Your energy is special — it’s your brand, essence, and power. And when you’re in the creative space, especially as a model or content creator, that energy becomes something others will want to use — especially if you’re offering it for free or in collaboration. That’s not always a bad thing... but it can become dangerous if you’re not careful.

There are people out there with negative intentions — who care more about your image than your well-being. We call them:

✨ Energy Vampires ✨

They thrive off using your light for their gain, without giving anything real in return.

🚩 How To Spot an Energy Vampire:

1. Check Their Receipts.
   If they tag 5+ people from your local area in their work, ask yourself:

• • Are those people posting the content back?
  • Do they look happy with how they were represented?
  • Can you tell if both sides of the collab felt satisfied?

1. Ask For References.
   Reach out directly and respectfully to someone who’s worked with that brand or photographer. Say something like:
   “Hey! I saw you worked with ___. I’m considering working with them too — how was your experience?”
2. Watch Their Reaction When You Ask Questions.
   Any professional with positive intentions will not be thrown off when you ask about:

• • Deliverables
  • Concept clarity
  • Past experience
  • Safety and comfort

If they get defensive or make you feel like you’re asking for “too much” — run. That’s your sign.

⚠️ Reminder:

The more "flexible" or passive you seem, the more likely people will test your boundaries. Protect yourself by fact-checking, asking questions, and trusting your gut.

Being polite doesn’t mean being a pushover. Respect yourself first — that’s what sets the tone for how others treat you.

🌱 Closing Thought:

Good energy should feel mutual. It should inspire, not drain.
If you feel uneasy — believe that feeling.
It’s not your job to make it work. It’s your job to keep your light.