Her Show Was Canceled – But the Setback Taught Busy Philipps a Powerful Lesson for Creators and Entrepreneurs Learn how Busy Philipps built a trusted personal brand by embracing unfiltered honesty, turning vulnerability into influence and redefining what authentic connection looks like in the world of celebrity entrepreneurship and digital marketing.

By Emily Washcovick Edited by Jessica Thomas

Key Takeaways

  • Don’t just showcase polished outcomes. The messy, behind-the-scenes moments are what build deeper connections.
  • Choose brand partnerships based on shared values, not just reach. Authentic alignment leads to lasting success.
  • Engage meaningfully with your audience. Every message or comment is a chance to nurture loyalty and community.

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Busy Philipps wasn't trying to disrupt the celebrity marketing model when she first cried on Instagram stories. She wasn't pitching brand deals or testing a strategy. She was just being real. But it turns out that unfiltered vulnerability — streamed to millions — wasn't just cathartic. It was transformative.

Long before "authentic marketing" became a buzzword, Philipps was living it. And in doing so, the Freaks and Geeks and Dawson's Creek actress discovered something Hollywood had long taught her to avoid: Being yourself online can actually be a superpower.

"Since I was a teenager, how I was portrayed in the media was always just very dependent on a reporter and the space they had allotted for a profile of a young actress like myself," Philipps says. "I loved being able to have a direct line to people… being able to put [myself] directly out to the fans."

Philipps' Instagram stories marked a turning point in how she connected with the public. Rather than polished outcomes, she shared messy, behind-the-scenes moments to build deeper connections. And after years of curated press coverage and red carpet appearances, social media gave her the chance to control her own narrative and pursue opportunities she was passionate about.

Related: From Pennies to Millions: What It Felt Like to Make Money for the First Time

Her breakthrough moment came after her first late-night show, Busy Tonight, was canceled. In the old celebrity playbook, that kind of public career pivot would've been tightly managed. Philipps took another route — she processed her disappointment openly. "Oh, honey, I dwell," she says. "I was just deeply feeling the injustice of the thing…but the more meetings we took, the more I thought, Why do these people get to determine what success looks like for me?"

Instead of jumping on the next available offer, Philipps paused and listened to her instincts. She passed on a major deal, ultimately paving the way for her QVC series, Busy This Week. "I called [executive producer Caissie St. Onge] and said, 'Just hear me out. I feel like we can go directly to advertisers and get them to fund our talk show.'"

That gut-driven decision led Philipps to a larger realization: Creators could bypass traditional gatekeepers and build something of their own. For entrepreneurs, the takeaway is equally powerful: Don't just chase the next opportunity. Wait for the one that aligns with your values.

Related: 5 Secrets to Success From a Sustainable Business That's Grown 95% in 3 Years

Today, Philipps is much more than an actress — she's a producer, podcast host, QVC personality and investor in mission-driven brands. What sets her apart isn't just the breadth of her work, but the intentional way she uses her influence. On her QVC series, every product is selected with purpose, and many sell out quickly.

"There was a dress that Caissie wore that sold out immediately," Philipps shares. "And when Tina Fey was on the show, there was this slightly terrifying Christmas squirrel that she had a lot to say about — but that squirrel sold out less than a week later."

As a late-night host, Philipps' approach is collaborative, honest and driven by care — a strategy that any entrepreneur can learn from. "I might be a f****** visionary, but I didn't go to business school, and I don't know how to code," she says. "You're only as good as the people you're working with. QVC has been an incredible partner because they're open to all the ideas."

Related: Want to Work With Influencers? Here's What Small Business Owners Need to Know.

Philipps brings that same mindset to investing. She doesn't partner with a brand unless she believes in it. "With [BEHAVE Candy], I literally was just buying it," she says. "Then my agent brought it to me, and I was like. 'Familiar with the brand? I literally have it in my pantry.'"

What matters most to Philipps is the "why" behind a business. The brands she supports, including BEHAVE and Period., share a common purpose. They're built by founders who care about making a positive impact, not just turning a profit.

"We have a surplus of s*** in the world, so…why? Why do we want it? Why do we need it? What good is it to the world? And what good are you gonna be to the world?"

By leading with her values, Philipps has built a following that trusts her deeply, supporting the products and platforms she stands behind. That connection is the foundation of long-term influence. Whether you're an actress or a small business owner, people are attracted to authenticity with a purpose.

As Philipps puts it: "Is it doing something good in the world? That's what matters to me."

These are some of the principles that Philipps followed to get to where she is today:

  • Own your voice. Don't wait for permission to share your story. People connect with truth more than polish.
  • Take your time. It's okay to dwell after a setback. Wait for what feels right.
  • Surround yourself with great people. Your team matters. Find people who fill in the gaps and support your vision.
  • Invest in alignment. Don't chase influence—cultivate values-based partnerships.
  • Turn missteps into momentum. Even a public failure can become a launching pad if handled with transparency and care.

Related: This Local Bakery Has Lines Out the Door. Here Are the Secrets to Its Success.

Emily Washcovick

Small Business Expert at Yelp

As Yelp’s Small Business Expert, Emily is meticulously focused on helping local business owners succeed and grow. Her expertise lies in customer engagement, reputation management, and all things digital marketing. Through speaking engagements and thought leadership, Emily shares industry insights that entrepreneurs in any business category can leverage for the growth and well-being of their businesses. She is also the host of Behind the Review, a podcast from Yelp and Entrepreneur Media, where each episode features conversations with a business owner and a reviewer about the story and lessons behind their interactions.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

'One of the Most Consequential Bills Ever': Here's How the 'Big, Beautiful Bill' Will Affect Small Businesses

President Donald Trump is expected to sign the multi-trillion-dollar bill on July 4.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Growing a Business

Why Storytelling (Not Selling) Is Your Most Powerful Branding Tool

A thought leader is a sum of their stories. Learn why sharing your unique thoughts, feelings and perspectives can help you stand apart from other experts in your field.

Money & Finance

How Much Money Do You Need to Retire Comfortably in Your State? Here's the Breakdown.

Regardless of where you spend your golden years, it pays to be realistic about the cost of living.

Side Hustle

She and Her Sister Started a Side Hustle to Help People Elevate Their Homes — Now Their Brand Pulls In Hundreds of Millions: 'Get to Work'

When Lee Mayer moved from New York City to Denver, Colorado, she wanted to find an affordable, fun way to decorate her home.

Business News

Starbucks Is Offering Executives $6 Million Performance-Based Stock Grants

Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol is offering leadership stock grants if they can "meaningfully" reduce operating expenses.