Having hates is an inevitable part of any bold journey – everyone who has made a difference in the world has had doubters and critics. As natural as haters might be, in the age of social media it’s become harder and hard to ignore them – and so we asked some brilliant creatives and entrepreneurs to tell us how they deal with haters.
Juan Sandoval
In Colombia, as a journalist, I often faced significant challenges from groups resistant to the truth . There was a lot of hostility towards reporters who tried to investigate issues deeply. That experience taught me resilience, discretion, and the importance of staying committed to the truth, no matter the obstacles. Read More>>
Valerie Unruh
I was born with a passion for 2-dimensional art. That passion is what helped me become persistant in following through with entering art shows and becoming an art instructor. My family, my ex-husband and his family did not support my passion. They found ways to try to sabotage that passion. I didn’t push that passion aside. Read More>>
Jeanette Ivey
I’ve learned that people’s projections often have very little to do with me and everything to do with their own unhealed parts. When I stopped taking things personally, it became easier to stay grounded in my purpose. I built my business from the ground up, and there were plenty of people who doubted me some quietly, some loudly. Read More>>
Raven Armando Astone
I take this as an opportunity to better myself. Do you ever notice, haters and nay-sayers are like crabs in a bucket. When one crab claws his way to the top, the other crabs at the bottom will continue to pull the top crab down, trying to keep it from succeeding and crawling out of the bucket. Read More>>
Jaclyn Albergoni
I love this question because I think it touches on one of the main reasons so many people don’t follow their passion — we give other people’s opinions way too much value. Here’s how I see it: I only take advice or give weight to someone’s opinion if they’re already successful in the field I’m pursuing. Read More>>
Veronica Cianfrano
I know how annoying it sounds, but the thing that keeps me from getting dragged into impossible expectations or the perceptions of others is gratitude and perspective. I am sitting here typing this with my dog by my side and my husband in the kitchen making dinner. I am safe, warm, and loved. Everyone I love is safe, and they know that I love them. Read More>>
Tris Sutherland
Any hate I see online or otherwise, I actually smile, because I know that if you are able to generate that sort of reaction from some people, that actually means you are doing something right. Read More>>
Latasha Burger
I’ve learned to shift my perspective on haters and nay-sayers. I’ve realized that often, their negativity isn’t truly about me, it reflects their own fears, insecurities, or frustrations. Sometimes they project their self-doubt onto others, or they’re simply envious of the courage it takes to pursue what I’m doing. Read More>>
Baizhuan Wan
In the film industry—especially in production—competition is fierce. There are always more people than positions, and sometimes it’s not even about making enemies. Your working style, or even a small mistake, can become the seed of rumors that spread quickly. One person says something, and suddenly ten others repeat it, until it feels like the entire industry has heard. Read More>>
Autumn Spears
I know who I am, and I’ve accepted that I have to live a life that’s true to me, my passions and talents. It’s not easy walking in that truth everyday, being an artist in a world that’s constantly telling you to find ‘a real job’. But I know that I’m not supposed to live what some might consider a ‘normal life’. Read More>>
Mindy Hamilton
Resilience has been everything for me. When you build something from the ground up — especially something rooted in creativity and connection — not everyone will understand your vision. I’ve learned that the noise, the doubt, and the criticism often come when you’re doing something worth noticing. Read More>>
Dave Guthrie
For me this has always been a big motivator. Most likely derived from my stubbornness. Hahaha. Being told I can’t do something only motivates me further. For me the reward of proving negative beliefs wrong far outweighs not trying. Facing adversity and challenge perpetuates resilience and adaptability. Read More>>
Andrew Leahan & Ryan Bishop
We stayed committed to our vision despite the doubts and skepticism from others by focusing on what felt right for us and what brought us joy. Life is too short not to pursue what makes you happy. Starting a business came with its fair share of challenges, and we were well aware of the statistics about how many new businesses don’t succeed. Read More>>
Shawnae Belanger
I keep moving forward, no matter what others say. Most of the time, their opinions come from an outdated version of me or from their own insecurities. Instead of asking questions or seeking to understand, they focus on negativity…hoping it will slow me down. It doesn’t. I just remind myself that what other people say about me is none of my business. Read More>>
Rebecca Steele
Finding Strength Beyond Betrayal: Reclaiming My Voice and Vision This past year has been one of deep reinvention. Many who know my work through The Well at Tecolote, or Tonantzin Botanicals may not realize that before building this space, I co-owned and operated a successful garden company for four years. Read More>>
Dro T
The more I’ve walked into my purpose, destiny, and calling, the more I’ve experienced jealousy, hate, and envy. From 2019 until 2023? That’s a whole book and movie worthy story about constant and intense jealousy. I mean wicked, unnecessary levels of sabotage, betrayal, and hate. The bright side of things is that those experiences pushed me right into my destiny unknowingly. Read More>>
Trevor J. Brown
One of my favorite bands is Coldplay. I saw an interview once with their front man Chris Martin. It seems like people really enjoy Coldplay or they despise them. Well, Chris said it best in this interview I saw. He said something like, if you like what we do, thank you for coming along with us on this journey. Read More>>
Alexandria Vargas
I’ve learned that I don’t owe access to everyone. It’s okay to unfollow, mute, or block people who bring negativity into my creative space. Protecting my peace lets me focus on what actually matters. People will doubt you until they can’t ignore you, so I just keep going. I make my art, set up my booth, ship my orders, and stay consistent. Read More>>
Derrick DeLeon
I’ve learned over time that we hold our feelings to a high standard and an uncontrollable standard. Its easy to retaliate and give someone that same energy because all that haters are familiar with is that negative energy, so why not give them something unfamiliar. Read More>>
Alana Vorda
When I started my business, no one in my family was exactly thrilled—which I think is pretty common. The people closest to you usually just want what’s best for you, and that often means they don’t want to see you struggle or fail. Read More>>
Jennifer Stank
Honestly, I’m not sure when it happened, but at some point I just stopped caring what people thought and I stopped needing other people’s approval. For the longest time, it felt like at every turn someone had an opinion about why I’d fail, how I was doing it wrong, or why I’d regret leaving the safety of a full-time job. The wildest part? Read More>>
Natalie Matesic
I’ve learned that being in this industry, putting myself out there, and sharing what I have to offer naturally comes with both a healthy dose of admiration and a steady stream of judgment. It’s part of the deal. People will project. They’ll misunderstand you, distort your intentions, and try to poke holes in things they secretly wish they had the courage to create. Read More>>
Rian Wyld
I persist despite haters trying to bring me down by remembering why I started and giving myself permission to fully live my truth. I have a deep passion for music and expressing my emotions through songwriting. Through writing music, I have gotten through the darkest times in my life. Read More>>
