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