Often, those who tread off the beaten path are misunderstood or mischaracterized and so we asked folks from the community to reflect and tell us about the times they’ve been misunderstood or mischaracterized.

Chante’ Reddest

Yes, I think my work has been misunderstood because what I talk about being on the Red Road is hard work and alot of people don’t understand the philosophy of it. I learned that being on the red road and staying sober/drug free will show you how to live your life accordingly in the Lakota way. Some examples I’ve learned while living the red road is that it will give you mental clarity, confidence, sense of purpose in life as well. It will challenge you into being the best version of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Read more>>

Chelsea Weidmann

I have empathy for IRS employees. I don’t need to imagine what it’s like when people hate you based solely on your job title—I’ve experienced it myself. I’ve lost track of the number of times people have said something like, “Ooh, I hated my ballet teacher!” or, “I will never get over what my ballet teacher put me through,” or, “So do you tell children they’re fat or do you just poke their belly?” Read more>>

Brianna Jones

Me, myself is misunderstood quite often. I have many tattoos, including on my face and neck that stand out. I get asked often if I’ve ever been to jail just based on how I look. In a different breath, I get over sexualized with some model/art projects I’ve completed. My art and expression through modeling, painting, and writing are my hobbies, things that allow me to fully embody all parts of me and create art, a lot of times fail to realize that and judge me off what they see created. Many people don’t even know my day job. Read more>>

Shane Jessop

If you were to meet me in person on any given day, you would most likely assume that I am as country as it gets. And most of the time I am! I mean, George straight is certainly one of my idols in the music world. I also have horses, bison, cows and goats. However, I draw so much inspiration, and have so much admiration for artists of all genres. I would say from a writing standpoint, Taylor Swift is my biggest inspiration. I prefer the open minded approach to most anything I do. But especially music and writing. I very much dislike being put in one box. One of my goals is to constantly maintain a healthy level of curiosity. Read more>>

Wonderhussy

I took my name (Wonderhussy) as a direct consequence of being misunderstood.

For many years, I worked as an “artistic” nude model in and around Las Vegas. I would take photographers on expeditions into the surrounding desert, reclining on rocks, climbing rusty old mining equipment, straddling lonely roads. (art is eye-rollingly subjective).

I charged $500 for an 8-hour day, and made a decent living while avoiding being trapped indoors in a 9 to 5 grind. And though I estimate having dropped trou in the middle of nowhere for around 500 different strange men…it was a thoroughly businesslike endeavor, and I never really had any problems. Read more>>

Nicole Murri

For years, I felt misunderstood—both as an artist and as a person. There was pressure to conform, to create what was expected rather than what truly inspired me. People sometimes saw my work as too unconventional or assumed it wouldn’t resonate because it didn’t fit into traditional jewelry trends.

But I’ve always believed that real beauty lies in authenticity. My jewelry isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about self-expression, confidence, and breaking free from expectations—something I’ve had to embrace in my own journey as well. Read more>>