If you’re a creative entrepreneur struggling to stand out, this is for you. In my latest YouTube video, Sweet Life of A Designer: Stop Trying to Fit In (link coming soon), I dive into why you need to stop trying to fit in and instead embrace what makes you unique. This message is crucial because, as creatives, we often feel pressure to conform. But here’s the truth—when you stop trying to fit in, you give yourself permission to become memorable, impactful, and successful.
Watch the entire video here:
Why We Feel Pressured to Fit In
To understand why so many of us struggle with this, I want to talk about a fascinating psychological study: the Asch Conformity Experiment. This famous study showed just how powerful the desire to fit in can be.
In the Asch experiment, participants were asked to identify which line matched another in length. Simple, right? But here’s the catch—participants were placed in a group with actors who deliberately gave the wrong answers. Despite knowing the right answer, 32% of participants conformed to the group’s wrong answer in most trials, and 75% conformed at least once! This experiment clearly shows that people will often go along with the crowd—even when they know it’s wrong—just to fit in.
As designers and creators, we do this all the time—following trends we don’t love, using fonts everyone else is using, or designing products that blend in instead of stand out. But what if you stop trying to fit in and start leaning into what makes you you?
Why Standing Out Matters for Creative Entrepreneurs
As women who own creative or maker businesses, standing out is essential. So many people are out there trying to do what you do, but only you bring your unique style, voice, and story to the table. If you feel like you’re blending in, here are five ways you can start standing out today:
1. Own Your Signature Style
First, create a visual identity that screams you. Whether it’s a color palette, design aesthetic, or packaging, aim for something instantly recognizable.
✨ Example: A jewelry designer who only uses upcycled metals with hand-stamped messages will always stand out in a crowded market.
2. Tell Your Story Authentically
Next, share your why. People connect with stories, not just products. Talk about your journey and what makes you passionate about what you do.
✨ Example: A ceramic artist who creates pottery inspired by overcoming personal challenges will attract customers who resonate with that deeper meaning.
3. Niche Down to Stand Out
Also, specialize instead of trying to serve everyone. Find your niche—where your passion meets market demand.
✨ Example: A fabric designer who focuses exclusively on modern quilt patterns with bold, Scandinavian style will quickly become a go-to in that niche.
4. Innovate with Products & Experiences
Then, offer something no one else does—whether it's a product, experience, or way of interacting with customers.
✨ Example: A printmaker who lets customers "Build Your Own Art Print" by mixing patterns and colors creates a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
5. Show Up with Confidence & Personality
Finally, be unapologetically you. Show your personality in everything—from your social media captions to your emails.
✨ Example: A creative business coach who uses humor and "tough love" advice will connect deeply with her audience because she’s real and relatable.
The Cost of Fitting In
The Asch Conformity Experiment shows us what happens when we follow the crowd—we lose our voice. When you stop trying to fit in, you give yourself the freedom to become a brand that people notice, remember, and trust. Whether it's in how you design, market, or talk about your business, standing out is how you thrive.
So, if you’ve been struggling with feeling invisible in a crowded market, watch my full breakdown on this topic in the YouTube video (link coming soon), and start thinking today about how you can lean into what makes you different.
Because fitting in is overrated—standing out builds brands that last.
Watch the full video at (youtube link).