How Kelley Kempel Turned Big Goals Into Real Results with the Squad

Kelley Kempel is the founder of Hidden Path Creative, a solo service provider specializing in design and creative strategy. When she joined the Staying Solo Squad, she was six months into productizing her services and had set bold goals, but felt hesitant about joining another program.

Kelley explains, “I’d tried different masterminds and groups before, and they weren’t always what they were marketed to be. I’d even taken a year off from doing anybody’s group programs because I felt burned.”

But after following Maggie for years and listening to the Staying Solo podcast, Kelley knew the approach would be different.

Says Kelley, “I could just tell that the knowledge Maggie was sharing came from actually doing the work. She’s clear, she’s honest, and she understands what service providers are up against.”

Real Support Without Pressure to Scale

While Kelley had gained momentum in her business, she was lacking the structure and external accountability to push further. She was looking for genuine support from people who understood—people who also ran solo service businesses and weren’t trying to scale in ways that didn’t align.

“It can be really lonely sitting at your desk all day. I wanted a place where I could connect with others who were on the same path, but bringing different perspectives.”

Kelley joined the Squad to find that support, and more importantly, to learn from someone whose strategies she trusted.

“I wanted to learn from Maggie because she always shares both the wins and the realities. She’s not just saying, ‘Do this because it worked for me.’ She says, ‘Here’s what I’ve tried, what worked, and what didn’t—now adapt it for your business.’ That’s huge.”

Moving From Stuck to Strategic

Inside the Squad, Kelley found both strategy and solidarity.

“These are my coworkers, my buddies. The fact that it’s all solo service providers with different experiences creates this vibrant pool of insight on pricing, systems, services, packaging—you name it.”

She also emphasizes how supportive and responsive the community is:

“I know that if I have something hot and I need quick support, I can drop it in Slack and someone will jump in with something insightful or encouraging. It’s not a vacuum.”

As soon as Kelley joined the Squad, she started taking action. 

“One of the first things I did when I joined the Squad was look at my capacity. I tracked my time, which, as a creative, is not my strong suit, but it helped me realize where I needed to adjust pricing. I raised my rates for bigger custom projects and day rates, and I could actually explain the value in proposals.”

And why was this so impactful? 

“Without the Squad, I probably would’ve dragged my feet for months before raising my prices. Even now, I know I could raise them again, and I have the tools to do it.”

Building a More Aligned Business

Now, after a year in the Squad, Kelley has seen measurable shifts in her business, including:

• Overall revenue growth
• Higher pricing and better profitability
• Stronger positioning and value communication in proposals
• Increased sales of her strategy-focused offers

She also credits the Squad for giving her the tools and the courage to take action:

“There’s a confidence that comes from strong education. Maggie isn’t just saying ‘raise your prices’—she gives you the formula, she gives you the rationale, and then she and the community give you the support actually to do it.”

The Magic is The People 

As valuable as the tools and training in the Squad have been, Kelley says the real magic lies in the people.

“I’ve been in other communities where just a couple of people do all the talking. That’s not the case here. Everyone shows up. Everyone’s engaged. It’s a space where you can be honest and get real help in return. They’re my cheerleaders. Whether it’s a client misbehaving or a big win, I know I can share it and get the support or celebration I need. That’s something you just don’t get in most programs.”

So, what would Kelley say to someone on the fence about joining the Squad?

“Do it. Seriously. The value I get out of the Squad is so much more than what I pay. Every month, there’s something new that’s relevant and actionable. You get access to Maggie and Sara’s big, beautiful brains, you’re held accountable, and you’re not doing business alone. Staying solo doesn’t have to mean staying stuck. For me, it’s probably the best money I’ve ever spent.”