In a year marked by bold pivots and personal reinvention, a wave of familiar faces and inspiring newcomers are shaking up the world of entertainment and lifestyle. From beloved TV stars stepping into new creative arenas to young adults forging unconventional career paths, 2025 is shaping up to be a year for chasing dreams—and sometimes, changing names along the way.
Joanna Gaines, the powerhouse behind Magnolia Network and a household name for her signature blend of cozy interior design and down-to-earth charm, is embarking on what she calls "the next thing." On August 6, 2025, Gaines and Magnolia Network announced that her new series, Magnolia Table: At the Farm, would not only air on Magnolia Network but also be broadcast concurrently on the Food Network and stream on HBO Max the same day, according to Parade. The show, set to debut on September 7 at 11 a.m. ET/PT, promises a season of six episodes centered on the art of baking—featuring cherished family recipes, seasonal favorites, and simple, sweet comforts.
But this isn’t just a content shift; it’s a philosophical one. In an interview with Delish, Gaines explained, "I never wanted to be, ‘I did design and now I want to move into food.’ I don’t know how to express home without talking about food. Because yes, home is a beautiful space. But it’s also, What are you eating? What are you smelling? Food has so much power." Determined to keep things authentic, Gaines is filming in her actual kitchen and pantry, using a single cameraperson and as few takes as possible. "I literally was like, ‘If I burn it, we’re screwed. But who cares?’ Every time we think about the next thing, we think about how we can connect to people in a way where they feel that gratitude, but they also feel that openness and that vulnerability," she said. Her hope? That viewers feel less like fans and more like friends.
Meanwhile, another familiar face is making headlines for a very different kind of transformation. Aubrey Anderson-Emmons, who rose to fame as Lily Tucker-Pritchett on Modern Family, has officially changed her name to Frances Anderson as she launches a music career. As reported by LADbible on August 11, Anderson—now 18—released her debut EP, Drown, and explained her decision to E! News: "Frances is actually part of my legal name—it’s my middle name, and it’s after my mom’s old family friend. I thought, one, it was a bit shorter than ‘Aubrey Anderson-Emmons.’ I do have a long, hyphenated last name."
Anderson’s pivot to music isn’t entirely out of left field. She’s been taking singing lessons for much of her life and, as LADbible notes, it was during the winding down of Modern Family in 2020 that she realized music was her true passion. "I think I really had to take a step back from acting," she admitted, though she’s quick to add that she plans to return to acting—"100 percent"—in the future. The COVID-19 pandemic saw her picking up the guitar and honing her songwriting skills in high school music class. Anderson’s former onscreen dad, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, has been a vocal supporter, often cheering her on via social media. "He’s always been so supportive," Anderson said.
But it’s not just celebrities who are redefining what it means to build a career. According to a BBC News article published August 13, young adults across the UK are increasingly rejecting the traditional university path in favor of hands-on experience and entrepreneurial ambition. Their stories are as varied as they are inspiring.
Take Lloyd Wakefield, a 29-year-old from Stockport, whose journey from aspiring footballer to award-winning celebrity photographer is anything but conventional. After football didn’t pan out, Wakefield worked at Aldi and discovered photography through a friend’s film camera. Self-taught via YouTube and relentless practice, he started messaging agencies and chasing gigs, eventually landing a backstage slot at Fashion Week. The real breakthrough came when he was tapped to photograph Harry Styles’ Love On Tour, a gig that earned him the title of favorite tour photographer at the 2023 iHeartRadio Awards. Wakefield now runs Lloyd’s Workshop, a creative community for young photographers without formal training. His advice? "There’s no shame in getting a normal job. Use it to fund your passion. Don’t rush it."
Frazer Walsh, 21, from Widnes, shares a similar sentiment. Obsessed with animals since childhood, Walsh found his calling not in a university lecture hall but through a zookeeping apprenticeship at Chester Zoo. "I applied for three different universities but I didn’t want to go—it was just because I felt I had no other option," Walsh told BBC News. Now a qualified keeper, he works independently with lions, a responsibility he describes with palpable pride. "About a year into the apprenticeship, I was finally able to work with the lions by myself. They’re your responsibility then, you’re looking after them, and you take a lot of pride in it. That is something that I’ll always keep with me."
For Thaliqua Smith, 25, from South London, the path to a career in film-making came via a Channel 4 production training scheme rather than a university degree. Smith has since worked on shows like The Apprentice, Naked Attraction, and Rich Flavours with Big Zuu and AJ Tracey, climbing to the role of assistant producer. Her advice for young people is simple: "It’s OK to not have it all figured out. Even people who act like they’ve got it figured out probably don’t." She’s also a vocal advocate for apprenticeships, noting, "They should be promoted way more."
Then there’s 19-year-old Faye Husband from Redcar, whose struggle with chronic fatigue syndrome, Pots, and hypermobility made traditional schooling difficult. After homeschooling and a stint at a support unit, Husband earned A-levels in criminology and psychology. Unsure about university, she turned a long-time hobby—nail art—into a thriving business, Phaze Nails, which she runs from a converted garage at home. "I’ve met so many nice people and made really strong friendships from it," Husband said. Her message to others: "Be kind to yourself. Don’t rush yourself into doing something that you’re not ready to do."
Across these stories, a common thread emerges: the courage to embrace change, the willingness to take risks, and the importance of authenticity—whether that means filming in your own kitchen, changing your name, or simply betting on yourself. As these trailblazers prove, there’s no single path to fulfillment or success. Sometimes, the next thing is the best thing.
