Meet Emma McCabe

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emma McCabe. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Emma, 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.

I don’t know if I believe that anyone ever fully overcomes imposter syndrome. I think it may even be good to have a little bit of a mindset of “how did I get here?” because it helps you to remember the work and gratitude behind success. I think for me I have a strong sense of confidence of this is exactly what I am supposed to be doing.

I recognize that none of my success comes from myself alone, but rather with the community I have supporting me. Also, when you have people cheering you on and believing in you, I think it makes it easier to think that you may belong exactly where you are.

I did have a moment years ago when I was just panicking about sharing my writing online and my sister basically told me that I had no other choice. She told me people needed to hear what I had to say and to basically find a way to move past this fear because giving up was not an option. Her belief in my writing and my vision went a long way in me believing it myself.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

AGirlWeKnow is a myriad of sweet things – a poetry/writing hub, a book club, space for commissioned writing, and merch. Right now, I am focused on writing my second poetry book. I am in such a different place than I was when I wrote the first one and I feel the words begging to be pulled out of me.

The most special thing about AGirlWeKnow as a brand is the people who engage in it. This is friendship like no other. Everyone involved found the group in different ways and brings so much to the table. Through our online chats, book clubs, retreats and more, this group has flourished over the years and I am so grateful. We are always open for new friends to join!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I think three qualities you have to have to start and run a small business are resiliency, the ability to take feedback, and a strong vision. There are so many things you will have to learn that you have never stumbled upon before. There are many things you will get wrong and have to right. You will need help and you will need to be able to listen to the people who are trying to help you. A strong sense of where you want to take your brand is also huge. Everything comes from this! Your marketing, your products, your community, etc. I think the most important thing to possess is just a willingness to learn and grow.

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?

I think everyone should have to read “Bird by Bird” by Anne Lamott (it is not just for writers!) Although this book has given me so much in terms of my writing, it has given me even more in my personal life.

Anne Lamott has so much to say and teach us on the subjects of vulnerability, a creative life, struggle, addiction, hope, writing and so much more. This is a book that flipped my heart upside down and inside out as I began my own creative journey. I can sit down and read it at any time and learn something new. I have also always struggled with this idea of perfectionism and I love what Anne has to say about it —

“Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life, and it is the main obstacle between you and a shitty first draft. I think perfectionism is based on the obsessive belief that if you run carefully enough, hitting each stepping-stone just right, you won’t have to die. The truth is that you will die anyway and that a lot of people who aren’t even looking at their feet are going to do a whole lot better than you, and have a lot more fun while they’re doing it.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://agirlweknow.squarespace.com
• Instagram: agirlweknow
• Other: tiktok -@agirlweknow

Image Credits

Photo credits of beach photoshoot to Joseph Medlin