What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?

Every industry has its myths—stories insiders repeat until they sound like truth. But behind the slogans and the spin are unspoken (and sometimes unnoticed) realities – we asked some of the wisest folks we know to share what lies they’ve noticed in their industries.

Cori DeAngelis

I might ruffle some feathers with this, but I have some qualms with this industry. I think the wedding industry can feel really performative, like couples are expected to put on this big production, spend a ton of money, and keep up with every trend just to have a ‘pretty’ wedding, but not everyone wants that. Read more>>

Oz’Unique Moore

I believe the biggest lie the beauty industry misleads is we have to look, dress, & perform a certain way to be considered “IT”. Insecurities are exploited daily by marketers who sell products for profit but rarely provide lasting results or increased benefits. Although standards of beauty shift every season ; it’s a dependency cycle that keeps people coming back more consistently. Read more>>

Susie Maríe

One of the biggest lies the spiritual industry tells is that people have to keep healing forever. It creates this endless loop where you’re told you’re never done, never whole and that’s just not true. Yes, there are seasons in life where deep healing is needed physically, spiritually, mentally. You have to go within in order to understand the outer. Read more>>

Jess Bee

In my personal opinion, one of the biggest lies in the treat-making industry is the idea that you “have” to raise your prices just because everyone else is doing it, as if it’s a trend. Don’t get me wrong, I completely understand that inflation is impacting all of us and that the rising cost of supplies makes it necessary to adjust pricing to maintain profitability. Read more>>

Brittany Chadwick

Time is money. While in some respects I agree that you should be paid for time spent giving a service. I think the lie comes from valuing an employee only based on the number of things they can get done in any given time. We are valuing quantity over quality. We hire to invest in our people. No matter the time or physical accommodations needed. Read more>>

Diana O’Gilvie

One of the biggest lies the travel and media industry tells itself is that diversity is a trend rather than a necessity. Too often, Black and Indigenous stories are treated as add-ons or themed months instead of being recognized as essential perspectives that shape the global experience. There’s also the myth that audiences only want glossy, escapist content. Read more>>

Brandi Little

That there is a time limit on success. That you have to be certain size or age to make it and if you’re past 40 it’s over. That’s the biggest lie and I love that artist like Jelly Roll are setting the new standards for our industry. Read more>>

Trenez Scott

The industry has a way of subtly and sometimes loudly, reminding you that you’re “not good enough.” I often find myself in a space of constantly trying to prove my worth, to validate my seat at the table. That pressure can be exhausting. Read more>>

Mika Burroughs

I wouldn’t say the industry is telling this, but in fitness, it’s easy to get lost into what is considered fit and/or attractive. With social media being used as much as it is today, some people may feel a bit self conscious about what they see on their phone compared to what they see in the mirror. Read more>>

Flore François

One of the most painful yet transformative revelations in my journey has been confronting the reality of church hurt, wounds inflicted not by the world but by those within the body of Christ. It is deeply disheartening to witness how the very place meant to be a refuge for healing, restoration, and grace can sometimes become a source of oppression, judgment, and silence. Read more>>