Blink, and you’ll miss it—but somehow, Moxie Creative has wrapped up its second year. The past 12 months have been a whirlwind of growth, creativity, and plenty of laughs. As we celebrated this milestone, our team sat down on the Behind the Brand podcast to reflect on what made this year so special, from standout client projects to hard-won lessons and everything in between.
Celebrating the Moments That Defined Year Two
When the team was asked about their favorite moments from the past year, the answers came fast—and with plenty of laughter. Kelly pointed to At Ease, an unforgettable night of duck races, cocktails, and the kind of camaraderie that defines the Moxie culture. It wasn’t just a party—it was a reminder that hard work and strong teamwork are worth celebrating.
Michael’s highlight? Winning “Best in Show” for the Promenade campaign with the YMCA. Taking home such a prestigious award in only our second year felt surreal. “After just two years, to be recognized like that… it’s special,” Michael shared. It’s not just about the trophy; it’s about knowing the work we pour our energy into makes an impact.
Taylor’s favorite milestone was launching this very podcast. What started as a “should we?” idea quickly grew into one of the team’s favorite monthly rituals. “I wasn’t sure I’d love podcasting,” Taylor admitted. “But sitting down for real conversations with our team and clients has been a game-changer.”
Projects That Left a Mark
Year two was defined by projects that pushed boundaries. One standout was the Trust Real Estate brand identity. “From day one, it felt like everything just clicked,” Kelly recalled. The color palette, logo design, and tone felt so tailored to the client that it couldn’t have belonged to anyone else.
The team also loved working on the Downtown St. Cloud Alliance logo. With bold colors and a community-centered vision, it gave Moxie a chance to create something vibrant and meaningful for the local area. “It’s not always about whether it’s my personal style,” Michael said. “It’s about what fits the client—and this one nailed it.”
And then there was Sip and Pass, a moonshine label project that allowed the team to stretch their creative muscles. “We went from literal designs to a more playful, unexpected take,” Taylor explained. “It was just fun to create something that felt alive.”
Other highlights included designing wedding invitations, tackling the Milk & Honey music series, and creating projects that weren’t just about client deliverables but about personal connection.
What We Learned Along the Way
Success never comes without challenges, and this year taught us some big lessons. One of the biggest takeaways was the importance of valuing our time and work. “There’s a temptation to say yes to everything,” Kelly shared, “but we’ve learned that the right clients are worth waiting for—and the wrong ones aren’t worth the stress.”
Another lesson? Boundaries are non-negotiable. From setting fair pricing to pursuing legal action when necessary, Moxie doubled down on the principle that creative work has real value. As Taylor put it: “It’s not just about what we can do, but what we should do.”
The Team That Makes It Happen
Year two wasn’t just about projects—it was about people. The addition of Tyler brought new energy, especially in video and photography. “He’s been such a strong addition,” Michael noted. “Not just in skills, but in personality and teamwork.”
Michael himself stepped into an expanded leadership role, mentoring younger designers like Mo and Brittany while balancing his own creative workload. “It’s not just about doing the work,” he explained. “It’s about guiding the team to make the work even better.”
Taylor highlighted how these dynamics have created a stronger, more collaborative culture. “We’re constantly sharing feedback and bouncing ideas,” she said. “It’s not about perfection—it’s about getting there together.”
Investing in Our Future
This past year, we also decided to focus on “better, not busier.” We invested in upgraded camera equipment, new video production workflows, and a refined approach to content creation. “Video is becoming a huge part of what we do,” Taylor said. “With Isabella and Tyler leading the charge, we’re pushing our content to the next level.”
We also practiced what we preach by refreshing our own marketing. From eye-catching billboards to a website redesign and a consistent email strategy, Moxie Creative doubled down on its own brand identity. “We always say it’s hard to market yourself when you’re busy marketing everyone else,” Kelly joked. “But this year, we made it a priority—and it paid off.”
Why We Still Love This Work
As the podcast wrapped, Taylor asked a simple but powerful question: What still lights you up about this work? For Kelly, it’s all about strategy. “I love that moment when I see exactly how we can help a client,” she shared. “That’s where I find my spark.”
Michael still feels that thrill when a new website goes live. “It never gets old watching something we’ve built come to life,” he said. And for Taylor, it’s writing. “Whenever I get the chance to sit down and write, I’m reminded of why I started doing this in the first place,” she said.
Key Takeaways from Year Two at Moxie Creative
- Connection matters as much as awards. The memories made as a team often mean more than any accolade.
- Boundaries protect your work. Knowing when to say no is as powerful as saying yes.
- Passion fuels creativity. Projects that feel personal lead to our best work.
- Collaboration drives excellence. The best ideas rarely come from one person alone.
- Your own brand needs care, too. Our website, podcast, and social content got a refresh—and it worked.
- Keep chasing what lights you up. Creativity thrives when you stay connected to your “why.”
Tune In and Get Inspired
If year two taught us anything, it’s that the Moxie approach is working. We’re not aiming to hustle harder—we’re aiming to create smarter, build better, and keep raising the bar for ourselves and our clients.
Thanks to everyone—clients, collaborators, and supporters—who’s been with us on this journey. Year three is already shaping up to be our best yet.
