Meet Collin Parsons

We recently connected with Collin Parsons and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Collin, 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.

A dear friend, Chris, said something profound to me, one friday night, and it forever changed my life. It’s amazing what hanging out with friends around a bonfire, while your feet are buried under the warm Southern California beach sand, looking up at the vastness of stars painted against the black night sky will do. He said, ‘No matter if I view something as a success or failure, I must always remain in gratitude. I must remain in gratitude because, either way, it is helping me grow.’ How does that even begin to relate to imposter syndrome? Don’t worry, I’ll get there eventually.

While Chris may have been focusing on gratitude and growth, I heard something deeper within his message. ‘We all have room to grow.’ I sat with that thought for a while as the waves behind me met the shore. The once roaring fire eventually was tamed down to embers and before I knew it, sitting there lost in my own thoughts, the steady warmth was gone and it was time to go home. Time to go home for everyone else at least. Now, with my mind going what feels like a million miles a minute, as it often still does, I knew there was only one thing that would help. I needed to get lost. I needed to get lost within something bigger than myself.

I drove the 45 minutes from Huntington Beach to Los Angeles that night. With the weekend fastly approaching I knew that the Venice Boardwalk would be filled with creative souls, hipsters, delicious food vendors, and magic. It was my favorite place to get lost. As I wandered down the boardwalk, the pulse of Vinece buzzed around me. The peaceful crashing of waves in the distance blended everything into the perfect background soundtrack. I couldn’t help but think about my journey—where I’ve been, where I’m headed, and the spaces I’m still learning to occupy. Was it really okay for me to take up space?
Lately, imposter syndrome had been creeping in more and more often. Those moments when doubt kicks in, and I find myself questioning if I really belong, if I’m enough, or if I’m just faking it until I make it. But then, Chris’s words hit me again. At that moment, the thoughts started to slow down and become less jumbled together. Eventually I got it and I got it clearly. Confidence isn’t about being perfect or having it all figured out. No, it’s about showing up and embracing the messy, beautiful fact that we’re all works in progress.
The truth is, that little voice of doubt? It’s not a sign that I’m not good enough. It’s just a sign that I’m growing. And that growth—embracing it, leaning into it—is where real confidence lives. I could have let that self-doubt hold me back, but instead, I chose to see it as an invitation. An invitation to grow, to feel the discomfort, to push through it, knowing every step, whether a “success” or a “failure,” was leading me toward the person I’m meant to be.
I realized something huge in that moment: true self-confidence doesn’t mean running from imposter syndrome. It means standing firm in the knowledge that growth, discomfort, and evolving into who we’re meant to become are all part of the ride. I had every right to be here, to show up, and to keep pushing forward, because, despite what my mind tried to tell me, I am worthy. I’m constantly evolving, and that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be.
And that’s not just how I started to allow myself to shine but also how Doula Differently came to life. I didn’t have it all figured out from the start; far from it, in fact. There were many moments when I questioned my own abilities and wondered if I could really make an impact in the way I wanted to. But I kept pushing, kept growing, kept learning. Doula Differently wasn’t built on perfection. It was built on the willingness to step into discomfort, to embrace the process, and to know that my path as a doula, mentor, and person was exactly where I needed to be.
After all this isn’t just a business to me. This is my passion and even more so, what I believe is my purpose. As I built my business and mentorship program, I didn’t aim for perfection. Instead, I aimed to show up authentically and create a space for others to do the same. It’s not about providing the education, support, and empowerment that I wished I had when I first started this journey. It’s also about reminding people that they are so abundantly worthy of letting their light shine and taking up space. Growth doesn’t happen alone and we don’t live our best lives in a vacuum . It happens in connection, in shared experiences, and in the collective courage to keep moving forward. My goal will forever be that Doula Differently will exist as more than a business; but instead, an active movement toward helping people embrace their own growth, without judgment, without needing to have it all figured out.
As I look back on everything I’ve built thus far, and those things I’m still dreaming of, I’m reminded that this success didn’t come from avoiding imposter syndrome. It came from leaning into it, showing up in my imperfections, and trusting that every step, every challenge, and every moment of doubt was pushing me to become the doula, mentor, leader, and person I am today.
The journey’s far from over, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next because one thing in life is for sure: growth is always in motion. Today, I’m grateful to be able to say, ‘You Grow Girl!’

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Collin, and I’m all about supporting families through the wild and beautiful ride of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. But that’s not all—I also get to mentor other amazing doulas, helping them build their businesses and find their own unique paths in this work. It’s pretty magical to see someone go from unsure to confident and ready to take on the world (or at least their next birth!).
It’s the real connection I get to have with my clients and fellow doulas is what’s most exciting and meaningful to me. Every birth, every story is different, and that’s what makes this work so powerful. There’s nothing better than seeing someone I get the gift of loving on, feeling empowered and ready for whatever comes next.
I’ve got some awesome workshops and resources launching soon for both parents and doulas—because let’s be real, we could all use a little more support, and I’m here for it. So, stay tuned for some exciting things coming your way!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I’m a Certified Labor and Birth Doula, Certified Childbirth Educator, Certified Postpartum Doula, Newborn Care Specialist, Certified Infant Feeding Specialist, and Reproductive Health Specialist and Fertility Doula

Looking back, I’d say there are three big things that made all the difference in my journey with myself and building Doula Differently.

Self-belief – There were plenty of moments when I doubted myself, especially in the beginning. But the more I trusted myself, the more I could step into my role with confidence. It’s easy to second-guess when you’re starting out, but believing in your abilities and sticking with it is key.

Adaptability – Things don’t always go as planned, and that’s especially true in this work. Whether it’s a birth taking an unexpected turn or a business shift, being able to go with the flow (while still holding onto your values) is a superpower. Flexibility doesn’t mean you’re not strong; it means you’re open to the journey ahead, no matter what it looks like.

Building Relationships – This business is all about connection. From my clients to fellow doulas, creating and nurturing meaningful relationships has been the glue that holds everything together. It’s not just about what you know, but how you show up and support those around you.

For anyone starting out, my advice is simple: lean into the discomfort. Lean in hard. Whether you’re a new doula or diving into any new journey, it’s normal to feel unsure at times. But the best way to develop these qualities is by simply jumping in and giving yourself grace as you learn. You don’t need to have it all figured out, and your growth doesn’t happen overnight. It’s about consistency, curiosity, and being open to learning from every experience.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I’m always looking to collaborate and partner with people and business in AND outside of my specialty. Those who care about creating joy, laughter, and helping the world have more mentally and emotionally healthy humans are very special to me. I also love working with those focused on Women’s Rights + Reproductive Rights- which aren’t mutually exclusive. Overall, if your an authentic and good human, I’d probably just love to grab a coffee or tea in general. If we click and want to create something magical that also awesome!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.douladifferently.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/douladifferently/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DoulaDifferently/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/doula-differently-charlotte

Image Credits

Amber Denae Photography
https://www.amberdenae.com/