We recently connected with Beth Howard and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Beth, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
The easy answer is that I didn’t. I don’t think anyone ever leaves imposter syndrome behind entirely. Even as skills and confidence grow, we as humans will always compare ourselves to others – and sometimes we won’t like how we stack up. The thing that keeps me going even when imposter syndrome strikes is remembering that no matter how well someone else does something or how talented they are, they are not me. Each of us brings something entirely unique to the industry and to the world. Creatives in particular thrive when lifting each other up and celebrating one another’s success. We need to be mindful of remembering that we can celebrate someone else’s success without questioning our own.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I feel grateful that in my day job, I get to be creative with a purpose, helping students connect to things that make their college experience more rewarding. My designs communicate about organizations they can join, events they can participate in, and opportunities that are once in a lifetime. I am even more grateful to have Wilde Designs, where I can create and speak out about an even wider variety of things.
Most of my work focuses on niche things like geekery, goth vibes, and more. I like to remind people that being a grown up doesn’t mean giving up on having fun. You can be geeky and freaky and enjoy life at any age! After a big move from Texas to Illinois, I am back to creating and am rolling out new items every week.
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?
Persistence – You have to be willing to keep going. There will be days when you are tired and overwhelmed and don’t want to. You can take a break. You can breathe. But you shouldn’t give up on yourself or your dreams. I’ve always been naturally a little bit stubborn, so that’s helped me to push past when every practical impulse in my body told me to give up instead.
Creativity – While many people are born with a natural inclination to create and bring new things in the world, creativity is also a skill. It can be learned and honed and turned to something purposeful. This isn’t to say that every creation needs a purpose. It’s okay to just play and make something that brings a smile to your face. But if you want to go into a creative business, making creativity a habit is important.
Bravery – The all important skill of taking the plunge is a must no matter what dreams you’re working to follow. Being brave leads you down the road less traveled. You’re never going to find your path without at least taking a stroll. This is probably the skill that comes least naturally to me. I like comfort and safety, but most of the biggest leaps in my success have happened when I stopped waiting and took action.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
The biggest challenge I have in my business right now is that I moved from Texas to Illinois. There are some things that haven’t changed at all with the move. My site, my auctions, and my online communities are all still intact and thriving. The thing that has changed is that I no longer have a set circuit of conventions to vend at and no longer have a strong group of local friends to participate with. I’ve joined many local groups online, and now I am working to find my footing in the physical world of our local convention scene. It’s going to be a slow process that I know won’t be finished overnight, but it feels good to be making headway and learning my new surroundings.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.wildehandmade.com/
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/WildeGeeks
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildeGeeks
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/WildeGeeks
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE4afhm7kNDI_g_LYzp0GDw
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WildeGeeks https://tiktok.com/@wildegeeks http://www.pinterest.com/WildeGeeks
Image Credits
Beth Howard & Wes Howard
