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.

Ak Jameson

There’s something about the word “no” that fuels me. Maybe it’s because I grew up surrounded by it. I was surrounded by restrictions that had nothing to do with ability and everything to do with very outdated rules. Being a woman in my society meant constantly being told what I couldn’t do. But even as a child, I knew something was off. You know, when you go “Hey! That’s not fair.” And I was right. Read More>>

 Nicholette Neilson

For me, persistence is about staying locked into my passion—whether it’s acting, creating, or building something meaningful through film and philanthropy. I’ve navigated diverse creative spaces, from NYFA to embracing my journey as a DACA recipient, all while balancing artistry with entrepreneurship. That alone shows resilience. Read More>>

Destiny “dessie” Starnes

One way I persist despite the nay-sayers is just completely continuing to believe in what God told me, no matter what it may look like right now I always knew I would be successful. It was truly just the matter of when. I had my mom doubt me, my peers and sometimes I even doubted my self but God reminded me every step of the way I was on the right path. I just pray he continues to guide me along the journey while I’m on my way to my destination.  Read More>>

Blake Farris

So many different factors can play into persevering through the nay-sayers and negativity. For one, life is short. Not everyone is gifted with waking up every morning and one day, that’ll come for you, too. Whatever you are chasing, you have to just go after it. Go after it and don’t look back because If it’s REALLY what you want, NO ONE else is going to get it for you. Read More>>

Lynda Montano

From the very beginning, I knew this path wouldn’t be easy. When you start, you’re learning, gaining new skills, and along the way, you encounter many distractions, setbacks, and people telling you that you won’t make it. But for me, music is not just a job—it’s a passion, a purpose, and that has been my driving force to keep going.

There have been many obstacles, especially in the music and arts industry, where people often don’t give it the real value it deserves. We’ve faced a lack of support, closed doors, and people who don’t believe in what we do. But what keeps us going is the love for music and the desire to share our Latin culture. Read More>>

Bar Zivlin

Firstly, by constantly reminding myself that art is made to bring people closer together, which makes feeling hated a good enough reason to get out of bed and keep going.
I have never been the type of person, even as a child, who was a ‘consensus’. Because of the worlds I was attracted to, people always had something to say about me, my opinions, my art, my actions.
With full transparency, I admit that I haven’t fully mastered yet how to completely block out these voices. I do, however, persist despite the haters and critics—because I know how to turn these voices into fuel. Read More>>

David Freeman

Don’t take what they say as fact. Prove them wrong.

All my life, I’ve had people tell me I ‘can’t do it.’ If I had believed them, I wouldn’t have achieved anything.

I remember my high school tuba section leader doubting me—making it clear he didn’t think I had what it took. Instead of letting that discourage me, I used it as fuel. I worked harder, pushed past expectations, and ultimately surpassed what he thought was possible for me. That moment reinforced a mindset I carry in everything I do: other people’s doubts are not my reality. Read More>>

Vincent Davidson

I just keep on improving my skills with each negative comment I’d receive in the past. When I first started really sculpting I had many negative comments about how I wasn’t talented, not to quit my day job …etc. But I kept pushing and focusing on the details in each product now, today, I never get a bad critique or it’s few and far between. Read More>>

Lindsay Skowronek

If you consider yourself the black sheep amongst your friends or family than I’m sure you can relate…
You know what it’s like to have different interests “nobody seems to get.” You know what it’s like to be afraid of not feeling accepted. You know the mixed feelings of being proud for your uniqueness and individuality yet feel the fear of rejection by your peers for not following the crowd. I promise you, you will find your own crowd. It’s filled with like-minded people who enjoy the same things you do, who cheer loudly for your authenticity, who get excited about the little things no one else seems to understand. Read More>>