start or scale your creative business. | Learn More

For Creative Business Owners: A business growth program for interior designers and creative business owners who are focussed on growing smarter, not harder. | Join Here

~

Let’s connect!

Join 20k readers of This Creative Life for free on Substack.

Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/nataliewalton

Explore my resources and programs: nataliewalton.com

How do you feel about change in your home and life? Are you excited to embrace it? Or is it something that makes you feel uneasy?

Come listen to my conversation with Courtney Adamo where she asks me to share the reasons behind selling my home, and the answer she didn’t see coming.

We also share how our childhood homes have shaped the ones we have today, and what we’ve learned about letting go of stuff in our spaces.

Thank you to everyone who tuned in live. We hope you enjoy this conversation, and would love to hear about your relationship with your home (past and present), and the influence your childhood has had on the space that you create today.

Beautiful design can fall flat without the right styling.

Whether you’re preparing for a photoshoot, presenting to a client, or building your portfolio — styling can make or break how your work is perceived.

In this popular episode of the Imprint Podcast, I reveal the most common styling mistakes I see designers and creatives make — and the simple fixes that instantly elevate a space.

If you want your interiors to look more intentional, editorial, and high-end — without buying more stuff — this episode will show you how.

➤ Let’s continue the conversation here: www.nataliewalton.substack.com ~

Go DeeperFor Interior Designers & Stylists: A proven program to elevate your interiors, develop your signature style and attract your dream clients with clarity and confidence. | Start HereFor Creative Entrepreneurs: Expert guidance in a 1:1 mentorship intensive to start or scale your creative business. | Learn More

For Business Strategy, Systems & Support: A business growth program for interior designers and creative business owners who are focussed on growing smarter, not harder. | Join Here

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THIS EPISODE FOCUSES ON

Why you should make your home the best it can be for yourself

The value of seeing your home with fresh eyes

How our spaces can make us feel

Styling tips you can use to take action today

FEATURED ON THIS EPISODE

SAVE YOUR SEAT for my Free Live Class ‘How To Make Your Home Beautiful — No Renovation Required’

My course The Styling Masterclass - enrolments opening soon!

Follow me on Instagram @nataliewalton

What if you didn’t need a formal qualification, a traditional path, or a big following to build a successful design business — just a clear point of view?

In one of the most popular episodes of the Imprint Podcast, Simone Haag shares how she created her own niche in the design world by leaning into what made her different. With no formal training, Simone built her career from the ground up — first as an apprentice at the leading Melbourne design studio Hecker Guthrie, then as the founder of her own studio known for bold, layered interiors that reflect a highly personal style.

Come listen to our conversation where we talk about Simone’s unconventional journey into design, how she turned her love of vintage into a signature strength, the way she works with clients, charges for her services, and how she built a team around her creative vision. Simone’s story is a powerful reminder that when you own your point of view, you don’t need to compete — because no one else can do what you do.

If you’re trying to stand out, find your style, or carve your own niche in a crowded market, this is a must-listen.

➤ Let’s continue the conversation here: www.nataliewalton.substack.com ~

Go DeeperFor Interior Designers & Stylists: A proven program to elevate your interiors, develop your signature style and attract your dream clients with clarity and confidence. | Start HereFor Creative Entrepreneurs: Expert guidance in a 1:1 mentorship intensive to start or scale your creative business. | Learn More

For Business Strategy, Systems & Support: A business growth program for interior designers and creative business owners who are focussed on growing smarter, not harder. | Join Here

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THIS EPISODE FOCUSES ON

Simone’s unconventional journey to become an interior designer

Her creative process working with clients

What she’s learnt about trusting your intuition

How she built her business

How you can charge for your services

How to value your time

Why nicheing can provide more value to your clients and help your business grow

What it takes to grow a team, and why investing in coaching is essential

How to overdeliver for your clients

Why your willingness to try is one of your best resources.   

FEATURED ON THIS EPISODE

Get your free guide here — 7 Insider Secrets to make it happen!

Simone’s business Simone Haag

Simone instagram @simonehaag

Design studio Hecker Guthrie

Hotels designed by Phillipe Starck

Simone’s Whiskey room project

IDEA Awards — Designer of the year

Book Atomic Habits by James Clear

Podcast The Elements by Stuart Diver

My book Style: The Art of Creating a Beautiful Home

Simone’s Phillip’s Island coastal home Angler’s Shack

Podcast production: Yaga Media

While design trends are seductive, the best way to create interiors that look as good as they feel is to express your unique perspective.

