Every day, our team is focused on how to help our audience and community reach their full potential in every part of their lives – personal and professional. Building confidence and self-esteem is one of the most essential requirements for success and below we’ve presented some of the conversations we’ve had around how to build confidence.

Katie Truk

After graduating for college I drove across the United States. Coming from New Jersey we were taught to mind our business, put your head down, work hard and not trust anyone. Right away I started having car trouble. My clunker of an automobile must have broke down in almost every state. Some areas I became stranded with no place to stay. I learned how wonderfully helpful and kind most people are. Most people want to help, and are willing to donate their time and abilities for their fellow human. A smile, a thank you and eye contact can get you very far in this world. Read More>>

Olawunmi Olayinka

For me, confidence wasn’t something I woke up with, it was something I had to fight for internally. I’ve always been someone who felt everything very deeply almost like I was carrying not just my own emotions, but the unseen energy around me too. Early on, I realized that true confidence doesn’t come from being the loudest in the room or needing constant validation. It comes from facing yourself privately first. I had to dismantle every version of me that was performing for acceptance. My nature made me go deep into the uncomfortable parts, the insecurities, the fear of being seen too much or not enough.  Read More>>

Nikki Tomlin

This is kind of a two part answer. One part being a little bit of delusion and another part pulling away from the noise. I think a lot of the delusion part of has been not paying attention to every single step to get where I want to be and then trying to predict where I am going to fumble. Instead I leaned into the delusion and trusted myself to lean into the step that was right in front of me. In pulling away from the noise of following people that push me to compare myself to them or something else and from people who in real life make me feel the same way or not supported, I’ve given myself more of a chance to just believe in myself.  Read More>>

Jillian Marie Cicalese

When I think of confidence and self-esteem, I think of all the things I had to unlearn. I think I was pretty confident as a child. I was headstrong and imaginative, and somewhere along the path, that was smothered out, or lost. Becoming an actor has been a constant unlearning of those inhibitors that keep me second-guessing, and a relearning of what it means to have that childlike confidence and curiosity. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t still struggling with finding confidence and self-esteem, and I think that’s what keeps me humble.  Read More>>

Fresco Alessandro

In my photographic journey, I’ve discovered there is a viewer for just about anyone. There are niche photographers and then there are less niche photographers. What is came down to was being my true and authentic self. I enjoy taking photos of people; I’ve never been so interested in landscapes. I love the unpredictability of people. As a photographer you meet all types and you learn so much from them. Portraits, fashion, events; each category offers a unique and exciting look into the human spirit. So when we talk about confidence and self-esteem, I say that engaging with your subject; sharing stories and including them in the photographic process is the best way to build your self esteem and confidence. Read More>>

 Jessica Kelley

I’ve come to believe that confidence isn’t something you’re just born with—it’s something you build through choice, healing, and intention. Growing up, I faced trauma that no child should ever have to experience. I was molested in my own home, the one place that should have felt the safest. On top of that, I lived in constant unpredictability, navigating the moods of someone struggling with bipolar disorder. Every day felt like walking on eggshells. Read More>>

Tamarah

My confidence and self-esteem is natural but continues to develope and grow because I work within my purpose everyday. Meeting trials and difficulties with persistence and positive energy, fostering perseverance, I know that whatever the the outcome of the situation, is one more step in the right direction.
With every failure I learn a lesson and with every success I add to my accomplishments. Working within a purpose of service, building teams, resources, helping others, and planting seeds, for the betterment of those around me, assures me I am on the right road. Read More>>

 Kevin Wolfrom

This is a concept that Im still working on but has been a huge hurdle I’ve had to overcome in the recent years. Ive always dealt with low confidence and low self esteem where its drastically affected my relationships and friendships. I never had the courage or bravery to face that issue and fully address it. Through these past few years, it’s been a very intentional journey. I became very frustrated and tired of dealing with my low self esteem that i decided that i need a change. And that decision is the most important part of developing confidence and self esteem. Acquiring that awareness that something needs to change, allowed me to see things from a different perspective and allowed me shift my mindset to a more prosperous one. Read More>>

Sophia De Baun

It might sound counter-intuitive, but I have developed confidence and self-esteem from listening and learning – from being curious and asking questions, and putting my eggs in multiple baskets and taking the risk of being bad at something instead of focusing on being successful at just one thing. The film industry is over-run by fragile egos, but what gives me confidence is my comfortability taking risks, exploring new territory, and expressing ideas that aren’t safe but rather attempt to get at the complexity of experience. Read More>>

Alden Wood

I develop my confidence and self-esteem by staying motivated, growing my business, and getting positive feedback from clients. My company is 15 years old now, and I have learned a lot along the way. My confidence comes from experience and the knowledge that I deliver a great product that people need. Even if I lose out on a job, I now know that doesn’t mean I am a failure – it just means another opportunity will come along. My self-esteem comes from working hard, involving myself in my business and other great causes, and the knowledge that I have value to offer. Read More>>