In an era where political discourse can feel more polarized than ever, expressing your perspective and staying true to your values is both a challenge and an opportunity. For small business owners like me, who design and sell original merchandise through platforms like Etsy and TikTok Shop, our brands become more than just a business; they transform into a platform for advocacy and free speech.

At ShesSoCrafty Goods, I have made it my mission to not only create beautiful and meaningful products but also to use my voice—and my art—to reaffirm the importance of free speech and individuality. My designs are more than just stickers, t-shirts, and ornaments. They’re statements, crafted to empower, inspire, and connect people who value self-expression in times when it feels most under threat.

Why Brands Matter in Times of Political Unrest

Brands have always been a reflection of their creators. In challenging political times, they take on even greater significance. They’re not just about selling a product; they’re about standing for something. When free speech, individual rights, or justice comes under fire, your brand can become a beacon for those who feel unheard or unsupported.

At ShesSoCrafty Goods, I’ve embraced the opportunity to let my products speak for themselves—and for the values I hold dear. Whether it’s a “Vote Like Your Uterus Depends on It” sticker or a “Salty, Defiant, Extremely Non-Compliant” floral middle finger design, my goal is to empower customers to make bold statements in their everyday lives.

The items we carry with us—keychains, stickers, t-shirts—are often overlooked as powerful tools for advocacy. But these everyday accessories have the power to spark conversations and signal solidarity. They remind people that they’re not alone, that others are just as passionate about the issues they care about.

How My Products Reaffirm Freedom of Speech

Every design I create is a reflection of the belief that art and free speech are inseparable. Here’s how some of my products embody that mission:

• Floral Embellished Middle Finger Sticker: This design is unapologetic in its message. It blends beauty with bold defiance, reminding us all that we have the right to express ourselves, even when it’s uncomfortable for others to hear.
• “Vote Like Your Uterus Depends on It” Sticker: This sticker takes a direct stand on the importance of voting, particularly when fundamental rights like reproductive freedom are on the line. With its floral-embellished uterus design, it’s both visually striking and deeply meaningful.
• Saint Swift Ornaments and Swift-Inspired Products: Inspired by the artistry of Taylor Swift, these designs are a nod to the idea that even the most mainstream cultural figures can use their platforms to speak out and we should encourage them to do so. My merchandise allows fans to celebrate both her music and her advocacy. My My Body, My Love, My Choice Sticker is inspired by my favorite bridge in Death by a Thousand Cuts.
• Bitch Definition T-Shirt: This shirt reclaims a term often used to silence women and turns it into a badge of honor. By wearing it, my customers join a conversation about power, agency, and self-expression.
• Tons of Feminist Hair Clips and Salty Accessories: Bold, bright and sassy. I love combining fun with messaging that empowers women, minorities and people of color. Advocacy doesn’t always have to be serious. It can be fun, it can make you laugh. Because lord knows we all need it now.

By choosing to create products with strong messages, I’m encouraging my customers to express their perspectives in subtle, powerful, and often beautiful ways. It’s not just about making a statement—it’s about starting a dialogue.

Using Your Voice to Create Change

Building a brand that champions free speech and political advocacy isn’t always easy, but it is deeply rewarding. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned about using my voice and my art to make a difference:

1. Stay True to Your Values: Whether it’s through your designs or your marketing, don’t shy away from sharing what you believe in. Authenticity resonates with customers, especially in today’s world.
2. Use Art as Advocacy: Visual art has the power to transcend words. When combined with meaningful text, it can become an incredibly powerful tool for activism.
3. Create Space for Others: Your brand can become a community. By offering products that reflect shared values, you’re not just selling items—you’re helping people feel seen, heard, and supported.
4. Balance Boldness with Beauty: Some of the best advocacy designs are those that combine striking visuals with powerful messages. Beauty draws people in; boldness keeps them engaged.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Be Polarizing: Not everyone will agree with your stance, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to please everyone—it’s to stay authentic and connect with those who share your values.

The Importance of Free Speech in Business

Free speech is the cornerstone of creativity, advocacy, and individuality. Without it, we wouldn’t have the ability to express our ideas, challenge norms, or demand change. As a creator, I’m deeply committed to protecting that right and celebrating it through my work.

When customers purchase a sticker, a t-shirt, or a keychain from ShesSoCrafty Goods, they’re not just buying a product. They’re supporting a movement. They’re choosing to make their voice heard in a way that’s both personal and public.

Be Bold. Be Unapologetic. Be Heard.

In times of political uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to use your platform—no matter how big or small—to advocate for what matters. Whether you’re wearing a t-shirt that reclaims a derogatory term, sticking a bold message on your water bottle, or decorating your Christmas tree with ornaments that reflect your values, every action counts.

At ShesSoCrafty Goods, I’m proud to create items that empower others to express their perspectives. Together, we can continue to champion free speech, celebrate individuality, and inspire change—one sticker, t-shirt, and ornament at a time.