The Day I Realized Who I’d Never Work For

The Meeting I’ll Never Forget

A couple years ago, I was in that ~in between~ stage of wanting something new. I had built a following of over a million people across my TikTok and Instagram accounts, worked with countless brands, and genuinely loved the world of social media. But part of me was craving a new challenge...something creative, something more design heavy.

I’d studied art in college before wellness took over my life, so the idea of returning to my creative roots felt exciting. I didn’t have a full design portfolio yet, but I knew I had the eye, the instinct, and the drive to make it work. So when I landed a meeting with a company in that space combined with wellness, I was very excited.

The Reality Check

From the moment we all met, I could tell something was off. The energy in the video room was NOT GOOD. Within minutes, their tone shifted from curious to condescending. They laughed at me. No, like actually laughed.

It wasn’t a misunderstanding, it was that quiet kind of mockery that makes brings you right back to middle school. I tried to stay composed, but by the end, I felt so uncomfortable I could barely get through the conversation. I remember sitting there and wanting to cry. Not because I doubted myself, but because of how unnecessary the cruelty felt.

The Aftermath

Later, one of the founders sent me a long voice message apologizing. She said she felt bad about how it all went. Weeks later, I found out she was at an event I was also at. The second she saw me, she turned and left. (...allegedly! from a trusted source)

It confirmed what I already knew deep down: I never want to work with people who make others feel small to feel important. No matter how successful or “cool” they seem, that kind of energy doesn’t build anything real. I would NEVER work with those types of people.

What I Learned

Being underestimated sucked, but it also clarified so much. It showed me that rejection isn’t always a loss. Sometimes, it’s protection. The people who can’t see your potential aren’t meant to be part of your growth.

Now, looking back, I’m genuinely grateful that door closed. It pushed me to create work from authenticity, not approval.

If you’ve ever left a room feeling small, remember: that moment doesn’t define you. It defines them.

What I Took With Me

For a while, that experience kept me in a loop. But I eventually understood, fully;

it wasn’t about me being unqualified...it was about them being unkind.

That day taught me that the rooms that mock you aren’t the ones meant to hold your ideas. The people who belittle you are revealing their own limits, not yours.

So no, I don’t need to name them. But if you’ve ever felt tempted to—don’t be shy, drop their brand @.