Build Ecosystems, Not Empires

Written by Gelaine Santiago

How To Be Brave In Your Business: Advice From An Anxious People Pleaser 😅

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Many folks have looked at my platforms and told me, “I wish I could be as brave and outspoken in my business as you are.” This is especially in regards to speaking out on the genocide in Gaza.

But the truth is: speaking up doesn’t come easy to me. I’m an anxious overthinker who comes from a long line of people pleasers 😭 I swear it’s in my DNA lol.

But one thing that’s helped me overcome the fear: I know our customers have our back.

How do I know this?

Because we’ve intentionally screened out folks who aren’t values-aligned from the start.

But... how? 🤨

By being upfront about what we stand for and what we don't.

What this looks like in practice:

• A values statement folks have to read before working with me or attending anything I host.
• Marketing events with clarity on who they’re for (ex: Pro-Palestine Content Creators).
• Consistently speaking up on issues that matter to us, not just one-time statements or “black squares”. (IYKYK 👀)
• Clear community guidelines that set the tone for engaging with us.

Let me be clear: We still get unfollows and some angry messages when we speak on “controversial” topics like Palestine, trans rights, anti-Blackness or elections. But for every one angry message, we get wayyyy more supportive ones.

If you’ve never spoken up on your platforms, the first time is always the scariest. That’s when you’re most likely to encounter misaligned folks. But trust me, it gets easier each time.

The folks who don't align eventually dwindle off and disappear. And the ones who stay are YOUR people.

• The ones who are excited to support because they believe in you.
• The ones who’ll be lining up around the block to buy from you.
• These same folks will show up for you when times get hard and be your fiercest advocates.

That’s why it's crucial to be clear about who you are and what you stand for 👉🏽 You attract your people, repel the rest, and build a business where you can show up as your fullest self.

And while speaking up is always hard (especially now when the stakes feel so high), it's a thousand times easier when you've got a community who has your back.

And when you stand up for your beliefs & principles, you give others permission to do the same. We don't have to do this alone.

My biggest dream is for us to build businesses that are outward expressions of our most authentic, liberated selves - so we can co-create a liberated future for all of us.

So I’ll leave you with this:

• What do you want your business to stand for?
• Who do you want to attract, and who do you want to repel?

And if you do decide to write your values statement or share where you stand — send it my way or tag me. I’d love to celebrate you for showing up as your full self in your business ❤️

Sending ✨aligned✨ vibes,

Gelaine