Almost everything that’s changed the world in a positive way has been an unreasonable idea. It’s unreasonable, until it’s commons sense. That’s how change happens and so in order to make a difference in the world, it’s incredibly important to be able to ignore the naysayers. Some of the best and brightest from our community share their stories and advice below.
Mandy Siess
During a personal event that took place with a past church, there were many people who thought negatively about me. With no proven reason, they created this false narrative and spread it throughout the community of my closest friends. After my divorce, I found my safe place in this church so once rumors spread it was time for me to stand on my own two feet again and leave quickly. With a lot of negativity surrounding this experience, plus the people who do not respect female business owners, I had to learn quickly to not let what other people think impact my life. Read more>>
Amy Mccorkle
It’s odd. They say you’re never a hero in your hometown. That is so true for me. I am from Louisville area in Kentucky. It’s like shouting into the wind here. However when I went north to Ohio and west to Vegas and California I earned respect and built a team. Read more>>
Sarah May
First and foremost, I’m excited to address these questions, as I believe they are all crucial to the journey of becoming a successful entrepreneur. Success often involves taking risks, following your heart, trusting your instincts, and pursuing your dreams—no matter how unconventional they may seem. If you believe in your vision, keep believing and keep pushing forward, regardless of the obstacles or criticism you may face. Read more>>
Aurora Echo
I have an indestructible self-belief, because I know myself: I am a loving, kind person with integrity–brimming over with potential to create and shape the world around me. So although it is nonetheless hurtful and unfortunate that there are people and cultural systems that do not support, or even work to oppress, my efforts with statements such as “No, you can’t”, or “You won’t”, or they tell me “It’s impossible”, I know very well that I not only can, and will persist, I will actually persevere. That it is simply a matter time and effort; comprised of impassioned persistence and ultimate perseverance. Read more>>
Anastasia Zielinski
When I was younger, negative comments and naysayers only fueled my drive. Every time someone doubted me or suggested I needed to get a “real” job; it only motivated me to prove them wrong. Nowadays, I’ve learned to ignore those voices. I’m confident in myself and my talent, and I know I make a positive impact on the world around me. Read more>>
Brittniee Simmone
For me, I don’t care what people think of me. My daddy always told me to be me no matter what people think. I create the life and image that makes me happy. I Don’t care how people feel about me is none of my business fr fr. Read more>>
Shannon Pruitt
Oof, the haters and nay-sayers, right? Here’s the thing—if you’re going to do anything bold or different, not everyone is going to clap for you, and that’s fine. I don’t persist despite the haters; I persist because of the people I serve. Read more>>
Tiffany, Veronica, And Andrea T.
Haters are going to be haters! I’ve always felt like if you don’t have haters you are doing something wrong. A lot of people doubted us. A lot of people who are close to us don’t think we will ever make it any further than we are now or believe the fact that we made it this far therefore they don’t support us. Don’t even let anyone dim your light or make you feel like you shouldn’t pursue your dreams. Keep doing you and keep pushing your forward. Read more>>
Gotti
I’m use to people being intimidated by me. I’m not everyone’s cup of tea because I’m very confident within myself. I have a lot of self love and very in tuned with myself and emotions. I can come off as too much or iffy for someone who is not as confident within. Despite the hater I stay persistent by using them as a motivation. It’s a fuel that makes me go even harder. If you think deeper a hater don’t really hate you, it’s an insecurity they have within that reflex where they want to be. I’ve always remember if a person try to bring you down, they’re already below you. Read more>>
Andy Jo
I have found hope in connecting with people committed to sustainable lifestyles and living their values by caring about the planet and about each other.
We started Soilmate in 2022 with the mission to bring to South Florida an accessible and easy way to compost from homes and businesses. And, after countless online interactions with nay-sayers, I can confidently say we’re on the right side of history. There will always be people who don’t see things the way we do – and we both understand and appreciate it. They make us challenge our environment and of our assumptions – it helps us keep growing. Read more>>
Melvina Bryant
I persist despite haters and naysayers by focusing on my inner strengths and staying true to my purpose. I remind myself that their negativity often reflects their insecurities, not my abilities. I use my childhood experience of spending time alone, reading, and writing poetry to sharpen my focus and visualize my goals. I filter out unhelpful criticism, surround myself with supportive people, and turn negativity into motivation. Read more>>
Kristina Bozanich
It is strange, I know, for a creative director / photographer such as myself to be such a voice and position in the local LGBTQ+ community. It was a shock to many people, including myself, to be brought into a political battle when the pride event that I was hosting had to be canceled during the tumultuous law changes in 2023. Regardless of the cancellation of that event, and full success of our recent rebranded, community-involved “Proud in the Cloud”, I’ve learned that when you overcome the hate and negativity with such purpose and value, it is truly worth the fight. Read more>>
Alex Calle
I found that It’s much easier to persist through the nay-sayers if you are doing, achieving, creating or helping something that is bigger than you. A purpose or ideal that doesn’t just serve you and yours but that answers a bigger question. Armed with that purpose, roadblocks don’t stand a chance. If the roadblock doesn’t understand or want to help the cause you are championing… their loss. The great thing about our world is there are 8.99999 billion other people you can talk too. Chances are, this ONE roadblock isn’t the ONLY way to get to where you’re going. Pivot and go inspire someone else. NEXT! Read more>>
