Meet Laila Hazel

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

Laila , first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I think overcoming imposter syndrome requires a combination of self-awareness, self-compassion, and strategic coping mechanisms. For me, the first step is acknowledging that imposter syndrome is a normal experience that many successful people face. It’s not unique to me, and it’s not a reflection of my abilities or worth.
When I start to feel like an imposter, I remind myself of my accomplishments and the hard work I’ve put in. I reflect on my strengths and the positive feedback I’ve received from others. I also try to reframe negative self-talk by challenging those thoughts and replacing them with more balanced and realistic ones.
Another strategy that helps me is setting clear goals and celebrating small wins. When I focus on making progress towards my objectives, I feel more confident and less concerned with perceived shortcomings. I also make sure to surround myself with supportive people who encourage and believe in me.
Lastly, I try to reframe imposter syndrome as an opportunity for growth and learning. Instead of dwelling on perceived failures or inadequacies, I ask myself what I can learn from the experience and how I can improve moving forward.
By adopting these strategies, I’ve been able to overcome imposter syndrome and continue to grow and develop as a professional. It’s an ongoing process, but one that’s essential for personal and professional fulfillment.”
Feel free to modify this response to fit your personal style and experiences. Remember to be authentic and sincere in your answer, as the interviewer is likely looking for genuine insights into how you handle self-doubt.

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?

As a 20-year-old psychology undergraduate student from Carson, California, I’ve always been driven to make a positive impact on the world. As a child psychology major, I’m passionate about understanding human behavior and development, and I’m excited to pursue a career in this field.
However, my entrepreneurial spirit and creativity didn’t wait for me to finish my degree. At just 16 years old, I started selling glasses online as a way to make some extra money and support my passion for fashion. My small business, Lenses By Lai, has grown significantly since then. I built my own website, expanded to multiple states across the country, and even hired local models to represent my brand in their respective regions.
But it wasn’t until I stumbled upon the opportunity to become a podcast host that I truly found my calling. As a writer for my university’s office of student media, I was already comfortable with writing and storytelling. However, hosting a podcast allowed me to connect with people from all walks of life, share my thoughts and ideas, and learn from the experiences of others.
As a podcast host, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing fascinating guests from various industries, including entrepreneurship, entertainment, and more. This has not only helped me develop my communication skills but also expanded my network and opened doors to new opportunities. For example, I’ve had the chance to travel to New York City for radio interviews, won the College Media Award for #1 Best Podcast, and even hosted a screening for the Amazon Prime TV series “The College Tour.”
Despite my busy schedule as a student and entrepreneur, I’m committed to continuing to grow my brand as a radio host and influencer. My goal is to use my platform to make a positive impact on my community and inspire others to chase their dreams. With plans to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and pursue a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology in the future, I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.
Through Lenses By Lai and my podcasting endeavors, I hope to demonstrate that even as a young adult, you can make a meaningful difference in the world. Whether it’s through entrepreneurship, storytelling, or community involvement, we all have the power to create positive change.

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?

Reflecting on my journey, I believe the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful for me were:
Adaptability: As a 16-year-old entrepreneur, I had to adapt quickly to the rapidly changing landscape of online sales, marketing, and logistics. I learned to pivot when faced with challenges, troubleshoot problems, and find creative solutions. I would advise early-stage entrepreneurs to stay curious, be open to learning from failures, and develop a growth mindset.
Communication skills: As a podcast host, I’ve had to develop strong communication skills to effectively interview guests, engage with listeners, and promote my brand. I believe that clear and concise communication is key to building trust and credibility. For those just starting out, I recommend practicing active listening, focusing on clarity and simplicity in your messaging, and being authentic in your tone.
Resilience: Building a business and maintaining a podcast requires perseverance and resilience. There will be setbacks, rejections, and criticism. To overcome these challenges, I developed a thick skin, focused on my goals, and surrounded myself with supportive people who encouraged me to keep pushing forward. My advice is to develop a strong support network, celebrate small wins, and remind yourself why you started in the first place.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m always open to collaborating with like-minded individuals who share my passion for entrepreneurship, psychology, and storytelling. As the host of a podcast and owner of an online sunglasses boutique, I’m interested in connecting with:

Influencers: Fashion, lifestyle, or psychology influencers who have a following that aligns with my brand values and target audience.

Entrepreneurs: Founders of innovative businesses, especially those in the e-commerce or fashion industries, who can share their stories and experiences on my podcast.

Content creators: Writers, videographers, or photographers who can help me create engaging content for my social media
channels or podcast.

Psychology enthusiasts: Researchers, therapists, or students of psychology who can provide insights and expertise on topics related to human behavior and development.
If you’re interested in collaborating with me, here are some ways to connect:

Reach out on social media: Send me a direct message on Instagram (@lensesbylai @lailasimonee_), Tik Tok (@lailasimonee_), or Email.

Email: Send an email to [email protected] with a brief introduction, including your name, profession, and what you’d like to collaborate on.

Podcast proposal: If you’re interested in being a guest on my podcast Unfiltered Conversations , submit a proposal outlining your background, topic ideas, and any relevant experience or credentials.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

instagram: @hidden.angelz @tirenantonystudios @snapjoyvisuals

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