While checking my morning emails the other day, I came across a newsletter from a platform we use here at Daily Origin. I always dive into these emails, as their tips can help us grow our business. However, this newsletter was different. I came across an article on an exact topic we just posted last week and we used their platform to promote. It rubbed me the wrong way.

Don't get me wrong, not all of the articles out there are one-of-a-kind. News, subject, and topics get written about multiple times. We do our best to research a topic we have in mind before writing. If it's been written about multiple times, we propose a unique perspective on the subject, backed by research or interviewing professionals in that area.

“This led me to think about journalism, running a small business, and ego”

This led me to think about journalism, running a small business, and ego. I remember a time when I was actively participating in the November Project. At that time, Boston was the only location. Suddenly a similar group popped up in New York City. I took it upon myself to run over to the November Project creators and say, "Hey, someone is copying you in New York City," expecting reactions of anger—WE MUST STOP THEM. Instead, they responded with words like "that's great" and "imitation is the greatest form of flattery." Their response was far from what I expected, there was no ego involved. It is something that I find myself constantly coming back to as it was a great lesson and one that I'm obviously still learning to this day.

Whether the article was intentionally noticed by this platform and copied, we are flattered. My hope for the future is for the larger businesses to work with smaller businesses to lift each other up, not “steal” from each other.

“Keep pushing to be a leader, keep fighting to stay unique”

For the small business owners, the coaches + instructors, the creators out there who have felt something they have created has been copied. Keep pushing to be a leader, keep fighting to stay unique. You are doing something right if others are trying to copy you. Be the trendsetters and the best in the world at what you are doing.

For my family, friends, readers, and Daily Origin community, there are plenty of larger companies you can support this Holiday Season. If that is what works best for your lifestyle, we support it. If there is a chance, you can support small, support local, support the black-owned businesses. Please do so.

Here at Daily Origin, we have committed to connecting real people like yourself to relatable content. Sharing facts, interviews, and information that is honest with our community. We will continue to keep that promise and carry out our mission. Thank you for the tremendous amount of support thus far.

Genevieve

A Letter From The Editor