In one of the most loved episodes of the podcast, I share what it really means to style with authenticity — and why it’s the key to creating work that not only stands out but truly resonates.

I reflect on how I moved beyond imitation in my early styling days, how I discovered my signature style, and the mindset shifts that made all the difference.

Whether you're styling your home or building a design business, this episode will help you trust your vision, simplify your decisions, and create spaces that feel like you.

➤ Let’s continue the conversation here: www.nataliewalton.substack.com ~

Go DeeperFor Interior Designers & Stylists: A proven program to elevate your interiors, develop your signature style and attract your dream clients with clarity and confidence. | Start HereFor Creative Entrepreneurs: Expert guidance in a 1:1 mentorship intensive to start or scale your creative business. | Learn More

For Business Strategy, Systems & Support: A business growth program for interior designers and creative business owners who are focussed on growing smarter, not harder. | Join Here

~

Let’s connect!

Join 20k readers of This Creative Life for free on Substack.

Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/nataliewalton

Explore my resources and programs: nataliewalton.com

What if your love of interiors could become a whole new career?

In one of the most popular episodes of the Imprint Podcast, Reena Simon of Hygge for Home by Reena Simon for_home shares how she went from working in PR and raising three young children to renovating a 1960s bungalow — and building a meaningful career as an interior stylist, author, and content creator.

We explore how her love of Scandinavian design helped her create a calming, thoughtful home — and connect with a global audience. She opens up about finding her voice on Instagram, writing her book Scandi Rustic, and how she approaches design decisions, motherhood, and creative boundaries.

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your passion into something more, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired to begin — right where you are.

➤ Let’s continue the conversation here: www.nataliewalton.substack.com ~

Go DeeperFor Interior Designers & Stylists: A proven program to elevate your interiors, develop your signature style and attract your dream clients with clarity and confidence. | Start HereFor Creative Entrepreneurs: Expert guidance in a 1:1 mentorship intensive to start or scale your creative business. | Learn More

For Business Strategy, Systems & Support: A business growth program for interior designers and creative business owners who are focussed on growing smarter, not harder. | Join Here

~

THIS EPISODE FOCUSES ON

Reena’s passion for Scandinavian design

Her 1960s bungalow renovation

Trusting your gut instinct when making design decisions

Why Reena started her interiors & design blog

Blocking out the noise and focussing on what brings you joy

Writing for Grand Designs Magazine

The creation of her book Scandi Rustic

Learning to compromise and adapt in design and in life

How Reena connects with people through Instagram

Building confidence later in life

FEATURED ON THIS EPISODE

My new book STYLE - The Art of Creating a Beautiful Home now available for pre-order

Reena’s instagram @hygge_for_home

Reena’s blog and website

Reena & co-author Rebecca’s book Scandi Rustic

Grand Designs Magazine

Canon camera

Adobe Lightroom

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owen

We’ve all heard the phrase work smarter, not harder — but what does that actually look like in real life?

In this behind-the-scenes episode, I’m sharing why I’ve chosen to simplify my business — and how that decision is helping me create more space for what matters most. From streamlining my offers and systems, to refining how I spend my time and where I show up, this new season is all about clarity, focus, and alignment.

You’ll hear the real changes I’ve made — including why I’m pressing pause on the podcast (for now) — and how I’m creating deeper impact inside Design & Grow and my 1:1 mentorships, while also spending more time connecting through my free weekly newsletter on Substack.

If you’ve been feeling stretched, scattered, or out of sync with your business, this episode will give you both permission and practical ideas to simplify in a way that supports your life — not competes with it.THIS EPISODE FOCUSES ON

The personal and professional changes shaping this season

How she’s shifted Design & Grow for deeper connection

Why Substack is now the primary home for content

What simplifying her tech, team, and time has made possible

FEATURED ON THIS EPISODE

Natalie Walton Mentorship

The Styling Playbook for Interior Designers

Natalie Walton Instagram

Free live training - The Confident Stylist

Natalie Walton - Design & Grow Coaching Program

Natalie Walton - The Styling Masterclass