Independence & Innovation: Claiming Your Creative Freedom as a Business Owner

Angela Rakis
Jul 2
2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Flex that creative muscle.

Independence & Innovation: Claiming Your Creative Freedom as a Business Owner. Image of Angela Rakis of Favorite Daughter, LLC.

Owning your own business means you've already taken a brave step most people never do: you’ve bet on yourself. When I launched my consulting business, that was the first thing my financial planner said to me—that I could trust myself. I wasn’t sure if I believed it at first. That kind of independence is something worth celebrating.

But with that freedom comes a challenge: how do you stand out in a crowded market without burning out or constantly reinventing the wheel?

The answer lies in innovation—not just the techy, futuristic kind, but the everyday creative thinking that helps you solve problems, connect with your customers, and carve out a space that’s uniquely yours.

Here are a few ways to flex that creative muscle while staying true to your values and vision. Also, doing this in the summer is a great excuse to stay inside and enjoy the air conditioner!

1. Rethink What Only You Can Offer

Take a step back and ask: What do my customers get from me that they can’t get anywhere else? This might not be a product or service—it might be how you show up, your style of communication, your way of doing business. That’s where your secret sauce lives.

2. Experiment Without Overhauling

Innovation doesn’t have to mean big, sweeping change. Try a small test—a different product display, a new format for your newsletter, a simple pop-up event, a different way of packaging your services. Little shifts can spark surprising results. I did this recently with my Instagram Live series (On the Front Burner). I now stream to all social platforms instead of relying only on one.

3. Listen Differently

Your customers will often tell you what they need—but not always directly. Pay attention to what questions they’re asking, what problems they’re venting about, and what they wish existed. Then use that insight to shape your next offering or tweak your process.

4. Make Space for Creative Thinking

Busy seasons are for efficiency. But quieter stretches (hello, mid-summer) are a great time to reflect and reconnect with your original “why,” and brainstorm future moves. I feel like I say that in all of my blogs, but some things are worth repeating! Even an hour away from your day-to-day work can open up new possibilities.

5. Lean Into What Feels Fun

Fun gets overlooked. But often, what feels fun to you will also feel fresh, energized, and authentic to your audience. It’s where your natural creativity lives. Give yourself permission to follow those instincts.

You’re Independent, but You’re Not Alone

If you’re feeling stuck or craving a spark of fresh energy, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. Whether you need a sounding board, strategic support, or just someone to help you zoom out and see the big picture, I’m here for that.

Let’s keep making bold, creative, independent moves—together.