We recently connected with Ellie Robinson and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ellie, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
After working in my field for years, starting a successful freelance business, and working doing what I love every day the truth is there are totally still times when I wrestle with imposter syndrome! And guess what I’ve found out…..THAT’S TOTALLY NORMAL. I and so many professionals I’ve talked to, no matter how successful they may be in the world lens still struggle with imposter syndrome from time to time. I think it comes with the territory of wanting to be successful, as there is always more you could be doing, more money to be made, and people who are more successful than you.
Well, if that’s the case how do I combat imposter syndrome? The first trick is to do your best not to compare yourself to others both in your personal and professional life. There is a stark difference between admiring someone or their work and comparing yourself to someone else. It’s a line you need to set for yourself and one you will be happy to you did.
For me as a photographer, I started out following tons of other photographers! And at first, it was great! I got a lot of inspiration and ideas, but as time went on I saw myself starting to compare my work to others. I had to stop following so many others so that I don’t fall into that trap.
The second thing, and probably the most important is not to compare the current version of yourself or your business with the dream version of you or your business. I found that I stopped celebrating what I had accomplished and put myself down because I wasn’t “there yet.” Which was a total lie because where I am today is where year ago me was dreaming of!
So celebrate your wins, big and small. Don’t compare yourself to others or to the dream version of yourself. You will get there! Just keep going!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I have my own freelance business called MVP by Ellie Nicole. MVP stands for Makeup, Videography, and Photography. Yup, I do it all! I like to think of myself as a one-stop shop!
A couple of years ago I was working full-time at an ad agency. I learned so much there but I realized that I wanted to work for myself. I knew it would be hard and take time but I decided to quit my full-time job and throw myself into starting my own business. It was terrifying! Just hoping and praying that people would find me and want to work with me. But it’s been the best choice!
I love what I do and all the people I get to work with! I am so excited to keep growing and learning. I just recently relaunched my website so check it out at mvpbyellienicole.com!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Work Ethic is the first thing that comes to mind. Anything worth doing will take time, effort, and energy. In life, we are here to learn, so it makes sense that things aren’t handed to us on a silver platter. Whether you are growing a business, working up the corporate ladder, or just trying to become a better human being not giving up and continuing to work through the bad and the good is what will get you there in the end!
Second, learn what you don’t know from those who do. When starting my business I felt confident in my ability as a photographer but knew nothing of starting a business itself. How do I get clients? How do you manage them? Do I need contracts? How do I get someone to book with me? What do taxes look like? And so many other questions. So I bought courses from other successful photographers and asked other business owners I knew to share their knowledge with me, that was a game changer. So go and learn what you don’t know from those who do! And remember to pay it forward when you become the one with the knowledge to share!
And lastly, optimism is really important. It is so easy to get down on yourself especially when you hit a setback or trail. But those are the times in life when you need the most optimism. If you struggle with that quality, surround yourself with people who can help build and support you in times that are tough. When things get hard go for a walk, dance in your room, take a moment to reset, and then go and tackle the challenge!
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
That is a great question because I get overwhelmed all the time! Over the last year, I’ve come up with some strategies that have been really useful for me. Walks are HUGE! If I need to clear my head because I’m frustrated I go on a walk and blast music in my headphones so there isn’t room for anything else. And if I have a lot on my mind that I need to organize I just walk in silence and think.
Another strategy that works well for me is scheduling my time out each day. I will schedule which time blocks I will work and when I will take breaks. That way I get a breather at the times I know I need them most and I won’t feel guilty for taking them because they are already in the schedule.
One last thing that helps keep me from getting too overwhelmed is having something to look forward to. I try to have fun things planned out each day, whether that’s hanging out with friends, playing a switch game, or going thrifting. That way when things get hectic throughout the day I can know that not only is there an end in sight but something that makes me happy that I can look forward to. I would even say to have fun things planned within the day, week, and year to look forward to, It can be a relaxing bath at home or a trip to Japan, whatever will help you keep perspective in overwhelming times!
Contact Info:
- Website: mvpbyellienicole.com
- Instagram: @ellienicole.mvp
Image Credits
All photos taken by @ellienicole.mvp Red Fire Photo: Model @thatredhead88 Host @through_mariana Art Director @taiajohnson Flower Photo: Model @a.maisie.ing Host @through_mariana Art Director @taiajohnson White Sitting Photo: Model @alohapril.model Host @through_mariana Art Director @taiajohnson Blue Photo: Model @sovrenne Host @through_mariana Art Director @taiajohnson Hot Air Balloon Photo: Model @_bysav Host @slcinspired Dress @perfectfitrentals Mad Hatter Photo: Model @liyahbobeah Host @eternalwesteditorial
