Meet MICHELLE LEDESMA

We recently connected with MICHELLE LEDESMA and have shared our conversation below.

MICHELLE, 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 overcame imposter syndrome by choosing to believe that my work matters, even when my inner critic was loud. I stopped waiting for external validation and started trusting the proof in my own journey the late nights, the hard decisions, the risks, the growth. Literally blood sweat and tears. I reminded myself that no one starts as an expert.
I allowed myself to be both a work in progress and someone worthy of success. I surrounded myself with people who see me clearly when I forget who I am. Most importantly, I started showing up anyway even when I was scared, even when I felt like I wasn’t enough. Because the truth is, you don’t overcome imposter syndrome in one moment.
You disprove it every time you keep going.

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?

Dami Designs began as a passion project, blending hand-dyed techniques like tie-dye and acid wash with bold, eye-catching graphics inspired by anime, pop culture, and horror. As the business grew, so did the desire to create something deeper something that truly reflected our roots, culture, and values. That’s when we pivoted.
Now, Dami Designs focuses on original, culturally rooted designs that speak directly to the Latina experience from clever phrases in Spanglish to powerful nods to heritage, strength, and humor. Each piece is made with intention, celebrating the stories, struggles, and joy that come with being part of our community. Whether it’s a tote, tee, or custom merch, every design is created to empower, uplift, and connect. We still bring the same bold energy and high-quality craftsmanship, but now with a voice that’s uniquely ours and uniquely Latina. I will say we still have year round and seasonal designs that cater not only the Latin community but everyone in between.

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

Looking back on my journey with Dami Designs, especially through my creative pivot and growth, there are three qualities or skills that were most impactful:

Adaptability-I recognized when it was time to evolve shifting from pop culture-based designs to original, Latina-rooted content. That flexibility and willingness to pivot allowed your brand to grow with more purpose and authenticity, while staying ahead of legal and market challenges.

Creative Vision-My ability to blend art, culture, and storytelling into original designs helped set your brand apart. From bold graphics to meaningful Spanglish phrases, I tapped into a voice that resonated deeply with your community turning ideas into impactful, wearable statements.

Resilience-Building a business, in itself which can cause burnout, or imposter syndrome, isn’t easy. My persistence and emotional grit kept me going. Even when things felt uncertain, I kept showing up, creating, and learning.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

At first, I found success blending in with popular trends and designs but as challenges came I didn’t back down. Instead, I pivoted. I took what could have been a setback and turned it into a launchpad choosing to create pieces that reflect my identity, culture, and vision. I grew from someone making cool shirts to someone building a brand with meaning one that uplifts, empowers, and connects. And along the way, I let go of fear, embraced growth, and learned to trust that your story is more than enough.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @damidesign_0223