Better Than the Vision Board

A little moment of vulnerability today… I told my therapist this month that 2026 is already shaping up to be the year I hoped 2025 would be. And while a part of me can’t help but think, “well, it didn’t exactly happen as I hoped,” I also know that it’s happening now because that’s how and when it was meant to. If things hadn’t unfolded the way they did this year, I wouldn’t even be in the position to make these goals happen for myself, and that perspective has been grounding.

Q1 and Q2 were about celebrating love (even during my own heartbreak) and navigating the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. Q3 and Q4 of 2025 were full of milestones and subtle reminders that growth shows up in layers and in ways you don't always expect. Some of this year's highlights:

• Making history as the first creator economy lawyer to testify on Capitol Hill

• Professionally, Kayla Moran Law had its best year yet, and I’m humbled by the clients, colleagues, and community that made that possible. 

• New career opportunities came my way, from speaking and teaching opportunities, special projects I’m working on, and more, so stay tuned

• I created a holistic (mental and physical) wellness routine I can actually manage and that I enjoy

• For the first time in a long time, or maybe ever, I feel genuinely comfortable in my financial footing, a place that allows for planning, investing, and dreaming a little bigger

• I’m preparing to move out of my childhood home for the last time (after 7 years away at school, I’ve been back for a little over 3), stepping into a space that truly feels my own

• My 10-year high school reunion (see recap)

This year also reminded me that we CAN have it all, but NOT all at once: Life is a series of tradeoffs, and learning to embrace that truth of letting go of the need to have everything perfectly aligned at the same time has been one of the most freeing lessons of 2025. And why does it feel like 2025 was even better than my vision board?

2025 was the year I finally let go and started trusting the process. I know, I know, I’ve said it before. But I’ve always been the type-A person, micromanaging, wishing, hoping behind the scenes. But this year, between economic downturns and business lows, losing friends and relationships I prayed for, and everything in between, I had no choice but to let go if I wanted to make ends meet. And of course, it worked out. Letting go wasn’t easy, but it showed me that trusting the process doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means showing up, doing your part, and allowing life to meet you where it is.

Looking back, I see that 2025 was quietly laying the foundation for everything I’m stepping into in 2026, both personally and professionally. And for that, I am deeply grateful.

Goals for 2026

As I step into 2026, my focus isn’t just on doing more it’s on doing what matters, better. This next year feels like a season of expansion with intention, where growth looks like impact, alignment, and building a life that supports the work (not the other way around).

One of my biggest goals for 2026 is stepping onto even bigger stages including speaking at industry conferences such as Creator Economy Live, VidCon, SXSW and/or Cannes Lions. Sharing the intersection of law, entrepreneurship, and creativity in rooms that shape culture feels like a natural next step, and one I’m excited to work toward.

At the firm, the goal is continued sustainable growth increasing revenue and impact, while expanding the team in a way that supports both our clients and our internal culture. I want Kayla Moran Law to keep growing not just in size, but in the depth of service and clarity we bring to business owners.

Marketing is another major focus for the year ahead. In 2026, I’m committed to leveling up how we show up, tell our story, and connect with the people who need our work most with more strategy, creativity, and consistency behind the scenes.

I also plan to say yes to more teaching opportunities, continuing to work with law schools, companies and entrepreneurial spaces that value practical education and honest conversations about building careers outside the traditional mold.

Beyond the business, I’m focused on building long-term stability. Growing my investment portfolio is a priority in 2026 making intentional, informed decisions that support both freedom and future flexibility.

Outside of work, there are goals that matter just as much AND most importantly, feel within reach: buying a house, celebrating life in a big way, from cheering on my law school best friend as she turns 30 and my childhood best friend as she gets married, and of course stepping into our next chapters of life together. The intention for the year ahead is simplified in two words, presence and joy.

2026 isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress and building a future that feels aligned from every angle. And I’m excited to see where it leads!

TikTok Wrap Up

2025 chronically started the two major legal battles that defined the year: Blake Lively v Jason Baldoni and the Tik Tok Ban. So, here’s the scoop: TikTok has officially been sold. 

After over a year of uncertainty with lots of headlines, rumors, and speculation. The app is being sold off to a group of majority American investors.

