I’m known for being impulsive, and admittedly, the inception of The Soft Loud was kind of spur-of-the-moment.
Except… this time felt different from all the other times I’ve hyperfixated on something and lost interest halfway through.
The nagging feeling that started on a random Tuesday wasn’t just the usual “something to do to pass the time.” This felt like a calling. Like, as soon as the idea hit me, everything clicked into place. It just made sense. It felt like the kind of Hallelujah moment I experienced when it finally dawned on me that I was autistic.
So maybe you’re here because you’re curious how this blog came to be—or maybe you’re feeling inspired and wondering if you could start something like this too. Either way, grab a cup of something warm (or cold, because summer), and let me tell you how I got here.
It Started with Comfort Scrolling
I was doing a bit of what I like to call comfort scrolling during an overstimulating workday—just drifting through YouTube to come down from the noise of coworkers hustling around my cubicle. One video led to another, and I found myself in a rabbit hole of creators talking about content strategy.
I wasn’t paying full attention at first, but something kept sticking:
“You have to have something to say. You need a voice. A perspective.”
That idea kept circling in my head.
So, I asked myself—hypothetically, if I were to create content, what could I talk about at length, with confidence? What was missing from the conversations I saw online? What could I offer that felt honest?
And then I remembered why I was watching those videos in the first place. Because I was overstimulated. Because I needed to retreat into something quiet and familiar while masking through another long workday.
That. The autistic experience. Or more specifically: the experience of being a Black autistic woman who outwardly “fits” into neurotypical spaces—but is quietly unraveling behind the scenes.
That’s what I would talk about. That’s what’s been missing.
“It’s not just a blog. It’s my soft place to land — and yours too.”
Courtney — The Soft Loud
Why I Chose The Soft Loud
I’ve met at least two other Black women in their twenties or thirties who were recently diagnosed—or who recognized themselves through research and self-reflection, like I did. In both cases, they told me I was part of what helped them realize it.
Not because I projected anything onto them.
Not because I said, “Hey, maybe you’re autistic too.”
But because I shared openly—about my quirks, my boundaries, and the why behind my needs. Because I talked about mental health in a way that wasn’t cold or clinical. Just honest. Just… me.
That was the moment I knew this could be bigger. If my presence and words could start two people on their path to self-understanding, maybe I could reach more. Maybe I could create a space for those who’ve been overlooked, misdiagnosed, or misunderstood—not just by others, but by themselves.
I chose the name The Soft Loud because that duality speaks to who I am.
I’ve always been called soft-spoken. Shy. “Beta.” But I also have loud thoughts, strong opinions, a vibrant inner world. For years, I tried to emphasize the latter to make up for the former—because that’s what’s often expected of Black women. Assertiveness, boldness, energy.
But I’m both. I’m soft. I’m loud.
I don’t need to choose.
The tagline came naturally:
“For autistic women who’ve been overlooked, misdiagnosed, or misunderstood — this is your soft, loud home.”
Because after years of masking and code-switching, The Soft Loud feels like the first place I’ve created that truly feels like home.
The Tools I Used (and Why)
Let me be clear—this didn’t come together by sheer will alone.
I needed structure. And while I use platforms like Monday.com at work, it felt too rigid for something this personal. I wanted a digital space that could hold both my to-do lists and my daydreams. Notion quickly became my home base.
For the visuals, Canva was a no-brainer—I’ve used it for personal projects before, and it gave me the flexibility to create something gentle and aligned with my aesthetic. WordPress.org (not to be confused with WordPress.com) was my platform of choice because I wanted ownership. Creative control. Autonomy over how I show up online.
That mattered to me most of all.
Designing a Sensory-Friendly Space
I’ve always been intentional about curating my physical space to reflect what feels calming to my senses—so I wanted The Soft Loud to do the same.
That meant a soft, blush-pink palette with touches of beige and gentle neutral tones. Nothing cluttered or overwhelming. Just something that feels like an exhale. A space that’s feminine, but grounded. Clean, but warm.
Even the photos I took or chose for the blog reflect that—blurred edges, soft lighting, and small visual cues that signal: you can rest here.
Organizing the Blog
I knew I wanted to touch on a lot—because autistic life is layered. So I created clear categories that could hold it all in a way that still felt cohesive.
There’s:
- Mirror Mentors, where I talk about characters and creators who helped me reframe how I saw myself
- Personal Essays and reflections on diagnosis and healing
- Joy & Special Interests, because our passions deserve the spotlight
- Sensory Wellness and soft living tools
- And more to come.
I planned all of this in Notion, using a content timeline to hold myself accountable without overwhelming myself.
What’s Coming Next
This is just the beginning—but already, it feels like the start of something beautiful. Something needed.
I’ll be sharing recipes, sensory-friendly routines, identity deep-dives, more Mirror Mentors, and the occasional soft surprise that comes to me in the middle of the night. If you’d like cozy updates and bonus content like the resources below, you’re welcome to subscribe to my newsletter. No pressure. Pop in and out as needed. Take what soothes you and leave what doesn’t.
💾 Download Your Free Tools
Before you go, I’ve tucked a few free resources into my Dropbox — think of them as care packages for your creative process and your daily life. 💗
👉 Download the Blog Starter Kit
👉 Download the Soft Loud Life Pages
✨ Want the interactive Notion versions?
Open them here:
👉 Blog Starter Kit – Notion Edition
👉 Soft Loud Life Pages – Notion Edition