Embracing Intuition During Times of Uncertainty

Lately, I've been wrestling with a question that keeps resurfacing: Is it still worth believing in my business when the world feels so unstable?

I love what I do. I love creating brands that connect with a brand's true essence. But when capitalism looms over every decision, when the rise of fascism is visible from every corner, and when everything—from groceries to rent to just existing—feels heavier and more expensive, I can’t help but wonder: Should I even be doing this? Or should I just go work for someone else?

This isn’t just about self-doubt. It’s about the state of the world and how creative industries—especially boutique design—can feel so insulated from reality. There’s a deep disconnect between designers charging five figures for branding and web design and the fact that many people are struggling to afford basic needs in our current economic climate.

It reminds me of the girlboss era, when we were told to just "focus on our business" and ignore the world burning around us. The messaging hasn’t changed much. We’re still told that “luxury clients exist,” that “abundance is one launch away,” that success is about charging more, working less, and keeping business separate from politics, ethics, or morality. But is that really the only way?

The Privilege in the Design Space

One thing that feels increasingly hard for me to ignore is the privilege baked into the boutique design industry. The ability to charge premium prices, set flexible work schedules, and market to high-end clients often comes from a place of financial and social security. Many designers build their businesses with the safety net of generational wealth, a partner's income, or an existing network of affluent connections, often shaped by racial or economic privilege. This is not to say that people don’t work hard in this space, or that having these privileges is bad, but it does mean that success in this industry isn’t always just about talent and strategy, it’s also about access.

To me, race is a layer of privilege in the boutique design space that often goes unspoken. In my experience, most of the people who dominate this industry are white, and that comes with inherent privilege. As a Latina designer who is white-passing, I have the ability to move through these spaces in ways that others cannot, and I see firsthand how race impacts access and opportunity to business growth and success. Many talented designers never enter this space, or don't stay in it long, because they don’t have the financial, educational, or social background to support them in doing so. 

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