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.
Harshita, Aadya, & Ayushi
We stay focused on our mission and the impact we want to create. Criticism or doubt from others is inevitable, but we separate constructive feedback from nonconstructive, use what helps us grow, and keep moving forward. Read More>>
Tamia Wells
I want to start off by saying my background isn’t a weakness, it’s proof of my strength and every obstacle I survived is evidence that I’m built for resilience. When people doubt me, I remind myself that I’ve already done hard things. Nay-sayers don’t need convincing, they need time to see that consistency and results speak louder than the explanations they need. Read More>>
Kasanova Sloan
I see them as proof I’m doing something worth noticing. I stay locked in on my purpose, my growth, and the people who believe in me. Consistency beats noise every time, and I trust the work I put in when nobody’s watching Boom Baby!! Read More>>
Savannah Hayton
Many artists encounter people who don’t fully appreciate their work or understand the love and effort they pour into it. I’ve definitely come across those who don’t see art as a full-time career and instead view it as “just a hobby,” often wondering why I don’t go get a “real” job. Read More>>
DevinAnn White
I don’t give energy to haters or naysayers—because I don’t believe in them. What I believe in is purpose. I believe you get back exactly what you put out, and I’m intentional about what I release into the world. My focus stays on alignment, not noise. Everyone has a story, and every story can be amazing when God gets the glory. Read More>>
Amber Covington
There was a season in my life where persistence wasn’t a choice—it was survival. I didn’t walk away from my career; I was forced out of an environment that no longer had room for who I truly was becoming. That experience was painful, disorienting, and deeply humbling. It shook my confidence and made me question my value, my voice, and my future. Read More>>
Dante Mitchell
I want to start with acknowledging the people who support me. My close circle of family and friends, the folks who really believe in me they’re a big reason I keep going. Their support means a lot because growing up, I didn’t always have that. Read More>>
Louie Gamon
Here is a clear, compassionate response using your story, written in a reflective first-person voice:
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I have persisted through mental health challenges by turning pain into purpose and finding healing through creativity and community. Read More>>
Gabby Minkiewicz
For most of my life I’ve dealt with manic depression. I have ebs and flows of highs and lows emotionally. Most of my early twenties I spent a lot of time not properly dealing with my mental health. When I revisited photography in my life for the first time since high school, I was able to really tap into showing visually what I was going through. Read More>>
Bailey Cole
I have several people close to me that struggle with mental health issues. Spending years of their life stagnant due to depression and anxiety, even though I have both of those, I really try to not let it consume my life. Read More>>
Kierra Brown
Growing up, I witnessed mental health challenges up close through my mother. I saw firsthand how invisible struggles can shape a household, relationships, and a child’s understanding of safety, resilience, and love. At times, I didn’t have the language to describe what I was experiencing but I felt the weight of it early. Read More>>
