This 2026 Anti-Trend Report outlines the harmful cultural and industry trends conscious creatives and small businesses must reject in the year ahead—from colorism in design and gendered branding to extractive economics, hustle culture, and unethical AI. Instead, we explore the values, practices, and liberatory business models worth cultivating: human-centered marketing, ethical technology, circular and local economies, creativity-first entrepreneurship, embodied business practices, and community-rooted ecosystems. This article serves as both a manifesto and a field guide for creative entrepreneurs committed to values-driven work, justice-oriented branding, and sustainable business growth in 2026 and beyond.

Forget the hustle myth. Explore a more meaningful approach to business growth—one rooted in sustainability, alignment, and creativity. This blog dives into slow entrepreneurship, anti-scale truths, and how to define success on your own terms.

After a year of intentional dormancy and creative reflection, I’m pressing reset—not from a place of pressure, but from a place of truth. This essay explores what it means to compost old strategies, trust your creative timing, and build a business that grows like a garden: with patience, presence, and care. If you're craving slower rhythms, deeper meaning, and a return to alignment—this one's for you.

What if your business grew like a garden… slowly, sustainably, and in relationship with the world around you? This guide explores how to build a creative ecosystem rooted in reciprocity, community, diversity, and natural rhythms. Instead of chasing scale or empire-building, discover how to create a business that feels alive, grounded, and regenerative. Perfect for creatives, small business owners, and anyone craving a more sustainable, anti-capitalist, nature-based approach to work.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, marketing often feels like an endless cycle of chasing trends and algorithms. But what if we slowed down and returned to more human, meaningful ways of connecting? This blog explores how analog marketing—through tactile experiences, handwritten notes, pop-up events, and sensory-driven campaigns—can create lasting emotional connections with customers. By engaging multiple senses and fostering genuine relationships, analog marketing offers small businesses and creatives a sustainable way to build community and make a lasting impact.

This blog explores how the dopamine-fueled attention economy is quietly burning out small business owners and creatives. Learn how to break free from social media dependency, recognize signs of digital burnout, and shift to nature-inspired business practices for sustainable growth, creativity, and well-being.

Social media marketing is often touted as a must for small business success, but is it truly essential? In this blog, we dive into the common frustrations of social media for solopreneurs and small business owners, discussing why it might not be the right choice for everyone. Explore how to uncover your unique marketing style by aligning with your strengths, understanding your audience, and staying true to your values. Discover how alternative, sustainable marketing approaches can drive meaningful results and help you connect authentically with your audience.

Explore a refreshing approach to marketing that goes beyond social media. This blog shares actionable strategies like long-form content creation, PR opportunities, and authentic networking to help small businesses and entrepreneurs build lasting connections and achieve sustainable growth. Step into 2025 with intentional marketing that aligns with your values and vision.

Marketing doesn’t have to feel forced. If traditional sales funnels feel too cold or transactional, it’s time to rethink your approach. In this guide, we’ll break down how to build an ethical, sustainable customer journey that nurtures potential clients with care, thoughtful UX/UI, and seamless brand strategy. Learn how to create an experience that guides—not pushes—your audience toward working with you in a way that feels natural, aligned, and deeply human.

Discover a creative and intuitive approach to planning your new year as a small business owner. This guide shares practical steps for designing a purposeful and aligned business strategy without the rigidity of traditional planning.

Sustainability alone isn’t sufficient to address the challenges facing our planet and communities. This blog explores how small business owners can embrace regenerative and restorative approaches to create lasting impact. From ethical practices to rethinking waste, overconsumption, and community engagement, discover actionable steps to redefine success for your business while prioritizing people and the planet.

Discover the four stages of business development and learn when to hire branding and marketing experts to elevate your business. From startup to sustain, align your strategy, systems, and design with your goals for sustainable growth.

In this comprehensive guide, explore the distinctions between community-based business models and traditional approaches. This blog delves into the essence of social enterprises, highlighting their commitment to social impact, community involvement, and sustainability. Learn how adopting a community-centered approach can redefine your business, enhance brand loyalty, and contribute to positive social change. Whether you're considering a shift to a social enterprise model or simply curious about the benefits of community-based business practices, this guide provides valuable insights and practical steps to make a meaningful difference in today's market.

Learn what it means to practice sustainable business in 2024. This guide explores sustainability strategies, the Triple Bottom Line, and actionable steps to create lasting impact.