Authenticity Should Guide Your Brand

Society often gives the impression that in order to succeed and be recognized, one must exaggerate or even lie about their achievements. For too long, larger corporations have overshadowed smaller businesses, leading many to feel the need to present a façade of success, claiming everything is going well, that their business is booming, or that they are overbooked. This creates a sense of envy that draws consumers in, as if the human experience, the struggles, and the reality of being a one-person operation won't help in growing a business, and that appearing busy is preferable.

What I love about eco-responsible small businesses is that I’ve encountered many owners who are completely authentic in their approach. They highlight their small-batch products, their one-person operations, their stresses, and their anxieties. They embrace in-home packing instead of agency-level production, and that’s perfectly okay! Increasingly, people are tired of the show-off culture and are seeking authenticity in their consumption, along with a more human connection in their interactions. In a digital age, especially following a pandemic that kept us all isolated, this need has become vital.

Being small and managing everything alone, while also balancing family responsibilities, is not unproductive; it’s simply a reflection of reality and authenticity. And that’s okay. This authenticity fosters collaboration, sharing, genuine connections, and mutual support to help each other grow, while also being mindful not to lose that spark of reality.

I’m proud to be part of this movement with small business, navigating my challenges, and embracing my life as a mom, which I cherish above all. My commitment to adapting to my clients, sometimes at my own expense, stems from prioritizing human relationships and compassion, as I relate to their experiences.