In this solo kickoff to 2026, Amber pulls together the biggest shifts she saw in 2025 and what they mean for creators, brands, and consumers in the year ahead. From the end of experimental creator marketing to an internet flooded with AI content, she explains why 2026 is a breakout year for direct-to-consumer brands and what it takes to build something that actually lasts in a low-trust environment.

Amber breaks down three core themes: the democratization of creator marketing (including LTK’s decision to kill SaaS fees and open its full brand platform and data for free), the shift to owned audiences and human-led communities, and why AI is a tailwind, not a replacement, for human creators. Along the way, she shares key lessons from 2025, how AI can help boost productivity, and a candid Q&A drawn from your questions about business, family, and life online.

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This week, Amber welcomes creator and reality TV star Ciara Miller for a candid conversation about turning reality TV fame into a lasting community. Ciara shares her honest perspective on stepping away from nursing, betting fully on herself as a creator, and navigating the pressure of life in and between TV seasons. She opens up about burnout, staying grounded, and how she is intentionally building a more connected, reachable audience beyond the screen. From using storytelling over selling to creating consistency in an unpredictable career, this is a thoughtful conversation about pivoting with purpose and building a sustainable business after reality TV.

WE DISCUSS:

• (2:50) Unconventional Career Path and Philosophy
• (4:08) Leaving Nursing for a Creator Career
• (7:25) Turning Reality TV Fame into a Lasting Community
• (14:20) Ciara's Hot Tips for Creators and Future Dreams

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This week, Amber is joined by Love Island USA standout and rising lifestyle creator Kaylor Martin! Kaylor opens up about life after the villa - from navigating sudden fame and brand deals to building an online community through authenticity and consistency. She shares how she’s using LTK to grow her business, selecting partnerships that feel true to who she is, and staying grounded while figuring out her next chapter. This is a candid conversation about capitalizing on opportunity, staying true to yourself, and building a sustainable business beyond reality TV. 

WE DISCUSS:

• (2:42) The Unexpected Transition: Life Immediately After Love Island
• (5:00) From Virality to Longevity: Building a Consistent Online Presence
• (7:25) The Power of Authenticity and Engaging Fans
• (10:31) Choosing Authentic Brand Partnerships
• (13:12) Navigating the Creator Economy with a Strong Support System
• (17:57) Authenticity, Growth, and No Regrets

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In this episode of More to Say, Amber Venz Box chats with Danielle Carolan and Brooke Miccio, the duo behind Gals on the Go, about their journey from college friends to creators building a thriving online community. They dive into the evolution of their podcast, the power of original content, and how they engage with their audience beyond the mic. From hosting live shows, navigating personal growth, and hiring their first full-time team member, Danielle and Brooke share candid insights on creating content that resonates and building a loyal community along the way.

WE DISCUSS:

• (02:15) How Danielle & Brooke Met and Started Gals on the Go
• (05:08) From College Friends to Podcast Creators
• (09:22) Building an Online Community That Resonates
• (13:45  Live Shows & Events
• (18:30) Navigating Personal Growth and Business Decisions
• (22:10) Hiring Their First Full-Time Team Member
• (26:05) Creating Content That Connects with Your Audience
• (30:50) Personal Insights
• (40:30) Rapid Fire Questions 

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Today’s episode is the continuation of the special two-part series from LTK Con, featuring conversations with incredible LTK creators. This time, host, Amber Venz Box, is joined by Hayden Cohen, known as the aspiring Real Housewife of Instagram and host of the podcast “A Lot of You Have Been Asking,” and Lilliana Vazquez, an Emmy-winning TV host, fashion and lifestyle creator, and this year’s official LTK Con host.

Together, Lilliana and Hayden dive into what it means to show up authentically, grow trust with an audience, and turn influence into meaningful impact. Their conversation blends industry insight with laugh-out-loud moments, capturing the energy of LTK Con and offering a candid look at what it really takes to thrive in the creator economy.

WE DISCUSS:

• (4:10) Hayden’s Viral Start 
• (05:43) Building a Community Through Authenticity
• (08:44) Navigating the Challenges of Content Creation
• (12:13) The Power of Video & Consistency
• (24:11) The Power of Consistency and Teamwork
• (25:30) Lilliana’s LTK Journey 
• (29:32) Shifting to a Service-Based Mindset
• (31:55) Building Trust Through Valuable Content
• (32:21) Fun Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights

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Recorded at LTK Con 2025, this episode of More to Say brings together two powerhouse creators: Brittany Sjogren (@loverlygrey) of Loverly Grey, known for her fashion and lifestyle content and her knack for mixing affordable and luxury style, and Jen Reed (@thesisterstudioig) of The Sister Studio, known for her approachable, stylish finds and proving that dressing well doesn’t always mean spending a lot. 

Together, Brittany and Jen share their insights on building engaged communities, growing influence, and creating meaningful connections with their audiences. They provide a masterclass in creator commerce, community-building, and leadership, offering both inspiration and actionable advice for anyone looking to grow their business, engage authentically, and make a lasting impact.

