The Creator Middle Class Is Vanishing (And What To Do About It)

I've been saying it for over a year now, and industry data is finally catching up: Mirroring real life: the creator middle class is disappearing.

This isn't just my opinion anymore. Major industry research is confirming what I've seen happening since 2022 – a fundamental market shift that's squeezing out creators who haven't evolved beyond brand deals.

The pattern is clear:

• Brands are using nano creators for affordable content creation (CGC)

• Affiliate programs are taking over traditional sponsored content

• Most partnership budgets are going to fewer, more influential voices

For lifestyle micro-influencers especially (under 100K followers), the window to make a living from brand deals alone is closing fast.

But here's what I want you to understand: This isn't the end of opportunity – it's the beginning of something better.

As I've watched this shift happening, I've observed that the most successful creators don't stay "creators" forever. They evolve through three distinct phases:

CREATOR → FOUNDER → ICON

The Creator phase is where everyone starts – building audience, landing initial partnerships, establishing your foundation.

But the Founder phase is where sustainable businesses happen – developing products, establishing multiple revenue streams, and building something that generates income whether or not brands decide to work with you.

And the Icon phase? This is where true wealth creation happens – when you've built something so valuable that you become the standard others want to follow.

You might have noticed I recently restructured The Suite Society around these phases, because I want to meet you exactly where you are on this journey.

You can take a look at these levels in the community, the revenue goals attached, and how the perks can transform your business. One of the main benefits? Daily, weekly, and monthly access to me for brand contacts, pricing help, and revenue strategy.

The truth is, I care too much about this community to sugarcoat what's happening. The days of making a sustainable living by posting sponsored content are ending for many creators.

In fact so many creators have told me Q4 2024 (which is always when creators make the most money) was their lowest paid quarter since before the pandemic! Digiday also published "'There are too many creators': Confessions of a creator going back to a 9-to-5 for the stability" and it really drives the point home.

But the opportunity to build something bigger has never been more clear. There have never been more resources to help you take your passion and not only turn it into a sustainable business, but make you wealthier than you ever thought possible. In 2019 YouTuber Ms. Rachel was a music teacher in a NYC public school and now she’s worth over $10 MILLION DOLLARS.

The question now isn't whether you should evolve – it's how quickly you can do it.

Here's to building something bigger,

Brittany

P.S. Not sure which phase you're in? I'm offering a limited number of Creator Evolution Calls to help you identify exactly where you are and create a roadmap for what's next:

• 30-Minute Evolution Call: perfect for early-stage creators

• 60-Minute Deep Dive: recommended for established creators ready to scale

Use the links to snag your seat. Only 5 in each category available.