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.

Jenna Lu

I started my career behind the chair when I was 18 years old in 2015. I’ve had a lot of clients not believe in my skills because I was so young. They would judge me right away as soon as I’d shake their hand. Once they’ve been seated in my chair, one of the first things they’d ask me is “how long have you been doing this?” In the beginning I’d be truthful and say “a few months” and they’d be instantly turned off. Once this happens, it sets the whole mood for the duration of the appointment. Trust us a big factor when getting your hair done. They’d think “she’s going to mess up for sure.” If you’re looking for something wrong, you’re going to find it. Read more>>

Seth Marques

I think it can be hard to find a balance while you’re promoting music. On one hand, you don’t want to cheapen the experience/mystery/magic of a piece of music by spamming Tik Tok, posting photoshoots and pictures and “self-centered” content, while on the other hand at times it’s easier for an audience to relate or understand your music when there is a clear face & brand behind it. Read more>>

Elea Wright

A man who I didn’t know called my work as an image consultant shallow and harmful. Through my career as a graphic designer, artist, and makeup artist I’ve come to view insults as the beginning of a great conversation. As a creative you must always be ‘on’ you don’t get to have bad days, because these days are often the ones people choose to deal insults to you on. It is your job to harness negativity into something positive and beautiful. Instead of reacting to him in anger, Read more>>

Treslin Aiko

Hey Guys! I’m Treslin Aiko I’m 24 Artist/singer-Songwriter from a small town in Texas Called “Malakoff”. Your next Big Trans artist out! Music is my passion , it helps me escape the reality we live in today! Music was a gift to me from god to express my emotions and pain of what we all went through! At the age of 10 year old I was raped by a man, and my man hood was stolen at that time I fought through the phase until I prayed to god to heal me and to let the trauma “Make me, not break me” I was raised by independent women which was my mother, grandma and her 6 sisters which were my aunts! Read more>>

Andi Dukleth

As a comic creator, I would say that the biggest misconception about comics is considering it a “froo froo” industry. Comics, like Batman and Superman, are a lot of fun to read and can provide a great escape. But they also reflect where this nation’s moral compass has been over the years. Standing up for the little guy, fighting crime, defending communities, etc. They are certainly a reflection of their times and a lot of valid critiques can be made. But broadly speaking, they represent an inspiration to do the right thing in the face of injustice. Read more>>

Sammy Mitchell

I think being misunderstood or mischaracterized comes with any creative field. In songwriting and creating music, a lot of the process exists in demos and ideas. People who aren’t creative can have a hard time conceptualizing what the final product might sound like. Many of the high level executives in the music industry at the mainstream level are the non-creative types. There used to be a thing called artist development and a big part of what record labels did was find true undeniable talent and allow those artists to develop and evolve. Read more>>

Nate Goodness

It’s hard – every time – to say “I rap” or “I am a rapper,” because there are so many stereotypes and assumptions that come with this art form. Hip Hop music is so full of polarizing language, images, ideas and ideals that the average listener isn’t prepared to hear an emcee glorify working towards inner peace and healing and then explain why violent protest can be a necessity. I like to say that “I rap in real life.” I don’t get in front of the mic and slip into a superego version of myself. Read more>>

Dr. Rashida Inez

Well, I came on the scene defying the rules and regulations of the church and religion that “man’ had set in place. The traditional church taught us that if we didn’t wear long skirts or if we painted our finger nails or had tattoos that we were not saved and doomed for Hell. As I began to study the Bible at my own merit I was shocked to learn that none of that was true. I get a lot of “heat” from church folk about the way that I dress and wear my hair because my dress code doesn’t comply with the traditions of the old church. In addition, Read more>>