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.

Cam Munoz

Yes, I’ve definitely experienced moments where my work or intentions were misunderstood. As an entrepreneur and influencer, there are times when people perceive my focus on balancing my business with my personal life, like being a mom and running my own brand, as a lack of seriousness or commitment. However, the reality is that I’m very dedicated to both my family and my business. What I’ve learned from these experiences is the importance of setting clear boundaries and being open about my priorities. I’ve realized that while others may misunderstand my balance, it’s actually my ability to juggle multiple aspects of my life that makes my work authentic. Read more>>

Garry Simms-rowe

Both me and my music have been constantly misunderstood and mischaracterized. People have always kind of brushed me off as some sort of overweight pointless comical waste of space. I admit I am comical at times and overweight, I have a lot of dad jokes i use on people, but also I am more than what you see. We’ve all heard the phrase dont judge a book by it’s cover and we’ve all done our fair share of that, and I have as well. But if one actually takes the time to know me and appreciate me, they’d understand my passion and my love for music. They’d understand each one of my songs is a story sung and played with the same level of sincerity. Whether it’s a love song, a worship song or a fun ditty, or even a song about pain it’s done from an honest heart that’s full of genuine love and passion. Read more>>

Zilvinas Lapelis

I believe that my music can be/has been taken the wrong way by people who are just listening. Every time that I release a project, I make sure that project has a meaning and sometimes people just don’t see the vision I had when I made that project. A example is my album P&N, while a first listen of the album might lead the listener to think it’s just a bunch of random songs, I was not totally there when I made it. The whole album was from my mind, no written lyrics, just a glimpse into how I was feeling during that time period. Read more>>

Hunter Reed

Oh forsure, ever since I’ve been involved with music I’ve always received comparisons to other artists based on how I look vs how the music actually sounds. It used to really bother me That’s something that used to make me very insecure when I first started because I didn’t want people to look at me and think they already know what the music will sound like. So I think because of that I’ve always tried to do music like no one else or have stuff that catches the listeners ears quick and shock them. I don’t want anyone to be able to guess what they’ll hear next from me. Read more>>

Britney Flanning

There are a lot of artists that are trying to make it in the industry. I’ve dealt with a lot of local artists, wanting quality dancers at a low-cost, which is not fair to us. Expect us over and beyond for them with limited or no pay and that’s not right! And because we love Dance so much we take it because it’s an opportunity. We might be able to work at the event or just leave it where it’s at! We understand that the local artists are trying to make it just like we are but at the same time we’re still providing a service to help their performance elevate them to the next level! I’ve learned that people Will use you for what you got till they can get better and kick you to the curb! Value and know your worth because it’s gonna be one person out there that’s gonna let one of your baby toes in the door and you will be unstoppable. Keep progressing never stressing! Read more>>

Amanda Marie

What I don’t think people realize when they see social media personalities/creators is their online persona is a character. It’s a role. Think of Chappell Roan the singer versus Kayleigh Amstutz the woman. When she is on stage and performing, she is working and playing as the character “Chappell Roan.” That is the same thing with full time content creators. So when you throw audio erotica voice actor in the mix, the line between fantasy and reality becomes even more blurred. With my work being sensitive in nature, I connect with a personal and intimate side of the listener. That lends to a unique relationship where they get to share something with me that I am unable to equally reciprocate. So then when a listener then interacts with my online persona (which, to be clear, is still me! But it is a version of me that has to remain professional at all times), they will inevitably have a harder time differentiating between Amanda the VA and Amanda the person behind the accounts. Read more>>

Najee Rayne

Yes ! Being an artist is constantly being misunderstood or mistaken. Often times people address me as my art instead of the person I am. Because musical isn’t a tangible art most people attach the artist to the art in this case — I feel such a disconnect because of that — the ideas I convey over time are not direct reflections of who I am today Maybe it’s me who needs to change the narrative by making other art Read more>>

Lauren Falls

Being misunderstood is inspiring… BUT, I didn’t always see it this way. I’ve embraced my brightness and at this point in my life & career, I let it shine unapologetically. Misunderstandings often happen when people aren’t ready or able to see someone’s true light, but I’m resilient in being authentic. It is a testament of my strength. I’ve worked with many strong personalities in my 17 years in my industry and my kindness has always been mischaracterized as weakness. I love this!!! A force that someone didnt see coming …. it is a beautiful and empowering realization! It is like stepping into your full self, humbly and embracing your bright light. it is transformative!!!! Read more>>

Madison Lorraine Hopkins

I think in any creative industry, it’s easy to be misunderstood by your work. Not everyone is able to see from the same aesthetic and creative perspective, but that’s the beauty of it. I have the ability to offer services and insight that others may have not thought of before. I love being able to have that influence. As I’ve pursued the fashion industry since I was young, many acquaintances misunderstand how my passion was capable of turning into a career. I’m proud to pursue what I love, whether it ended up being successful or not from other’s perspectives. Read more>>