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.

Michaelle Vilsa

You know, I was finally hired for a show on 42nd st called Pips Island all of 2019 into 2020. The show was well known in NYC. Many notable people came to watch—Jimmy Fallon, Neil Patrick Harris, Huma Abedin etc…and here I am performing my funny/wacky scene. Got laughs, entertained the crowd; producer & writer was happy, so life was good! Read more>>

Laura Veenema

I used to be a middle school teacher – a job that always garnered the same response: “Oh my goodness, you teach middle schoolers?!” People knew what a middle school teacher was. It didn’t require explanations or caveats or defensive proclamations of “no, this is not just a hobby, teaching is my actual job.” I had a bachelor’s and a master’s degree and years of experience, and teaching middle school was always considered a real career. Of course! But now, when people ask what I do for work, and I tell them, “I am a quilter,” the responses are not the same as they were when I was a teacher. Read more>>

Oneshia Edens

I’m a Clean Christian Comedian and a lot of times it’s so hard to break through because there is no cuss words sexual topics and etc. Even when you are wanting to have your moment on a stage with comics that are veterans in the game I have been asked why don’t you cuss you could be making more money getting more bookings and people would follow you! My response is always I DONT HAVE TO CUSS…. I’m funny ENOUGH. Didn’t you laugh? See I’m winning and trust me when God is ready for me to make it Big (in your eyes) he will! But God is faithful and true and I love it Read more>>

Megan Hager

As a fiber artist that specializes in crocheted goods, I am often lumped in with the amazing group of people that crochet solely as a hobby or to make meaningful gifts for their loved ones. I spent a lot of time resenting that association, but as I’ve grown older, I try to honor anyone that takes the time to learn the skill/craft/art of crochet. I create with crochet the same way a sculptor or clothing designer might, making my own designs and gathering inspiration from images and sketching, but that shouldn’t minimize the work of the people that use patterns. Read more>>

Shania Rice

As an artist, the journey has never been a clear path. The only thing clear about is knowing that I want my art, my craft, to impact more than anything. Working in music with the intention of “making it” is definitely more about the business side than the actual music. No artist ever wants to feel boxed in. The thing we tend to admire most in the freedom of expression. When I tap into different sounds it’s like tapping into a different alter ego each time and I love it. With that comes feeling misunderstood. Read more>>