Well hi there Reader!! 😁
One thing I’ve really been lamenting lately is the severe lack of empathy in the world. The ability to truly put yourself in another person's shoes and genuinely try to feel what it would be like to face what they’re facing. And I’m not just talking about social issues and politics... I’ve (sadly) seen it in the online business world too.
The internet has made it easy to start businesses and launch offers — and most of us do it because we don’t want the hustle or cut-throat energy of old-school big business. We want businesses that don’t take advantage of others or put profit before people and the planet.
But somewhere along the line, people started forgetting that their ‘audience’ is made up of real human beings with feelings, fears, and dreams.
Business coaches started talking about ICAs, tripwires (I mean WTF!? 🤬), and analytics. We started targeting people(!), and storytelling became a tactic for engagement rather than a genuine exchange of experiences with another human.
I’m not saying we shouldn’t run businesses or make a profit — the only reason I can create all this free content is because I built an offer people truly appreciate and choose to buy.
But I really do believe empathy needs to become a core part of how we do business again. We don’t have to run our businesses 'the way it’s always been done'. And yes, that might mean facing up to the fact that some of our practices aren’t okay — but I genuinely believe it’s worth it.
Because the more we return to relating to people as humans…the more our messaging, storytelling, and authenticity become natural, not tactical. It returns to being just our very human way of relating to - and helping - other people.
Plus we actually get to understand what our audience needs and wants even better than before — not because they fit some stereotypical demographic, but because they’re human beings like us. We can imagine how they feel and what matters to them. And that helps all of us.
Here are three quick ways you can help add a little empathy and humanity into your business:
- Review your customer journey like a human, not a funnel. Ask yourself: Would this feel respectful, supportive, and clear if I were on the receiving end? If not, tweak it.
- Use real language in your messaging. Ditch the jargon and speak like you're having a conversation with a friend — one who matters to you.
- Make space to listen. Ask your audience what they’re struggling with or dreaming of, actually read what they say and try imagine how the feel — not to find a “pain point,” but to understand their perspective.
We don’t have to sell our soul to sell our offers.
On a different page
One of the updates Canva announced at Canva Create 2025 was a much-needed revamp of their website builder — making it WAY more flexible and opening up some exciting new possibilities.
I’ve had a lot of questions about Canva websites, and you know I like to keep it real. So this week on YouTube, I’ve published an honest review of Canva websites in 2025 — looking at creative ways to use them, what’s good, what’s new, and their limitations (some of which might be deal-breakers).
If you’ve ever wondered whether a Canva website could work for you — you need to watch this video. Please check it out, and drop a comment and let me know what you think:
Meaningful Creations
I’m constantly inspired by interior and architectural designers. The way they use lines to guide the eye and create visual hierarchy, along with their combinations of tactile and earthy materials and finishes, are techniques that can seriously uplevel digital designs and layouts too. (Plus, I always need new additions to my 'dream home' moodboard. 😜)
One thing I find especially fascinating is how they use scale as a design device. In small spaces, most of us would default to using smaller furniture or objects — but they often use larger elements, just more intentionally. That is a key lesson for good design.
All of these practices show up beautifully in the work of I+Y Interior Architecture. I love how they blend styles and natural materials to create timeless spaces that still feel modern.
I often look to their work for inspiration when designing templates and layouts. Check out their website or Instagram for yourself - and tell them I sent ya. 😉
Thank you again for being here Reader, I so appreciate you.
Have a fabulous week,