WE DISCUSS:

• (00:00) Brittany Sjogren: The Power of Reels and Community Engagement
• (02:31) Insights from LTKCon: Creator Collaboration and Growth
• (05:38) Navigating Social Media Metrics and Creator Mindset
• (08:12) Building a Strong Community and Effective Content Strategy
• (11:09) The Importance of Authenticity in Content Creation
• (13:58) The Role of Gifting and Product Seeding in Influencer Marketing
• (19:20) Strategies for Growth and Overcoming Challenges
• (25:16) Creating a Connection with Your Audience
• (27:57) The Journey from Creator to Entrepreneur
• (33:41) Jen Reed: Finding Balance in Business and Personal Life
• (36:27) Giving Back to the Community
• (38:57) Advice for Aspiring Creators
• (42:06) The Future of Content Creation and Trends

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Live from LTK Con 2025, Amber Venz Box sits down with Allison Ellsworth, Co-Founder of poppi. What started as Mother Beverage in 2018, named for the raw apple cider vinegar at its core, was rebranded to poppi after a Shark Tank debut that same year. Fast forward, poppi has become one of the fastest-growing soda brands in the U.S. Amber and Allison unpack the journey of building the brand, moving at the speed of culture and how a social-first, creator-led strategy can redefine an industry.

WE DISCUSS:

• 00:00 - Introduction to the Journey of poppi
• 02:30 - The Founding Story of poppi
• 05:19 - Branding and Rebranding: From Mother to poppi
• 08:22 - Understanding the Market and Consumer
• 11:17 - Navigating the Digital Landscape and TikTok
• 14:09 - The Power of Creator-Led Marketing
• 16:58 - Cultural Relevance and Marketing Strategies
• 19:35 - The Impact of Shark Tank and Strategic Investments
• 22:38 - Scaling the Business: Lessons Learned
• 25:14 - The Importance of Passion and Community

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In this episode of More to Say, host Amber Venz Box sits down with Chelsea Parke, founder of the beloved Gen Z cozies brand, Parke, to talk about the unconventional path she took from creative spirit to founder. Chelsea shares how she started Parke not as a creator, but as a person deeply passionate about connection and comfort and how that authenticity has fueled a brand that now sees 7+ hour pop-up lines and over $16M in annual sales.

Chelsea shares how her approach to creator marketing is rooted in community and trust, the importance of meeting your community in real life and the strategy behind Parke’s exclusive product launches. She also gets personal, opening up about protecting her energy, staying present, and the underrated power of being kind.

If you're an emerging founder, creator, or just someone chasing a passion, you'll want to hear this. 

WE DISCUSS:

• (04:05): Getting to know Chelsea and her journey to founding Parke. 
• (15:15): Building a community-driven brand - never running a paid ad for Parke. 
• (16:51): How Parke became a social phenomenon among Gen Z and college campuses across the nation. 
• (23:15): Parke pop-up success: Behind the strategy resulting in 7 hour lines around the block.  
• (28:30): Chelsea’s DTC strategy and importance of keeping Parke exclusive to its community. 
• (37:35): Future of the creator economy for emerging brands: Storytelling and building community are key to being successful. 
• (38:40): Chelsea on scaling Parke to a $16M+ business. 

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In this episode of More to Say, host Amber Venz Box sits down with Dani Austin — digital creator, community builder, and founder of Divi, the haircare brand that started with one scalp serum and grew into a multi-million-dollar line now sold at Ulta nationwide.

Dani shares how she went from secretly filming “Things I Wish a Sister Taught Me” in her dorm to building an audience of 2.5M+ followers, opening up about the vulnerability that built her community, sharing hair loss struggles, and turning personal hardship into product innovation. She and Amber talk candidly about monetizing early, launching a hero product, turning “haters” into valuable feedback, balancing motherhood and business, and what’s next for Divi.

Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or just curious how a dorm-room vlog became an 8-figure brand — Dani’s story is one you won’t want to miss.

WE DISCUSS:

• (00:16): Filming her first YouTube videos in secret.
• (01:39): How LTK gave her control and built audience trust.
• (04:20): Using vulnerability to deepen connections.
• (11:49): Creating Divi’s first scalp serum from DIY to best-seller.
• (14:40): Saying no to bad deals early on.
• (15:39): Growing Divi from one SKU to a community-led brand.
• (18:51): Turning harsh reviews into product improvements.
• (34:21): Focusing on audience depth before virality.
• (36:00): Why LTK is still core to her business.
• (43:35): Putting “trashy” family moments before work.

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In this episode of More to Say, host Amber Venz Box sits down with Julia Marcum, the creator behind the beloved design platform Chris Loves Julia. Julia opens up about her journey from launching a personal blog in 2009 to becoming a leading home design creator, LTK powerhouse, and successful product collaborator. Amber and Julia dive into the evolution of the creator economy, the importance of consistency, and how to grow a loyal, lasting audience.

WE DISCUSS:

• (00:24): Starting her blog and creating content from scratch, how Julia began Chris Loves Julia in 2009 during a transitional life moment and used it to stay connected and creatively fulfilled
• (10:20): Turning a passion into a career, the moment Julia joined LTK and a premium ad network, grew her revenue from $11K to $250K, and brought her husband Chris into the business full-time
• (18:20): Posting 40+ times a week on LTK, how Julia makes LTK her second-largest platform and why consistency has been key to growth and audience trust
• (22:52): Humanizing your content, why creators should show their faces, share the process, and be radically authentic to build real trust
• (26:47): Collaborating with top home brands, how tagging, linking, and affiliate revenue paved the way to Julia’s major partnerships and product lines with brands
• (32:25): Prioritizing long-term growth over viral moments, how Julia balances audience nurturing with growth and why she resists chasing short-term attention
• (41:26): Scaling a business with your spouse, how Julia and Chris divide roles, manage a team, and create space for vision and creative direction
• (52:47): Creating a home you love, Julia’s advice on what to start, stop, and continue to make your home reflect who you are—without overthinking it

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