Trying to be a small business and stay afloat is a challenge, especially with the rising cost of living, food, and other expenses required to stay functioning. When Covid hit, the following two years contributed to many small business closures. I was one of those facing that same fate until someone recommended I join an online live-selling platform called Whatnot. Initially, I was hesitant as I did not know how my brand/business would be received and how I would market myself on a platform, primarily Funko and collectible cards. As I slowly built my following, I noticed that they were offering incentives to become a seller with the option to be a part of an opportunity to be a break-out category. After a few months, I applied and was approved as a seller.

As I became more comfortable with reading, healing, and incorporating the use and sale of crystals, I started to build up my community and following. Before I departed the platform, I had 4.7k followers. It was not as impressive as some of the larger sellers on the app, but I wanted to build trust and morale and inspire more than sell and scale. I truly brought something unique and different. As I began getting some recognition, I also started to get hate. This is normal online and something I have battled on multiple platforms. However, when the insults became more abusive, and the Trust and Safety department continuously let serious reports be passed over without consequences for the offenders, I knew something was wrong. The sad thing about it was that I was not the only one.

I decided this May to stop streaming and focus more on healing and removing myself from toxic platforms. There needs to be more protection in place for people who are just trying to do what they love and help others. I knew that my mental and emotional wellness was going downhill, and to be honest, my confidence was shot. I am focused on my family, Patreon, and things that bring me happiness and joy. Thank you to those of you who supported my departure from the platform. I am truly disgusted that this platform did not take the reports more seriously, as some of them were threatening to punch me in the face to knock my other teeth, calling me fat and ugly, in addition to getting raided by another seller I blocked. I am genuinely exhausted with all of it, so for those who have been through something similar, please get in touch with supportive organizations like Cybersmile.

Before you get on live selling platforms, always check their reviews and find reputable sources to compare and contrast. Be honest, and remember, if you lie, manipulate, and scam others, you only have yourself to blame. Please respect people’s choices to block and protect their energy.

Looking for safer platforms to do online live selling?

Poshmark

Mercari

District

Thanks for reading, and stay safe, and never lose sight of your passions!

References:

Some supportive resources

https://www.cybersmile.org/blog/how-i-survived-cyberbullying-like-a-boss