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.

Jake Brown

I persist like a burrito in a blender—holding it together even when everything’s trying to tear me apart. Haters? I treat them like expired coupons: irrelevant, crinkly, and oddly aggressive. Nay-sayers? They’re the soundtrack to my hustle—annoying, sure, but totally optional. I take criticism with a grain of salt, a squeeze of lime, and occasionally a shot of tequila. The louder the doubt, the flashier the comeback. I’m not everyone’s flavor—and thank goodness, because bland doesn’t build empires. Read More>>

Andrea Antonio Vico

I believe in myself. I believe in what I do and what I’m passionate about. My focus is simply on doing a good job. The purest form of satisfaction comes from giving in all out in what I love. When you’re completely focused on your path—giving a thousand percent with honesty and commitment—you enter a mental zone of calm and clarity. In that space, haters and naysayers lose their power. They simply don’t exist anymore. Read More>>

Dahéli Hall

Honestly? Sometimes I don’t persist right away. I get in my feelings, binge something, sulk, and question all my life choices. But after, I remember why I do what I do. I feel genuinely called to be creative — not in some lofty, perfect way — but in that “if I don’t get this idea out of me, I might explode” kind of way. Read More>>

Selines Silverio

I persist by remembering who I am and whose I am. My faith in God grounds me through every challenge and fuels my purpose. I’ve faced critics, doubters, and those who didn’t believe in my leadership or vision—but I’ve learned that when God gives you a calling, it doesn’t require the approval of others. Read More>>

Racquel Babino

When I was in middle and high school I was one of those kids who got bullied a lot. Either I didn’t fit in or I wasn’t allowed to do what other parents allowed their kids to do. I came from a very strict household; if it wasn’t about academics or sports my parents was not having it . I never understood until I got older. Looking back if I was allowed to hang with those same groups who bullied me I would have not made it out of high school with a good head on my shoulders. Even in my adult life I have lost a lot of people who I thought were my friends. Read More>>

Elina Volk Kinethsniy

I persist because I don’t operate on their frequency. I don’t create to be liked — I create because I have to. Because there are things that demand to be said, and I’m willing to carry them even if they’re uncomfortable.

My work comes from deep places: inherited memory, exile, injustice, dreams, shadow. When someone rejects that, they’re not rejecting me — they’re revealing their own limits. I don’t need to fight back or prove anything to them. I just keep going. Read More>>

Austin Scott

Well honestly, and fortunately, I haven’t had to deal with much hate yet, but with the small things I have dealt with, I just kinda brush it off. The past few years I’ve realized that I’m getting myself into a position and career path where I could potentially gain a platform, or reach fame soon. We’ve all seen how it is on social media these days, theres always something someone will have to say. I’ve just gotten it into my mind overtime that if I’m proud of what I created, that’s the only thing that matters. I also take it not as an insult, but as a way to do something better, and an opportunity to grow. Read More>>

Neveen The Queen

I’ve survived things that were meant to destroy me—moments that forced me to rebuild myself from the ground up. That kind of resilience becomes your armor. Along the way, I’ve been blessed with a few key people who reminded me of my worth when I almost forgot it. So, honestly, I don’t waste energy on hate or negativity. Read More>>

Jasara Ponton

First and foremost, I want to start off by saying thank you so much for the opportunity to share a part of me, my business and my story with your publication, I greatly appreciate it! My persistence is based on my love for baking and hopefully given the opportunity to create sweet memories for my customers, friends, and loved ones! So, whoever the naysayers, haters may be honestly, I don’t hear them! And I say that to say it’s due to the fact that my drive is much bigger and louder than their noise!! Read More>>

Ayla Neely

I persist because I know my purpose is bigger than their opinions. When I first started speaking out, especially at public events like MLK Unity Day, not everyone supported me. Some people questioned why a young girl like me had anything to say. Others just didn’t like what I stood for. But I realized early on that if I stopped every time someone doubted me, I’d never get anywhere. I remind myself that the people who need to hear my message are often the quiet ones, the ones who feel invisible, like I once did.  Read More>>

Linda Grinvalsky

There are always going to be nay-sayers, but the key is to ignore them. The best revenge is to succeed and prove them wrong. You have to believe in yourself. It takes a lot of practice and patience. Read More>>