Empathy Driven Success

It's wild to think about but I started as a graphic designer specializing in logo and brand identity.

Our business started as a jack of all trades, master of none, so discovering clarity of knowing who we are, what we do and how we do it, is incredibly refreshing to understand. That "ah-ha" moment gave me new life. We've only just begun but we've never been closer than we are today. It's really freakin' fun right now.

Back when it was just me, our second event ever happened to be with Christian Louboutin and Neiman Marcus. Before mastering our approach to on-site activations, we offered every color of the rainbow, multiple illustration options and splatter painting in an oversized plexiglass box.

One customer requested her pair to have a monogram, multiple hearts and splatter paint – I felt like a circus act spinning plates. Long story short, I ruined the $800 pumps and spent the next three days in tears while trying everything from scrubbing with laundry supplies to visiting a shoe repair shop, but nothing worked. However, committed to doing the right thing professionally, I was prepared to withdraw funds from our nonexistent bank account. Nevertheless, when Monday arrived, I faced my client and explained the situation.

Turns out, not only was my client empathetic to the situation, but she didn't hesitate to hand me a new pair. Shit happens, and it always will. It's not about what happens; it's about how you handle it to make things right. Six years later, we're still working together!

My journey has made me a better mother, friend, partner, and overall, a better person. From painting eight hours a day to managing strategy, emails, and meetings, painting has become rare. My role now includes business development—financials, sales, marketing, etc. I don't love working from my phone, so my laptop basically goes everywhere with me..

There's no preexisting roadmap for our business—we're crafting it one step at a time. Trial and error is crucial to this beautiful entrepreneurial journey, and I'm undoubtedly addicted.

Imagine the possibilities if we inspire others to dream bigger, think innovatively and embrace limitless potential. What greater gift is there than to make somebody's day brighter through creative, hard work.

• Danielle Becker , Lefty's Right Mind

It is not easy to try so hard at your craft and make a mistake in the process. I don’t think any of us enjoy making mistakes even though we know we are human and perfection is an impossibility. What can soften that blow is how we respond and how much grace the recipient offers.?

In Danielle’s case, she tried her best to right a wrong and despite her best efforts, couldn’t change the situation. She was honest about what happened and had a contingency plan in place even though it wasn’t ideal and would put her in a financial bind. Her honesty was rewarded. Her customer was gracious, understanding and a relationship lasting many years later evolved from that one mistake all those years ago.??

It’s in these moments of vulnerability that true character is revealed. Danielle demonstrated the importance of honesty and integrity in navigating her challenge. She prioritized transparency and accountability, laying the foundation for a lasting relationship built on trust and mutual respect.?

We can also learn a lesson in how to respond when we are on the receiving end of someone else’s mistake. Danielle’s client could have been angry, rude or demanding. Even though she was inconvenienced, she didn’t make Danielle feel worse than she already did. Her empathetic response also positively impacted the relationship they have today.?

The ripple effect of empathy-driven actions extend far beyond individual interactions, shaping the culture and ethos of entire communities. When empathy is embraced as a guiding principle, it fosters a culture of compassion and support where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for growth rather than sources of shame or blame.?

Let us actively listen to others and extend kindness and compassion to those around us. Whether in our personal relationships, workplaces or communities, let empathy be our guiding light, illuminating the path to deeper connections and positive change. Together let’s embrace empathy as a powerful force for building a more harmonious world.?

If you would like to know more about how I do it, my routines and products that make my life a little less wild, subscribe at rebeccaminkoff.substack.com .?

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