The Unwritten Rules of Belonging (And Why I Break Them)

Hi there,

Let’s talk about fitting in—or rather, not fitting in.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve existed in between. I’m a Jewish Latina. An immigrant. A woman in business. A CEO. A storyteller. A marketer. A creator. A rule-breaker. I wear many hats, and I embrace them all. But here’s the thing—some people don’t want to embrace me back.

You see, when you belong to more than one group, sometimes you end up belonging to none.

I’m too Latina for some, not Latina enough for others. I’m Jewish, but for some, I don’t fit the mold. I’m an entrepreneur, but I didn’t follow the traditional path. I’ve built a thriving agency, but I didn’t come from privilege or connections—I learned through trial, error, and a whole lot of hustle. And yet, there are always those who will try to decide for me whether or not I’m “one of them.”

Here’s the truth: I’m done waiting for an invitation to belong.

The Reality of Selective Inclusion

We love to throw around words like diversity and inclusion, but real inclusion doesn’t come with conditions. It doesn’t mean accepting someone only when it’s convenient or when they perfectly fit the box you’ve drawn.

And yet, I’ve faced it time and time again—being welcomed… until I wasn’t. Being embraced… until I was questioned. I’ve been told that I don’t “look” Latina. I’ve been excluded from conversations about Jewish identity. I’ve been dismissed in business circles for being a woman with strong opinions.

But guess what? None of that changes who I am.

Choosing to Stand Out, Not Fit In

If I’ve learned anything, it’s this: You don’t need to be accepted by everyone to be impactful. You don’t need to fit into one identity to own all of them. And you don’t need permission to take up space in the world that you have built for yourself.

For those of us who don’t fit neatly into one box—who are a little bit of everything—it can feel like a lonely road. But I’d rather walk it authentically than shrink myself to fit someone else’s expectations.

The Marketing Connection (Because, of Course)

This isn’t just about identity—it’s about business, too. Brands that try too hard to “fit in” lose their edge. Those who embrace what makes them different are the ones who thrive. Consumers—just like people—crave authenticity. And that’s why I work with brands to help them own their identity, not mold themselves into something they’re not.

So, here’s my takeaway: Be all the things that make you you. Refuse to let others define your worth. And when someone tells you that you don’t belong? Smile, keep moving, and build your own damn table.

Because belonging isn’t given—it’s claimed.

Until next time,

Lara