We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Abby Berg. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Abby below.
Abby, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I started my business during a season of life where I was not happy with my job, my mental health was suffering and in general I was feeling lost. I desperately needed to find a way back to myself. I’ve always struggled with having negative voices in my head telling me different things like “you’re not good enough, you don’t deserve this, you don’t know what you’re doing, what if it doesn’t work out?” This can be crippling when trying to do new things and it’s not always easy to over come – especially when trying to muster up the courage to start a business.
The best piece of advice I got when I started the bookstore was to stock the books that I know and love. I think that this advice is what really helped me get over the imposter syndrome of not feeling good enough and to start choosing myself. It also makes the store unique to me and my tastes, which has made the experience so much fun and beneficial to boosting my confidence.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Abigail’s is a locally owned bookstore and gift shop, as well as the greatest act of self love I’ve ever done for myself. In choosing myself, I have given myself a renewed sense of purpose and my community has another bookstore. While I have only been open for about a year, it feels so good to be around books again and to see how books bring us together. I am very excited to have a vehicle that let’s me make a difference in my community and host different events.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
It’s incredible how easy it is to start a business – anyone can do it. Where it gets complicated is when you get asked questions like “What’s your vision? What’s your mission? What are your goals outside of sales?” I think what has helped me the most is being 1) someone who isn’t afraid to take the initiative, 2) a creative problem solver, and 3) knowing when it’s time to ask for and accept help from others
The best advice I can offer is to learn to say yes to yourself and your capabilities, but don’t be afraid to accept help from those in your life that want you to succeed. The biggest lesson I’ve learned this year is how to ask for and accept help from others.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
I highly recommend “You Are A Badass” by Jen Sincero. This is the book that gives me both reassurance and a kick in the pants when my life is in transition. Sincero is funny and personable in her writing and offers ways to improve your life – like meditating and forming healthy habits.
I also recommend “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brene Brown. Brown is a shame researcher and this book is all about addressing and moving past our shame as individuals. This is such a powerful book and is essential for everyone.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.discoverabigails.com
- Instagram: abigailsbookandgift
- Facebook: Abigail’s Book & Gift Shop
