Having dealt with this difficult brand collaboration, I want to offer some honest insights from my experience for anyone considering working with brands, especially small businesses. Collaborations should be mutually respectful and transparent, but sometimes red flags emerge only after the fact. In my case, despite a promising start and months of promotion for the sweet potato latte product, the brand went behind my back to market a similar product without proper credit or permission. This breach of trust left me feeling disrespected and ultimately soured me on supporting their products again. From this, I learned to pay close attention to how a brand communicates and follows through on agreements—not just at the outset but consistently throughout the collaboration. If a brand starts withholding information, ignoring contract terms, or using your name and likeness without consent, it's a major warning. I also realized the importance of setting clear boundaries in contracts and keeping careful records of all communications. For creators, especially those new to collaborations, I highly recommend researching brands thoroughly and trusting your instincts about the people you work with. If anything feels off, don’t ignore it. There are many wonderful brands and creators out there who value integrity and partnership. Lastly, I want to emphasize the value of a supportive community. While this experience was tough, my friends encouraged me to channel what I learned into future positive projects. Moving forward, I’m more cautious but also more confident in spotting red flags early and protecting my creative space. If you’re navigating brand partnerships, remember you always have the right to say no and to prioritize respect and fairness above all else.