Running an online holistic shop sounds dreamy, right? Sharing lovely teas and wellness goodies with the world — all while channeling calm and positive vibes. Spoiler alert: the marketing side? Not quite so zen. As someone who’s autistic, juggling the art of promotion often feels like trying to do yoga on a rollercoaster. Sensory overload, brain freezes, poor memory moments, and awkward social mishaps all collide in the most unexpected ways.
Sensory Overload in a Digital World
Marketing means being glued to screens full of bright colors, flashing ads, and endless notifications—basically an assault on the senses. For many autistic people, this sensory buffet quickly turns into sensory indigestion. Trying to keep up with algorithms or manage social media often leaves me needing to find the nearest quiet corner… or maybe just a good long nap.
Navigating Social Nuances and Expectations
Marketing is supposed to be about connection and warmth, but sometimes it feels like decoding a secret handshake with no instructions. There’s the pressure to “sound friendly,” “stay on brand,” and never, ever say the wrong thing. Cue the anxiety and overthinking spirals, because apparently “Hey, here’s my shop!” is not always enough.
Brain Freeze, Poor Memory, and Communication Barriers
Ever had a moment where your brain just… shuts down? That’s classic autistic “brain freeze” — when words vanish and processing slows to a crawl. Add to that poor memory (like forgetting what you were about to say or losing track of details) and trying to respond quickly to customers can feel like competing in a lightning round of trivia… except I’m the only one who forgot to study. Sometimes this makes my replies sound blunt or confusing, which is the last thing I want. Misunderstandings can mean lost sales, and honestly, it’s the worst kind of “oops.”
Elevator Pitches Don’t Come Naturally
The idea of boiling down my entire shop into a neat, catchy sentence on the fly? Ha! My brain either races to fit everything in or stalls completely. So if you see me fumbling for words or awkwardly avoiding the question, that’s why. Elevator pitches should come with a warning label: “May cause panic in autistic brains.”
The Challenge of Multitasking and Organization
Running a shop and marketing it means juggling many things at once—writing blogs, managing social media, answering questions, and tracking sales. For someone who thrives on routine and focus, this constant switching is like trying to meditate during a fireworks show. Spoiler: it doesn’t work well.
Feeling Invisible in a Crowded Market
The holistic market is a big, bustling place. Standing out takes creativity, energy, and time. When social anxiety or executive function challenges are in the mix, posting regularly or trying new marketing tricks feels like climbing Everest in flip-flops. Sometimes, no matter how much I put in, it feels like I’m shouting into the void.
Seeking Authenticity Over Sales Pressure
One thing I hold close is being true to my shop’s values — calm, healing, honesty. But marketing often feels like walking a tightrope between sharing my story and pushing for sales. Finding that balance without feeling like I’m “selling my soul” is… well, let’s say it’s a work in progress.
What Helps Me Cope?
- Having a simple, step-by-step marketing plan to reduce overwhelm (because chaos is my enemy).
- Scheduling breaks and quiet time to avoid sensory burnout.
- Using tools and automation to take some of the load off my brain.
- Being open about my autistic experience to build understanding and patience.
- Taking extra care with communication to avoid misunderstandings (and giving myself grace when brain freeze hits).
- Writing notes or scripts ahead of time to help with memory and responses.
- Practicing elevator pitches ahead of time—preferably in my pajamas with snacks.
- Choosing quality over quantity so I can be authentic, not exhausted.
If you’re autistic and running a business, or supporting someone who is, know you’re definitely not alone. Marketing a dream while navigating neurodivergence isn’t always smooth, but it’s filled with resilience and creativity too. Together, we can make the holistic world more welcoming, one mindful step at a time.
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