What I've always loved to do is build a brand that's so cool that you want to wear their T-shirt.
Most people who are deemed 'mean' are usually perfectionist who make mediocre people unhappy, cause they put more pressure on them then they can handle.
Ultimately, if you are doing great work, the money will come.
Iād rather apologize than to be so timid as to never try to do anything smart or brave.
I found my own way of doing things.
If it's been done, do it better. If it hasn't been done, do it so well that better is not an option.