We were lucky to catch up with Samantha Wilkerson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Samantha, 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.
Simple answer: Time. It takes time to show yourself that you’re capable and to trust yourself in your abilities. At any new position there is a learning curve and it’s natural to question yourself- are you up to the job? It takes coming in every day and acquainting yourself with the ins and outs before you’re confident enough to manage another employee or to answer a customer’s question.
In a retail space like the art gallery, it took getting to know the business and the artists and their artworks. At this point four years later I’m confident handling whatever a customer can throw at me. And I’m aware that it doesn’t hurt to say “I’m not sure” and to go find the answer. It’s constant problem solving and communication and it definitely took time to get to where I am now. I have had great comments on my customer service and I’ve proven- most importantly, to myself- that I am capable of getting things done.
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?
My mother, Kate, and I own the Annapolis Marine Art Gallery together. We sell some of the best in maritime and Chesapeake bay art. We represent world-class artists like Willard Bond, John Barber, and Patrick O’Brien.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
My background is in fine art and my education is both in the arts and business. My mother comes from a healthcare administrative background and we both have been able to use our skills while running the gallery.
We are also both determined people. There were a few things we had to teach ourselves along the way, such as managing the back-end of our website.
I don’t think there was a time where we weren’t actively trying to do better. Whether it’s an online course in marketing or keeping our eyes open for new opportunities- it’s important we haven’t slowed down or settled with the way we run our business. My advice would be to strive to keep changing and even small progress is progress. The world is always changing and so should you.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
This is not a business book by any means- but it’s one I recommend everyone read whether you feel stuck or less than or just need a new and more positive perspective.
I highly recommend “Furiously Happy’ by Jenny Lawson.
It is so funny and honest and I felt profoundly changed after reading it. Even years later I think it’s worth re-reading just to recapture the ideas and the feeling all over again. It is a lot about loving and accepting yourself and your life for what it really is- it provides a really positive outlook on the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://annapolismarineart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annapolis_marineartgallery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ANNAPMARART/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/annapolis-marine-art-gallery
Image Credits
Barry Scher photographed the image of Kate and I with the red gallery wall background.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
