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.
Andrea Tassoni
I do believe, that as women, often times the biggest nay-sayer is the voice in our own head. Starting a new career well into my fifties after previously being an educator and then a stay at home mom, well let’s just say I was my own worst critic. And I’m pretty sure that others saw this as a little hobby that I was doing to keep myself busy once my kids were all out of the house. In all honesty, there may have been some truth to that and although I don’t believe I had haters per se, I definitely had doubters. Read more>>
Shirley And Corrine Satalaya
Honestly, I’ve learned that not everyone will understand or support our journey, and that’s okay. My sister and I started Glamcuterie out of love for food, for hosting, and for creating meaningful experiences for others. That love is what keeps us going.
The truth is, the doubts and negativity can be tough to hear, especially when you’re pouring your heart into something. But instead of focusing on that, we try to remind ourselves of all the incredible people we’ve been able to serve. Their smiles, kind words, and trust mean everything to us. Read more>>
Michaela Bidon
I know it sounds pretentious, but I do not have the time to feed into hate or anger. Genuinely. My job as a producer keeps me in the mindset of constant bounce-back and problem-solving.
Every time I do a project, I may face problems with professors that attack the idea, or crew that don’t fulfill their roles on-set. One time, I had a DP (the lead camera person in film) drop our project because of creative differences in the script. A week and a half before shooting a 20-minute short film. I read the email while folding laundry- let’s say I had to fold everything over again from a fit of rage. Read more>>
Clane Gessel
Over the years, I’ve learned that criticism, whether constructive or not, is an inevitable part of being in a creative field. Instead of letting negativity weigh me down, I choose to channel it into growth and self-improvement. Every couple I work with trusts me to capture one of the most important days of their lives, and that trust fuels my resilience. I focus on delivering excellence and let the work speak for itself. In the end, my clients’ happiness is the best response to any negativity. If you’ve felt that in your field, just remember that criticism is part of the journey when you’re pushing creative boundaries. Everyone who’s ever done anything amazing has had haters, but you have to hold to the purpose of what you do. For me, I see my work as more than photography—it’s storytelling through a global lens. Every time I overcome doubt or negativity, I reaffirm my commitment to capturing the magic of love in extraordinary places. Staying true to that vision has not only silenced critics but also allowed me to inspire others who dream of telling their own unique stories. Read more>>
Jingyao Wang
I prioritize self-reflection by asking: Do I like myself? If the answer is yes, I focus on maintaining the habits and actions that align with my values and satisfy me. If the answer is no, I work on improving the areas where I feel dissatisfied. For example, in early 2023, I experienced a severe breakout that deeply affected my confidence, particularly as a model where appearance plays a critical role. Acknowledging my frustration, I took proactive steps: consulting a dermatologist, refining my skincare routine, and adjusting my diet. These consistent efforts gradually restored my skin and, with it, my self-assurance. At the same time, I take pride in my systematic and disciplined approach to life. These qualities were cultivated during my student years and have since been integrated into both my personal and professional pursuits. They enable me to tackle challenges with confidence and persistence, ensuring continuous growth. Read more>>
Elle Levy
“Growing up, I became so used to being criticized—whether it was by family or toxic boyfriends—that dealing with online hate feels like nothing in comparison. That doesn’t mean it never gets to me, especially when I post rage-bait content and people respond with awful comments, but I’ve developed thick skin because life has been tough. I’ve faced real challenges in my personal life that shaped me, so now I see online criticism as just another obstacle to overcome. At the end of the day, I focus on my goals and remind myself that if I’ve made it through the hardest parts of life, I can handle this too.” Read more>>
Lisamarie Thomas
Persistence in the face of haters and nay-sayers comes down to staying grounded in my purpose. My life and career are built on the belief that my story has value and can inspire others. I’ve faced challenges far greater than negativity from outsiders—surviving experiences like sex trafficking, domestic violence, and other traumas has given me an unshakable resilience.
When people doubt or criticize me, I remind myself of the lives I’ve touched through my work, whether it’s a reader who found healing in my books, a viewer moved by my films, or someone uplifted by my social activism. Read more>>
Paloma Schell
Oh, the haters! You know that saying, ‘What others think of you says more about them than it does about you’? I live by that. I’ve always seen these situations as opportunities to learn and grow. I’ve faced some really challenging times caused by people who wanted to bring me down, and honestly, I’m thankful for them – without those experiences, I might not have developed the strength I have today. They taught me to be more resilient, focused, and, above all, true to myself. At the end of the day, while they’re wasting energy trying to stop me, I’m out here running life’s marathon and celebrating every win with a big smile. Those who spend time hating miss out on the chance to shine in their own journey! Read more>>
Kueendom
One distinctive quality i use to drown out the opinions of nay-sayers is recognizing that each & everyone’s path through life isn’t the same . What success looks like for me wont look the same for everyone else that has a opinion on my journey . Being able to see past projections from others perspective with a considerable amount of humility. Having the duality of knowing whats taylor-made for me vs listening to others that aren’t cut from the same cloth. Read more>>
Claire Barnard
It’s really a matter of focusing on my goals and tuning out the noise to continue to be challenged. For me, it begins with a big why — a clear idea of why I’m doing something. Always keeping this in mind helps me tune out other people’s opinions because they might not understand or align with my why.
Criticism or negativity don’t feel as big when I’m anchored in that. I try to look at criticism with a compassionate and learning lens. I think there must be something good in it to make me better, and I burn that as fuel to continue my mission. But if it’s only negativity, I let it wash away. Read more>>
