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.
Andrei Tone
I wasn’t always confident.
Growing up in a pastor’s family, I had early exposure to leadership, service, and the teachings of Jesus Christ. My father modeled compassion and conviction in the pulpit, and my mother embodied grace and perseverance. But despite this strong foundation, I often wrestled with insecurity. I buried those doubts beneath achievements—founding companies like Tone Films, a Dallas video production company, and Atomic Accounting, a Plano bookkeeping services firm. From the outside, I appeared driven and decisive. Internally, I constantly questioned if I was truly enough. Read More>>
Crystal DeVone
I developed my confidence and self-esteem through a mix of lived experience, personal growth, and leaning into my creative gifts. Being a DJ and event curator for over 20 years taught me how to command a room, read energy, and stay grounded—even in high-pressure environments. Every performance pushed me to show up fully, even when I wasn’t feeling 100% confident inside. Read More>>
Dr Shivi
Coming alone to a new country without family or friends was not an easy chapter of my life. It challenged me in ways I never expected — emotionally, mentally, and even physically at times. But it also became the foundation for my growth.
I started by embracing small wins — finding my way around the city, handling paperwork on my own, and navigating cultural differences. Every time I solved a problem or faced a fear, I became a little stronger. Read More>>
Seth Clark
Honestly, I don’t think confidence is something you just have—I think it’s something you build. Early on, I definitely struggled with self-doubt and imposter syndrome (and to be real, I still do sometimes). But over time, I’ve learned that the antidote to that lack of confidence is simple: putting in the work.
When you’re consistently showing up, improving your skills, and learning new things, your confidence naturally grows—because now you’ve got real ability backing it up. On the other hand, when you’re not putting in the effort, it’s easy to feel like you don’t deserve the things you’re reaching for. That’s where a lot of self-esteem issues come from, in my experience. Read More>>
Antonina Moon
practice of a daily gratitude for my natural beauty and health.
knowing that I am only one and unique piece I don’t want to look like anyone just me and God make me so perfect Read More>>
Damola Ademiluyi
I was raised in a household of love. My parents made me believe anything is possible with prayer and hard work. They regularly encouraged entrepreneurship and building a business where there was no limit to success and I could build my own path. Read More>>
Dr. Ananya Singh
“I developed my confidence and self-esteem by showing up for myself every single day. I stopped waiting for others to validate my worth and started trusting my own voice. I embraced my imperfections, took risks, and allowed myself to grow through every challenge. Confidence, for me, came from learning, unlearning, and rising after every fall. Self-esteem isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build by standing tall in your truth and refusing to shrink yourself to fit into anyone else’s expectations.” Read More>>
Tim & Roshun Davis
We developed our confidence from within. Those internal conversations—reminding ourselves how well we’re doing and refusing to let anything break our stride—were powerful confidence boosters. Our customers also played a huge role in building our self-esteem, and we express that energy through every piece of clothing we create. Read More>>
Kathryn Ikle
I’ve learned that there will always be someone smarter, more attractive, faster, or wealthier—but living in constant comparison is a losing game. I believe I was created uniquely, and no one else can be me. That truth has grounded me and served me well over the years. I’m not competing with anyone else—I’m competing with myself. I ask: Am I reaching my full potential? Am I being the best version of me? Read More>>
Paige Danner
I developed my confidence and self-esteem through modeling. It can either kill your self esteem and confidence or help build it. While there is a lot of rejection you have to stay confident and resilient. Getting through the no’s to the yes. I always loved doing runway shows and you have to be confident to sell the clothing. I always try to remember that anyone can have an opinion of you. Doesn’t make it true. Read More>>
Mogley Oney
It’s been developing since early on in my 20’s, from 2018 is when I started to attend the open mic scene here in the valley and started to gain confidence by showing up and showing out! Being able to connect with other performers and having the opportunity to make something special happen is the best! It really helps you develop a lot of music theory! Read More>>
Lee Evans Lee
By continuously trying new things and pushing myself outside of my comfort zone in all areas of life—socially, athletically, within my family, and in my career. It’s not about adding tasks to a to-do list; it’s about consistently examining where I am in life and being honest with myself. I see being alive as a gift, and I try to honor that by challenging myself, whether that’s learning to ski, picking up polo, or setting personal goals and going after them. Read More>>
Javon Talley
My favorite quote is from Nelson Mandela: “I never lose. I either win or I learn.” This saying has become a guiding principle for me, reminding me that not everything will always go as planned. Instead of feeling defeated or giving up, I see setbacks as opportunities to grow and improve, knowing that each challenge brings me closer to greatness. Read More>>
Brittany Bell
My confidence and self esteem, enhanced over the years. I began to be more confident in myself with my skills. I continuously worked on ways to improve, by cultivating new ideas. Read More>>
Jerwaun ‘Renegade’ Suddun
So contrary to belief I wasn’t always confident and use to have very low self-esteem. My confidence was built from learning to love myself in a world that brought me down since a child. I was bullied as a young kid and it wrecked my confidence and diminished my self-esteem. As an adult, I learned how important healing is and went on a journey of uprooting, reflecting, confronting, unlearning and relearning which in turn has had a dramatic positive effect and change on who and how I am as a person. Read More>>
Rosemarie Wilson
I developed confidence and self-esteem growing in a single parent household and a plus sized woman with four brothers. We didn’t have much. We made do with what we did have which was what we needed. Our wants for material things were mere wishes. There were times I had to wear my brothers’ clothes and only had ill-fitting shoes that left permanent physical scars. I had to develop thick skin to deal with bullies as youth and adults can be very unkind. Read More>>
Mytreyi Shastry Aravind
As a South Indian Classical vocal music performer and trainer, I deeply believe that discipline and self-belief are rooted in setting meaningful goals and pursuing them with dedication. When a goal is clearly defined and prioritized, confidence naturally follows, fostering greater self-esteem.
