Is Niche Always Necessary?
We’ve all heard it before: “Find your niche.” It’s one of the most repeated pieces of advice in the creative and entrepreneurial space. Whether you’re building a brand, launching a business, or simply trying to figure out your passion, there’s a constant push for choosing one thing. But what if what you’re looking for doesn’t exist yet? What if your creative identity isn’t meant to be boxed in, but rather explored.
Maybe I’m breaking some rules as a brand designer by saying this, but I genuinely think there’s power in exploring beyond one niche; especially in the early stages of your journey… or even at the peak.
Photo by Brianna Capozzi via Npr.org
Karol G went off with this album.
Before watching her latest documentary, I’ll admit: I had her all wrong. But Karol G: Tomorrow was Beautiful showed me another side of her. I saw how hard she worked, how deeply she feels, and how boldly she represents Latinas around the world. You better go girl! So when I heard she was releasing Tropicoqueta, I was hyped.
And she delivered. In her new album, released on June 20, 2025, she didn’t limit herself to reggaeton: the genre that brought her global recognition. Instead, she gave herself permission to explore across merengue, Latin pop, dembow, bachata, vallenato, cumbia, and more. What stood out to me most was how she embedded references and inspiration from el pasado. It was a thoughtful nod to her roots, while offering a fresh perspective that felt entirely her own.
Layered, Not Scattered
That’s the thing about creative identity that often gets overlooked. People think not having a niche means you’re inconsistent. But there’s a difference between being scattered and being layered. Karol G’s songs sound a little different, but her true essence is the same. She welcomed listeners with the constant themes of empowerment, emotion, boldness throughout every track. That’s not about genre. That’s true passion, purpose, and creative storytelling.
As someone who has worn many creative hats—storyteller, designer, photographer, blogger—I’ve struggled with this idea myself. I’ve felt the pressure to pick a niche, to brand myself in a way that’s easy to understand, and simple to market. But what I’ve come to realize is that my work has never really been about one thing. It’s been about telling stories, being relatable, and building connections. It’s been about showing up as my whole self behind Fierceday, even if that self evolves overtime.
Shameless plug: If you’re curious about how my creative journey has unfolded, be sure to check out my ongoing blog series, Digital Shift Happens.
Show Up As You
Your brand isn’t just about what you do. It’s about how you make people feel and how you allow yourself to show up. For some folks, niching down might works. But for those of us who are multi-passionate, curious, and constantly exploring new ways to express our creativity, it can feel like a trap. I’ve paused too many projects or held back ideas because they didn’t “fit” some imaginary version of me and my brand that I thought I had to uphold. Now, I’m learning to look at if from a different perspective. Instead of asking “Does this align with my brand?” I ask, “Does this represent me?”
Honor Your Range
Karol G’s Tropicoqueta isn’t just an album. It’s a statement. It says: I can explore the past and embrace the present. I can honor my culture, tap into nostalgia, and still push boundaries.
For right now, I refuse to niche down. I’m choosing to be fully me. To explore, to evolve, to show up in real time. Because just like Karol G, I’m honoring the range in my creativity and the deep-rooted connections I make along the way.