Personal Journal Entry from September 13, 2025 – Saturday 9:50AM
“I think I figured it out. I think my ‘step into the arena’ moment is realizing my biggest brand is me. I HATE this idea. I rather not. I don’t want to let people into my life. I don’t want to be relevant even. I just want to be happy in my own bubble. But that ick is called vulnerability and shame. I don’t want to open myself up to the things that one does when being an influencer. But as great FEMALE authors have taught me: 1) we are hard-wired for connection (Brené Brown); 2) love is the way (Bell Hooks); and 3) we must be gritty (Angela Duckworth).
And as I’ve realized, the way to help other me’s in the world and end generational trauma is to TALK ABOUT THESE THINGS!
Shame, failure, fear, etc. and learn about our power from each other.”
July 1, 2026
Reading back through my journal entries, the one above stopped me in my tracks immediately. It's been almost 10 months since I wrote that, and I'm still struggling with the idea that my biggest brand is me. Emotions of shame, guilt, and embarrassment come over me. My inner critic is telling me, "Who do you think you are saying you're a brand? You're no one." Then another voice inside shames me further for still dealing with the same issue I wrote about 10 months ago. "Why are we still on this?"
Stepping into the arena and being consistently vulnerable is the hardest part of any journey. Opening yourself up to criticism, judgment, and shame is not fun. So, we avoid it. I did for so long. And what I feel most is regret. Regret for not taking more chances earlier. Regret that I'm not further along in my journey to reach my goals.
Growing up, I didn't understand why representation mattered so much. I just knew that every time I saw a badass woman unapologetically taking up space I felt something shift inside me. The first woman I remember inspiring me as a kid is WNBA legend Diana Taurasi. I had her magazine covers on my wall and dreamed of going pro like her.
Simply by being visible, Diana gave me permission to imagine a bigger life for myself. What I didn't realize was that one day I might become that person for someone else.
Since opening Blazers, I've watched people walk through our doors and light up. Sometimes it's because they're seeing women's sports on every TV. Sometimes it's because they're meeting queer people who are living openly and confidently. Or sometimes it’s simply because they feel safe at a sports bar for once. But every time it happens, I'm reminded of what Diana Taurasi gave me all those years ago: permission to dream bigger. Maybe that's why visibility matters so much.
Someone's courage to be seen gives others the permission to take up space unapologetically and be seen, too.
Now, I’m not as scared to admit that I want more out of life. I want to create more of an impact. I want more speaking opportunities to share my story. I want to help more people and businesses. I want to inspire. Saying that out loud causes that vulnerability ick inside of me, and that’s okay. The ick is part of the process. The important part is to push through the ick, and have the courage to be seen.
If we don’t take chances, we can’t give the universe opportunities to reward us for our courage to try.
If you’ve read this far, I’ll leave you with the same question I’ve been asking myself lately: what would taking up more space look like for you?
I believe in you, I believe in us.
Con amor<3,
Debany Dávila