The deal is being led by Oracle, Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi-based MGX, who together will control 45% of TikTok. Parent company ByteDance, the Chinese company that originally created TikTok, will keep 20%, which satisfies PAFACA, the U.S. law designed to limit foreign control of apps with access to American users’ data. That said, under the deal ByteDance will still control the algorithm, which is basically the magic behind the For You Page. 

The deal is expected to close by January 22, 2026.

If you’re not following the news closely, here’s why this matters: TikTok has become a major platform for American society as a whole, controlling how information is shared and democratized, generations learn and of course creators, small businesses, and brands. Any major change in ownership can affect everything from how content is distributed to the monetization tools the creator economy relies on. In other words, it’s a good time to think strategically about your presence on the platform, diversifying and owning your audience. 

Here’s a friendly PSA for anyone who depends on TikTok:

• Diversify your platforms. Don’t put all your eggs in one app. You never know what changes may come.

• Read your contracts carefully, especially TikTok Shop and Creator Marketplace agreements — your agreements may have clauses affected by ownership changes.

• Download and back up your content. Having copies of your videos, captions, and analytics is always smart.

• Build off-platform assets — email lists, websites, and communities give you a space you fully control.

Platforms change fast, and your business shouldn’t rely on just one. TikTok is still a huge opportunity, but thinking ahead and building a safety net will save headaches later and give you a little peace of mind while you keep creating. Follow me on LinkedIn for more tips.

Outro

As I wrap up the Year of the Snake, I’ve found myself reflecting more often. Not to rush into what’s next, but to really sit with what I shed this year. This was a year that didn’t just move both way too slowly and way too quickly; it layered lessons, growth, and perspective in a way that only becomes clear when you finally slow down enough to notice it. It’s absolutely setting me up for the Year of the Horse to come.

There were grounding moments, like my high school reunion, that reminded me how varied this journey has really been and how far I’ve come. There were personal milestones too, from turning 28 to finding the right therapist. 

One of the greatest lessons this year came from learning that building a life and building a business often happen side by side, whether you feel fully ready or not. And there were moments of balance that mattered just as much as the work: a girls’ trip to Palm Beach, a few meaningful trips to New York for both work and fun, including walking in a charity fashion show close to my heart (one I’m still supporting, and they’re still accepting donations if you need a tax deduction!), experiencing Epic Universal during media previews, an Indian wedding for a college friend, watching two more friends marry the loves of their lives, and a reset in Mexico that gave me space to breathe and reflect.

Professionally, 2025 asked me to grow in ways I didn’t always anticipate but absolutely needed and I’m deeply grateful for the trust that made that possible. 

In the chaos, Kayla Moran Law turned two, and with that milestone came a clearer sense of responsibility and purpose. The firm experienced meaningful 100% YoY growth, welcomed new clients, and continued to evolve thoughtfully and sustainably. I’m thankful for opportunities that allowed me to give back to the legal community, working with UM and FIU Law, creating and teaching a course through the Stoops Center for Law and Business at FSU Law, and speaking with students at St. Thomas and Stetson law schools too.

I’m especially grateful for the chance to speak on Capitol Hill, a moment that reminded me how important it is to lend your voice when you’re given the opportunity. Being featured in my alma mater’s Entrepreneurship Center magazine was another humbling, full-circle experience I don’t take lightly (check it out here).

Behind the scenes, the firm grew in ways that mattered most. Hiring Emilee, watching her be accepted into law school, bringing on a law clerk and hiring a fractional COO were reminders that growth isn’t just measured in numbers, it’s measured in people, mentorship, and shared progress.

As I say goodbye to 2025, I’m carrying a deep sense of appreciation for the lessons, the support, the trust, and the moments that shaped this year into what it was. Not everything was easy, but it was intentional. And as we step into 2026, I’m excited to keep building, learning, and growing alongside you with clarity, purpose, and a little more space to appreciate the journey as it unfolds.

Thank you for being part of this year, this firm, and this season. I hope your Hanukkah, Christmas, Holidays, and time away from the hustle and bustle — time with family, friends, and yourself — were everything you needed them to be. Wishing you all a happy week of not having a single plan and letting it all unfold, and of course, a Happy New Year!

Keep Up with Kayla and Kayla Moran Law

Make sure you eat your 12 grapes and eat your lentejas to bring in the good luck!

See you in 2026, 

Xo

Kayla