What it’s really like trying to work on product photography. These two are very helpful.

I’ve been thinking about authenticity and truthfulness. Without going into detail, because it’s not worth the headache for me or the other people involved, there was a situation this week where a popular blogger tried to involve me and many other reputable shop owners in something scammy. Thankfully, those who are involved are already righting the situation, but it’s really left a bad taste in my mouth.

cuteheads is an incredibly small operation, one that I pour my sweat and tears into, and I try to always treat my customers, my community and my friends with respect and appreciation. People are incredibly savvy to inauthentic communication in this digital age, and as our lives become filled with technology and emptied of human interaction, I think we all crave something real. We’ve become highly in tune to what’s disingenuous and can sniff out a scam pretty quickly. There’s no excuse for it, and there’s no tolerating it. If you practice bad business, you’re not allowed in the inner circle. Or the outer circle. Or any circle.

The way we communicate, both on and offline, is a reflection of who we are and what we stand for, and authenticity is at the top of my “What’s Most Important” list. I’ve learned that it’s the secret to success. When someone jeopardizes it, I take it very seriously. Of course, part of being authentic is sharing the good, the bad and the ugly, which is why I’m sharing this with you today.

“Next to doing the right thing, the most important thing is to let people know you are doing the right thing.” – John D. Rockefeller

A tiny doggie photo bomber.