In our tradition, confidence in performance is not just about talent—it is built on a rich repertoire, rigorous practice, and a willingness to observe, listen, and continuously learn. While approximately 60% of the art can be taught in a classroom, the rest must be cultivated through extrospection—by engaging actively with the world of music beyond lessons: listening to concerts, watching other performers, and learning from every possible experience. Read More>>
Jasmine Lee
As a competitive gymnast for 13 years, I learned early on how essential confidence and self-esteem are—especially when you’re under pressure. In competitions, I often felt the nerves take over, but I developed mental strategies to stay focused and composed. I’d remind myself, “I’ve trained for this,” and “I can do this,” which helped me trust in my preparation and push through obstacles.
Those same skills have translated into my work as a wedding photographer. Weddings are fast-paced and once-in-a-lifetime events. Having confidence in my abilities allows me to stay calm, think on my feet, and direct people with clarity and assurance, even in chaotic or high-pressure moments. Read More>>
Kestrel Hendrickson
Being confident in my art practice comes from the fact that I know I have put the time in. What I mean by that is when you really spend the time and care for something, others will notice and see that it was created with love.
Developing my confidence was a slow process but it has always been helpful to have encouraging peers. I started making art from a very young age and I had family members that were highly supportive of the act of creation; the kind who would just set down paints in front of you and let you go wild. In elementary school we read a lot and I would create custom-drawn bookmarks for my classmates. Read More>>
Allison Sharpe
I was a serious tv/film/commercial LA actress for a straight decade, with 15 years of training before that. By believing and telling myself that I could be the best, I developed my self-esteem. By endlessly practicing, I had proof that I could do it. Endlessly training was proof that I was always working towards that winning prize: booking the job or getting the recognition that I needed to be “noticed”. I needed to incorporate structure and a nonstop schedule into my life (with some room for fun and relaxation, which is healthy and necessary). Read More>>
Mama Yata
My confidence was born from the heart of Melanin Mothers Meet—a vibrant community where the strength, wisdom, and resilience of Black mothers shine. Through shared experiences and collective empowerment, I’ve discovered the power of cultural pride and support, fueling my mission to uplift and guide new moms on their postpartum journeys. My own postpartum journey was a beautiful experience, knowing that most black mothers can’t say the same, it’s my duty to share my story and share how this narrative can change. Read More>>
Tiana Dick
When I was in elementary school, I was bullied for my differences and taken advantage of by my peers. I often took to heart what people said about me. I was so afraid of not being accepted and I wanted to be someone else. I used to look at myself in the mirror and say things like, “why are you so stupid?” and “why can’t you be like other kids.” My self-esteem and my confidence was at its lowest point. Read More>>
Alysia Lyons
I believe we are all born with confidence and self-esteem. Don’t believe me? What’s a 3 or 4 year old dance and sing in front of the mirror. Unfortunately, we don’t always get encouraged by those around us to continue to foster our confidence and self=esteem. It’s not always intentional-sometimes are our parents are busy, stressed or frustrated when they tell us to “be quiet”, “stop singing”, “you’re in my way.” After years of coaching sessions, I have found my way back to that three year old little girl who loved to sing and dance along with Amy Grant on the TV Read More>>
Simbi Okelowo
I come from a lineage of bold, powerful, and confident women. From an early age, I was raised to know God and to understand who He created me to be. Encouragement was never in short supply during my childhood. I vividly remember my mother singing to me about how beautiful I was—even when I was as young as five.
As an outspoken child, my curiosity was never stifled. I asked a lot of questions, and my parents never shied away from answering or guiding me toward the answers. Even my grandmother played a role in affirming me and nurturing my voice. Read More>>
Joshua Sowah
Building confidence and self-esteem in the pest control field or any industry really, can take time, experience and dedication. The more you know about the various pests, how to handle treatments, and how to approach customers, the more confident you feel in your ability to solve problems over time. Every successful job you complete, whether it’s eradicating a tough infestation or creating an effective prevention plan, boosts your confidence. As you overcome challenges and see results, you naturally develop a stronger sense of self-assurance. Read More>>
Andrew Hem
I think confidence is built with love ones support and belief in you. I struggle all the time with confidence in my work, but having a solid backing in your family lays the foundation to your self esteem. It’s extremely vulnerable to put your work out there in the public. I produce so much and hardly showcase online what I did. It’s because I am so hard on myself and trying hard to push myself to get better. When I was in school I did my homework but told the teacher I didn’t do it cause I wasn’t happy with it. Read More>>
