I recently talked about how I miss the essence of why I began this blog in the first place.
2011 was the first time I hit publish on this blog. It was called something a little different back then, but
I used to use this space to share life, and thoughts, and creativity, and things that inspire me. And while that hobby has brought me to an unimaginable career, it has also forced me to CONSTANTLY treat this space like a business.
Removing the “me” for brand partnerships and contract clauses. Being someone who is polished and perfect.
But the truth is, I’m wild, I’m weird, I’m rough around the edges. And while I’ve loved what this place has become, and how it has allowed me to live a flexible life with a chronic illness that is anything but flexible, I started to feel like others didn’t want me to show up in my own space…that I created, and that became a space people wanted to be in because I was there, not in spite of me being there.
They wanted the free recipe. They wanted the thing they could take. And so I shrunk down to that, and started just writing recipes and informative articles from my perspective as a nutritionist.
And while I can appreciate wanting to get something fast, I think instant gratification has done us a disservice in this world.
It causes a lack of empathy, treats individuals like they owe you something, and erases a person for the thing.
And I hate it.
I thought about what I wanted more of for this space of mine. Because I hate living in this insular hole. I hate hiding. I hate the mud that gets thrown everywhere. And truly, it didn’t used to be this way. There was a time where the internet was a kinder, gentler place. I want SO badly to go back there.
I realized that what I was missing and craving most was connection. I’m overwhelmed by the amount of people I have to respond to every day, but it doesn’t stop me from wanting to build deeper relationships with other people. Knowing what they know. Seeing what they see. Hearing what’s important to them, and why it’s important to them.
And the best way I can think of to do it? Collaboration.
We hear it all the time: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help” or “Collaboration is key to success.” But let’s be honest—those words might sound simple, but living them out? That’s a different story.
As entrepreneurs, creators, or even just humans trying to navigate life, asking for help or seeking collaboration can feel like one of the hardest things to do.
It’s easy to believe that asking for assistance means you’re not capable, or that reaching out to others is somehow a sign of weakness. It’s a fear rooted deep in vulnerability, and no matter how much we know intellectually that collaboration breeds innovation, the emotional hurdles are very real.
I want to share a bit of my own journey with this — both through my work with Glucose Guide and Hangry Woman—because I’ve learned that asking for help and collaborating are actually some of the best tools for growth. And yes, it’s still intimidating.
The Fear Behind Asking for Help
I’ve spent years building Hangry Woman, which started as a passion project but evolved into a place that empowers people with diabetes. And like any business or creative venture, there were moments when I had to decide: “Do I try to figure this all out on my own, or do I ask for help?”
One of the biggest decisions I ever made was reaching out to experts, influencers, and health professionals for support when launching Glucose Guide, my app that helps people with diabetes track their meals and manage their health. Asking for help wasn’t easy. I was juggling the technical development, content creation, and marketing all on my own. I was terrified of what others might think: What if they think I don’t know enough? What if they say no? The idea of collaborating with others and asking for guidance in areas I wasn’t an expert in felt incredibly vulnerable.
I also have an awful reaction to rejection.
But here’s the thing I’ve learned: No isn’t the worst answer you can get when you ask. In fact, it’s not even that bad. A “no” is simply a redirection, a moment to pivot and find another way forward. And often, it leads to other doors opening.
The Reality of Rejection: A “No” is Not a Dead End
Let’s be real: rejection sucks. But what I’ve learned through these experiences is that a “no” doesn’t mean it’s over. It just means you’ve got to find a new path or refine your approach. I’ve received plenty of “no’s” from various companies, people, and organizations in my time running Hangry Woman and Glucose Guide, but each one pushed me to rethink my strategies, approach new potential partners, and continue forging ahead.
A great example of this is when I first started reaching out to potential sponsors and partners for Hangry Woman. I had big dreams of creating a comprehensive platform for diabetes education, lifestyle tips, and community. But I was a one-woman operation, and I didn’t have the same reach or credibility as some of the larger, established voices in the space. It was easy to think that my project wasn’t worthy of support.
I sent emails, made calls, and reached out to people I admired. Some responded, others didn’t. And that’s OK. Every “no” gave me the courage to try again.
While I still don’t have the collaborations I wish that I did, I have created a space that I can be proud of. Particularly, one that doesn’t look like anything else. And while it’s lonely over here, and I struggle with funding it, I still find power in the fact that when people see the idea, they’re in awe!
I find happiness in the fact that if I could do all of this without collaboration, what does the future hold when I find that right partner?
Collaboration is the Heartbeat of Growth
Looking back, I can confidently say that collaboration has been one of the driving forces behind the success of both Glucose Guide and Hangry Woman. Each partnership, each collaboration, and each shared project has been a learning experience, a chance to grow both personally and professionally.
Here’s where it gets interesting: It’s not just about what others can bring to the table—it’s about what you bring, too. When I reached out to experts and influencers, I was also offering something unique in return. Whether it was sharing their content with my growing community, offering mutual exposure, or simply providing a different perspective on diabetes care, each collaboration was a two-way street.
This is why I’m so passionate about advocating for people to seek support and collaborate, especially when it comes to managing diabetes and living healthier, more fulfilling lives.
No one has to go it alone. Whether it’s asking for guidance on a meal plan, seeking out emotional support in a community, or working with other like-minded people to solve a problem, there is power in working together.
Moving Forward: Asking for Help is Part of the Journey
So, the next time you hesitate to ask for help, remember this: Asking for help is an investment in yourself and your growth. It’s not a sign of weakness—it’s an opportunity to elevate yourself and the work you’re doing. And if you hear “no,” that’s just an opportunity to regroup and find a new direction. After all, growth rarely happens in a straight line.
In both Glucose Guide and Hangry Woman, collaboration and asking for help have played crucial roles in helping me expand my reach, connect with the right people, and ultimately provide the best resources and support for the communities I serve.
Takeaway: Collaboration is Key
Remember: Asking for help is not a weakness. It’s a step forward. It’s about creating opportunities for learning, growth, and connection. If you’ve been afraid to reach out for support or to collaborate, I encourage you to take that step today.
The people you want to work with are out there, and sometimes, all it takes is the courage to ask.
