As a small business owner, artist, and therapist, I’ve watched the rise of algorithms and big corporations take a toll on independent creators and practitioners. For years, I’ve struggled to keep my art business afloat. The reality is, people often choose price over quality, convenience over authenticity, and mass production over true craftsmanship. It’s a painful cycle, and it’s one that continues to get harder, especially as algorithms and big corporations create an even wider divide.
The Price of Authenticity
As artists and makers, we pour our hearts into our work. Every brushstroke, every design, every piece of art is a reflection of who we are, our passion, and our unique perspective. But despite the care, dedication, and skill that goes into creating something meaningful, we are constantly overshadowed by cheaper, mass-produced alternatives. People are more likely to support the giant chains or purchase overseas goods that are made with little regard for quality or the personal touch that small businesses offer.
It’s heartbreaking to watch consumers opt for what’s easy and inexpensive, without any understanding of the value they’re missing. These choices are not just about price—they’re about disregarding the real work that goes into creating something meaningful. It’s easy to feel like a disgrace when people make purchases that are cheap and thoughtless. When you make these choices, you are, in a way, contributing to a culture that values convenience over integrity, and it’s hard not to feel saddened by that.
Turning to Therapy: A Personal Journey
This frustration eventually led me to a crossroads in my life. As much as I love art, I had to recognize that it was difficult to survive solely as an artist in today’s market. So, I decided to go back to school for my counseling master’s degree. It wasn’t that I wanted to leave behind my art—it’s that I realized I could combine both my love for creating and my desire to help people by becoming a therapist. The decision was born out of necessity, but it has also allowed me to use my art as therapy for both myself and others. It’s been a way to heal and find balance.
The Struggles of Being a Therapist in a Digital World
But even in the world of therapy, the struggle for visibility and fair compensation is just as real. The rise of platforms like BetterHelp and other online services has made it even harder for independent practitioners to be seen and valued. People don’t realize that being a therapist isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. It requires years of study, intense dedication, and after graduation, years of pre-licensure work, like an apprenticeship, where you’re paid little, overworked, and often underappreciated. The algorithm pushes clients to those convenient, generic platforms that promise quick and easy solutions, but they fail to recognize the depth of knowledge and experience that therapists bring to their work.
Small Businesses and the Algorithmic Divide
The truth is, no matter the industry—whether it's art, therapy, or any other small business sector—those of us who are truly invested in our crafts, our work, and our clients often remain invisible. We struggle to get noticed amidst a sea of big names, easy solutions, and mass marketing. The algorithms, designed to push “relevant” content based on keywords and ad spend, leave little room for authentic, personalized connection. We’re just not being seen.
The Moral of the Story
Support your local makers, practitioners, and creatives. When you choose to shop at the big box stores or purchase from overseas, you’re not just choosing a product—you’re supporting a system that undervalues authenticity, craftsmanship, and care. You’re contributing to a culture that favors profit over people, convenience over meaning, and price over quality.
Instead, look for local artists, therapists, and small businesses who are doing the real work. Understand the effort that goes into creating something of value and know that you’re helping someone who is genuinely passionate about what they do. Don’t get swept away by the endless consumerism being pushed on you by algorithms and massive corporations. Live without the nonsense and choose what truly matters—support healing, creativity, and authenticity.
Because behind every small business, every therapist, every artist, there is a real person who is working tirelessly to make a difference.