2023 Pantone Color of the Year is a BOLD SLAP IN THE FACE
What Pantone’s Color of the Year Taught Me About Showing Up
The other day, during a 1:1 pitch writing session for a PR Starter Pack member (P.S., are you joining our 2023 PR vision planning call on 1/30?), we talked about Pantone’s color of the year.
At first, I thought, "Who really cares about the color of the year unless you're a designer or artist?"
But then she said something striking: This year’s color—Viva Magenta—is a bold slap in the face.
That got me thinking.
If these "color of the year" decisions are intentional, maybe this LOUD, UNAPOLOGETIC magenta is sending us a message.
Unlike previous years with muted, quiet tones, this color is screaming at us to show the f*ck up and take up space unapologetically.
The Time to Be Bold Is Now
For years, we’ve been quietly absorbing content, strategies, and tools. We’ve been training and gathering knowledge, waiting for the "right time" to take action.
But here’s the truth:
NONE of this information matters if you don’t press the send button.
NONE of these strategies make a difference if they’re not tested in real life.
NONE of the tools or frameworks work unless you take bold, consistent action.
The last few years have shown us that we don’t need more content or information. We already have everything we need within us.
The time is NOW to step out and:
Share your unique perspective, even if it shifts how others see things.
Stop fearing judgment, disagreements, or the occasional hater.
Lead with your “why” and inspire others by showing up unapologetically.
This Year, I’m Letting Go of Permission-Seeking
In 2023, I’m making a commitment to stop censoring myself, stop seeking permission from peers or coaches, and stop second-guessing every move in my business.
Why? Because I know my “why.”
I’m here to elevate small business voices like yours. I’m here to build a community of HELL YES people, even if it means a few people say HELL NO along the way.
This year, I’m leaning fully into trust. My PR Starter Pack program works. The results speak for themselves.
Are You Ready to Take Up Space?
If you’re here to shift perspectives, be a force for change, and make an impact, ask yourself:
Are you ready to be seen—even if it means being judged or challenged?
Are you willing to step into the discomfort of growth to achieve your mission?
The process won’t always be comfortable, but it will be worth it.
Let’s Make 2023 the Year of Being Unapologetically Ourselves
Together, let’s inspire others by boldly stepping into our power. This year isn’t about waiting, hiding, or holding back. It’s about showing up fully as ourselves and making a dent in the universe for the better.
If you’re ready to take up space and make this your boldest year yet, reply HELL YES—and let’s do this together.
P.S. Whenever you’re ready... here are 3 ways I can help you go from being unknown to being SEEN, HEARD, and VALUED without ever paying for ads or agencies.
1. JOIN the Small Business PR Pros Private Facebook Group. This is THE go-to place for small businesses and diverse entrepreneurs to learn how to pitch themselves, go BIGGER with their message, and as a result, create greater impact.
2. Listen to Small Business PR Podcast. Join me every week to uncover your roadblocks, find your press-worthy angle, and unlock your greatest potential as the purpose-driven leader you already are. Here you will learn exactly how to put into place the winning frameworks and methods you need, so listen closely, take notes, and get ready to start showing up in a bigger way.
3. JOIN The PR Starter Pack, my flagship program that gives you all the training, tools, templates and editors' contact lists that you will ever need to land press for your business within 30 days.