Megan Elliott’s journey into entrepreneurship began in 2017 when burnout from nearly a decade in corporate marketing pushed her to rethink her path. Working in a demanding role that clashed with her values had taken a toll on her mental health, leaving Megan searching for a way to reignite her passion for branding and marketing.
Together with her partner Fabio, Megan began freelancing while maintaining her day job. Megan focused on website design and development, while Fabio pursued photography and videography. Their shared experience and vision eventually led them to launch Cedar Creative in 2018, a boutique creative agency dedicated to building values-driven brands for impact-focused companies.
“At Cedar Creative, we take a human-centered approach to branding and marketing,” Megan shares. “I love working closely with my clients to learn what drives them and help integrate their personalities into their businesses. It’s all about creating brands that inspire trust and positive change.”
Tackling Challenges with Self-Care and Support
Starting Cedar Creative wasn’t without its challenges. Megan highlights the importance of balancing business demands with self-care. “As an entrepreneur, you are your business. Taking care of your physical and mental health is an act of caring for your business,” she explains. For Megan, this means meal prepping, scheduling physical activity, taking breaks, and even seeking support from a therapist to ensure she’s showing up as her best self.
Another challenge was carving out a space in a competitive market. “It’s intimidating to put yourself out there, especially when there are so many ‘experts’ in your field,” she says. “But the worst thing you can do is nothing. Don’t play small in your business—show up, create content, and have a voice.”
Megan also speaks candidly about battling self-doubt. “Imposter syndrome is something most entrepreneurs face but rarely talk about. Staying on top of industry trends, building a network, and working with a mentor have helped me push through those moments of doubt.”
Choosing the Right Kind of Hard
When times get tough, Megan reminds herself that both corporate and entrepreneurial paths come with their challenges. “Corporate life was hard and taxing on my mental health. Entrepreneurship is also hard, but it’s the right kind of hard for me. The lows might be lower, but the highs are so much more rewarding.”
One pivotal moment came during a financial dry spell, when Megan questioned whether she was on the right path. “I reminded myself of my goals and pushed through. Within a week, things began to turn around, and inquiries started coming in again.”
Lessons and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For new entrepreneurs, Megan emphasizes the importance of embracing failure. “I wish someone had told me how often I’d fail—and that it wouldn’t be the end of the world. Failure is just a sign you tried something that didn’t work, and it’s an opportunity to learn and grow.”
She also stresses the value of perseverance and tenacity. “With every failure, you have to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep moving forward.”
Celebrating Wins and Looking Ahead
Megan’s proudest moments are tied to her clients’ success. “When clients share unprompted feedback about how we helped them achieve their goals and how supported they felt by my team, it reminds me why I started Cedar Creative.”
Looking to the future, Megan envisions a world where businesses thrive while prioritizing the well-being of their teams. She believes companies can play a role in addressing societal challenges like the loneliness epidemic by fostering creativity, collaboration, and strong communities.
Her ultimate mission? To empower women-led businesses to make a real difference. “I want to help businesses connect with their audience on a deeper level, build strong communities, and inspire positive change. I hope to contribute to a world where businesses can thrive while making a meaningful impact on society.”
For more information about Megan Elliott and Cedar Creative, visit Visit Cedar Creative.