Collaboration Over Competition

I think we all may have felt the worry and maybe even a little green monster feeling of jealousy by comparing ourselves to the business down the street or one with a larger following. But as soon as we get stuck in that “there’s only so much room” mindset, we forget that the ocean is wide. That business’ success doesn’t diminish ours and oftentimes coming together can get us both further. For example, when I refer a potential client to another designer who might be a better fit, not only do they feel supported, but that energy comes back tenfold. Sometimes literally, in the form of new clients or collaborations. Sometimes quietly, in the form of trust, alignment, and clarity.

Your Brand Isn’t Just About You

This is especially important to understand when building a brand. Your brand might be born from your story, your values, and your vision, but it exists in a wider ecosystem. The way you show up in your industry, in your community, and online contributes to the rising tide.

The kind of brands that not only I have created (KHD) but the ones I have helped build are the kind that contribute something beyond their work to the world. In fact, whenever KHD completes a brand and website build, we sponsor a scholar through Bosh Bosh in that brand’s name. The ripple effect of that is very real. It creates jobs. It builds confidence. It is giving power to young women across the world, to go on and make a change in another’s life. 

Practicing What I Preach

I practice what I preach not only in helping through Bosh Bosh but my personal life too. You may or may not know but I used to (and sometimes still do) compete in differing athletic tournaments. My physical ability is something I have always been very proud of and even more so after the accident. I ran a triathlon with Alina, my dear friend and now team member, several years ago. We had just started to become friends. I had been running consistently and this race would have been simple enough for me to do. However, Alina had not. She fell behind. I allowed her to run her pace and I ran mine, until the very end. I could see the finish line, but I waited to cross it. I waited for her. Rising tides lift all ships. I may not have PRed my race but I took a giant step towards a friendship that has flourished and continues to this day. 

From Alina’s Side

“This was honestly one of the most unforgettable moments of my life. I was on the last leg of the triathlon, the run, and my body was done. I was barely hanging on, so I told Karin  to just go ahead without me. I felt like I was slowing her down, and my energy was pretty much gone. She kept running, and eventually, I couldn’t see her anymore.

By the last mile, I was legit ready to collapse. My body was shutting down, and I didn’t know how I was going to make it. And then, out of nowhere, I saw her. She was standing there, waving at me. At first I thought she had already crossed the finish line and came back to cheer me on, but when I got closer, she looked at me and said, “Okay, let’s finish this.” That’s when I realized—she had stopped and waited for me so we could cross the finish line together.

I just lost it. I broke down in tears—overwhelmed with humility, gratitude, and a profound sense of honor. My body was in shock, and as we crossed the line, I literally couldn’t breathe. For a second, I got scared, but there she was again, holding me, helping me bend over so my lungs could open up and I could finally take that big, shaky breath.

That whole experience was surreal. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it. People like her don’t come around often, some people never get to meet someone like that. I feel beyond lucky to call her my soul sister.”

Let’s Raise the Tide Together

So what does this mean, practically? Here are a few ways I live out the “rising tide” philosophy in my own business:

🫴🏼Refer freely. Don’t hoard opportunities. When someone isn’t a fit, pass them along to someone who is.

💭 Being generous with insight, sharing tips, resources, or lessons learned doesn’t cheapen my brand, it builds trust.

🫶🏻Support other business owners. Like, comment, share, buy. My small actions have a big impact.

🥰Practice kindness. It’s not what I say, it’s how I say it. 

🤝 Collaborate. Bring others into my work when it strengthens the outcome.

🌎 Give back. Find a way to make my success part of something bigger than myself.

This isn’t just strategy or technique. It is a way of being, it is kindness, it is the beauty of being human. One that not only feels better, but works better in the long run. Because when we’re all running in the same direction, or when the tide comes in, we all rise.