We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bre Shorten a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Bre, 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.
Why not me? This is a question I’ve held close to me as I’ve developed personally and professionally over the years. This keeps me motivated, inspired, and hopeful. When it comes to realizing my dreams of owning successful, thriving, business enterprises- why not me? Changing the world, inspiring others, building generational wealth- why not me? People in far worse circumstances have overcome greater things and exceeded their goals and dreams. I’ve always had this inherent belief that I did not come to this earth to be average or just get by, but imposter syndrome has always felt like a hurdle I have to find a way to overcome.
I’ve learned how to spot self-limiting beliefs and fight back- mostly through self reflection or journaling where I can really just get to the facts: I’m intelligent, I’m capable, I have a strong support system, I’ve never failed so bad I couldn’t get back up. It also helps to keep solid people around – friends, family, mentors, who know your heart and potential, whom you can confide in in those moments of fear and doubt. They’ll remind you of who you are and what you’re capable of. I don’t think imposter syndrome ever fully disappears, but we can get better at identifying and combating it when it shows up.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’ve always had a love for storytelling, from the books I found refuge in as a child to film and TV. After dropping out of college my sophomore year while struggling with my mental health, I started working for a magazine whose mission was to tell stories of entrepreneurial vision, arts and culture in my hometown of York, PA. Through this magazine, I rediscovered my voice and passion for creativity and realized I had a knack for storytelling and could help people better connect with diverse audiences and identify the gems within their business and life that could create long term relationships with customers and followers alike. A few years later, I founded LUMI Marketing & Creative as a vehicle to help people tell their stories and connect with others. Our mission is to illuminate brands by getting to the creative heart of what makes them unique in the world—and telling the story of why that matters. Our clients and partners are people who experience life in a similar way to the majority of the members of our team- young women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQIA community who have often felt misunderstood, undervalued, and misrepresented in media and the corporate world. We create a space where our clients feel seen, heard, understood, and help them connect with diverse audiences through meaningful content that cuts through the noise and clutter of today’s world, positioning them for success in the marketplace. The most exciting part for me beyond helping people bring their vision to life through creative content and branding, is we’re working with people who are changing the world through social impact initiatives and nonprofit organizations. It’s been an honor to find purpose in supporting others to reach their dream and do a job that I truly love every day.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The path I chose was not a traditional one. A college dropout with little relevant experience. I had to tap into the skills and qualities that I had learned from being a student-athlete, and traits I picked up from the powerhouse women in my life- single working moms, dedicated/hard working home makers- to build a life I was proud to live.
Discipline, Empathy, and Courage were a few of those traits.
Being disciplined helped me find the time and focus to learn the necessary skills to dive into my industry and find the answers I needed to be successful. When launching my business, self discipline helped me manage my time and be accountable to both myself and others.
Empathy for others, but just as importantly, empathy for myself gave me space to not be too hard on myself as I fumbled through learning lessons and growing into a leader and expert in my field. Being able to give others grace and put myself in their shoes has helped me be someone my team members can trust and find support in, too.
The most important skill I think has helped me get where I am today has been courage. Courage to try and be willing to fail. To be scared and do it anyway. I think the best way to grow this skill is through radical acceptance. Know that failure is possible, and to do it anyway. Again and again.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
The summer after I dropped out of college I read the Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. The four overarching principles of this book are: be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best. I feel like these concepts help to minimize self suffering and conflict with others. While I’ve not mastered them, I always come back to them when I’m dealing with confusion or uncertainty with myself or others. Am I saying what I mean? Am I creating a story that maybe is not the truth of the matter? Am I internalizing something I don’t need to? Have I done the best I can or am I being the best version of myself I have to offer right now? These questions prompt further self reflection, and usually help me reach a space where I can think more logically and less emotionally, where I can more clearly see a solution or next step.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lumicreates.com
- Instagram: @lumi.agency @
bisforbre - Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/breanna-shorten-3aba9a6a/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lumimarketingcreative3428
