When I started Meraki Group in 2021, it was just me — one laptop, a few growing creators who trusted me, and a lot of trial by fire. For the first four years, I handled everything alone: pitching, negotiating, contracts, invoices, even chasing down late payments. Only this year did I finally bring on an assistant.

Running a 7-figure agency as a “small team” has taught me something important: boutique isn’t a weakness. It’s actually our strength.

Here are three lessons I’ve learned:

1. Brands know exactly who they’re working with.
When brands reach out to Meraki, they’re talking directly to me. There’s no endless chain of CCs, no handoffs to a different manager who may or may not know the context. I’m reachable, and I’m the one who also works closely with our creators day to day. That level of directness saves everyone time.

2. Flexibility wins.
In a smaller agency, there’s room to be flexible. Creators aren’t boxed into rigid templates, and brands aren’t stuck with cookie-cutter campaign processes. We can adjust quickly — whether that’s reshaping a timeline, brainstorming fresh concepts, or spotting a better fit for a brand.

3. Relationships stay personal.
Because I keep our roster tight, I know my creators beyond their follower count. And the brands I work with recognize me, not just a logo. It’s personal on both sides — and that’s why brands often come back, even years later.

For me, “Where Talent Comes First, and Brands Come Back” isn’t just a tagline. It’s the core of how I run Meraki. Putting creators first means I advocate for their worth, protect their time, and make sure they feel supported beyond just landing deals. And when talent feels prioritized, brands notice — because happy, supported creators produce their best work.

On the other side, brands come back because we’re easy to work with. They know they can reach me directly, that I’ll communicate quickly, and that I understand my creators inside and out. No layers, no waiting on someone’s PTO — just clear, human relationships that make campaigns run smoothly.

Running lean means running close — close to my team, my creators, and my partners. That closeness is exactly why both sides keep trusting us.

If you’re a brand, creator, or manager reading this — what’s one advantage you’ve found in staying small?