Having hates is an inevitable part of any bold journey – everyone who has made a difference in the world has had doubters and critics. As natural as haters might be, in the age of social media it’s become harder and hard to ignore them – and so we asked some brilliant creatives and entrepreneurs to tell us how they deal with haters.

Willie Bell

Understanding that we were all born with gifts has helped me to persist in spite of haters, nay-sayers, etc. I truly believe that what is for me is for me with that being said I also understand that once I found my gifts, it is up to me to continue to develop my talent. Realistically speaking I also realize that the last thing that I can expect from planting an apple tree, is the apple. In time, I have to plant it in rich soil, water it, nurture it and protect it from elements that may damage it. That concept has application in life. As I continue my journey, I have to keep nurturing myself, feed my self knowledge and protect myself from distractions that will hinder me which aids with my persistent in spite of obstacles that may come my way. Read more>>

Marina

My persistence comes from the ability I want to have, deep into the future, to be able to say I did it exactly the way I wanted and said what I needed to say. It is important that others don’t shape your journey, just you. Read more>>

Brittni Cole

Persisting despite the haters and naysayers isn’t just about proving them wrong – it’s about staying true to who I am and the values I stand for. My ability to keep going comes from the hardships I’ve faced and the person I’ve become because of them. I’ve experienced my fair share of challenges – bullying, addiction, depression, and the trials life tends to throw at us. Each one tested me in ways I never expected, but those same hardships also became the foundation of my strength. Instead of allowing those struggles to define me negatively, I use them to shape the person I am today – resilient, purpose-driven, and committed to growth. Even now, there are people who try to paint a false narrative about who I am – people who choose to focus on misconceptions rather than understanding the truth. They’re more interested in pushing their version of a story than recognizing the reality of who I am and what I stand for. But the truth is, I don’t let their words or their assumptions control my path. Read more>>

 Janet Mueller

Artwork is judged in infinite ways. To some people, a good painting matches the sofa. To others, a painting that resembles a photograph is awed. An artist with an eye for design, technical skills and extreme patience can make beautiful images. But artwork that provokes thought, created with a wild level of creativity, can leave a regular guy stranded outside his comfort zone. Read more>>

Darcell Clinton

Any accomplishment I have achieved in my life was solely out of spite. Now, as bitter as this may sound, it is true and should not always be perceived in such a negative light. I am a self-made business owner, pursuing higher education and I have yet to touch my twenties. Out of all options, I chose to follow the industry of body art which is a heavily male and white-dominated field. Even though the population of young, black, female tattoo artists continues to grow, most of the time it results from the support of strangers who see their potential. Therefore, it is a mission of mine to show out for the same 16-year-old girl who found a passion for ink with nothing but humble beginnings and slender support from friends and family. Read more>>

M. E.

First off, I am very excited to speak with you too. I feel very honored that you reached out to me for this interview. I just know you’re getting me fresh and hot. Now, for the question. Have you never heard of sympathy? I simply do not care for those who spread hate, however, I feel more sorry for those who are haters, for hate is something that will eventually degrade the soul. I am not saying that hate isn’t a useful tool, I have subsided off of hate for many years. hatred has previously kept me going. It can be very hard to find the balance to use the tool, but it’s all about moderation. I never personally directed that hate toward my fellow members of the collective consciousness, at least not consciously, for I knew it would be a waste of time. Read more>>

Robert Elliott

Everything I’ve built is based on things I’ve heard from the haters and nay-sayers. I look at life differently in many regards than most folks do. When someone says, “You can’t do that,” my question then becomes, “Why?” Read more>>

Alexis Graybill

I’ve always had this understanding that you can’t please everyone but the ones you can will help you grow through word of mouth recommendations. In knowing this fact, my persistence on achieving even the smallest goals or daily tasks kept me going. There were times I thought I was a failure and wanted to give up but like many great leaders before me, they didn’t give up because the act of giving up is the real failure. Read more>>