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.
Christopher Sho
I let my resume speak for me and who I am. The more credits I have from film and television separates me from my peers. Read More>>
Karen May
When you put yourself or your work out into the world, you’re opening the door to opinions — both the encouraging kind and the critical kind. I learned early on that not everyone will understand your vision, and that’s okay. What matters most is that you understand it, and that you stay connected to the reason you began in the first place. Read More>>
Lauren DeMoss
This is a tough question for me because, honestly, our industry can sometimes feel full of negativity, unhealthy competition, and people trying to tear others down. I have experienced all of that firsthand. When I first started as a stylist, I worked in a salon where I met some of my very best friends who are still in my life today. Read More>>
Lauren Prince
They really motivate me to work harder and focus my energy on continually improving my business. I try to remind myself how important these classes are for women in their postpartum journeys, my own included. I really am so proud of the supportive community we’ve built at Mama Barre. Read More>>
Mercedes Rouse
I have an amazing support system despite the haters. Growing up I was told I wouldn’t amount to anything. I told myself that I had to prove them wrong and in turn found myself in a family that supports me even if I don’t have the confidence myself they have it for me. Read More>>
Chavaza D’Juan Brown, MBA, DOA
Great question! I have a few different perspectives or angles on how I persist, sustain, and maintain. They all culminate into the conglomerate of one essential term: Love. Your word utilized here in this context is haters or hating. My chosen word or words here in answering are to replace the words hate or haters with the words negativity or opposition. Read More>>
Kelli Kassoff
For me, persistence isn’t loud, it’s quiet, stubborn, and rooted in truth. When I released my first book, Unraveled, there were people who questioned why I wrote about pain, or why I was willing to expose parts of my past that others might have kept buried. Some people even went beyond that to label me as crazy, attention seeking, delusional and ridiculous. Read More>>
BRAINDON COOPER
Keep your head on a swivel and keep pushing forward. I Remember that God gave me the vision not them. Read More>>
Kendall McClelland
This is a great question, as last year someone whom I thought was my friend and did business with turned out to be bad mouthing not only me, but everyone around her. Cutting ties came with a lot of terrible realizations about her and it broke my heart. Read More>>
Elizabeth Glazko
It’s a common challenge many people face in both their professional and personal lives — dealing with those who don’t approve of you. My view is simple: you don’t have to deal with them at all. You have to be indifferent to their opinions. I approach this as a philosopher. Those who don’t like me are simply not my people. Read More>>
Dr. Adriane Smalls-Owens
Being persistent in the face of adversity is rooted in a strong, consistent, and developed relationship with Christ and my faith. A person’s positive perspective on how haters and nay-sayers are necessary for growth and advancement, aids in the strategic alignment for discovering, identifying, and working towards a clearly defined purpose. Read More>>
Malik (Leektav) Davis
I push forward because I know the talent that hold, and I know that no one is like me when it comes to the industry, the entertainment industry, whether it’s radio or media I know I’m one of the kind so when you have that mindset the haters and naysayers, don’t have any power into what I bring into this industry Read More>>
Dee Terrnigian
I’ve learned that hate usually comes with progress. If people are talking, it means I’m doing something worth noticing. I stay focused on my goals and let results do the talking. The best response to negativity is success. If you don’t win they wont respect you. Hate on me all you want but you will respect me. Read More>>
Robyn Kauffman
Throughout my career, I’ve faced my share of negativity from haters and even workplace bullies, whether from coworkers or my own boss. What has helped me rise above is the unwavering support of my family, friends, and-most importantly-my clients. The encouragement I received behind the chair has been my greatest motivation to continue pursuing my passion and growing in my craft. Read More>>
Brian Kelley
As I got older I realized that hate often comes as a projection. Most nay-sayers project something as ‘unrealistic’ or ‘unattainable’ because when you achieve certain things or do something bold, it highlights a risk they never took. I like to keep receipts, not for revenge or anything but because I used it for motivation to prove it to myself not them. Read More>>
Minister Ryan ( Monique) Rolle-Jackson
In my life I have over come so many obstacles, and one thing that is still very present is the fact I still have haters! They won’t go anywhere! Despite my past I still I get haters all day long. I get judged for my shape my weight and lifestyle. I absolutely love what I do and serving God. Read More>>
