Meet Courtney Bow

We recently connected with Courtney Bow and have shared our conversation below.

Courtney, 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.

I think by trying new things and having fun with being a beginner.
Nobody really knows what they’re doing and we’re all just figuring it out as we go so you might as well follow what lights you up and lean into the learning process. I look back at my old photos/videos and I just remember how fun it was to hang out with my friends and be creative. Technically, I’ve gotten better but I’ve always had a lot of fun with the creative process even when I was a kid. It can be easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to people who are years ahead of you but if you love something and you’re having a good time, then it’s not about reaching some destination. I think it’s also important to let yourself evolve and change which means allowing yourself to be a beginner over and over again. Learning to enjoy the process dissolves the illusion of imposter syndrome.

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

I’m a photographer & videographer based in Santa Cruz, California.

I’ve always leaned into what lights me up. When I was younger, I loved photography and art. I got my first camera in elementary school and would have photoshoots with my friends throughout middle school and high school. That led to me photographing my first wedding at 17. (wild.) I studied art in college so I was able to take all sorts of creative classes while working as a videographer for the school newspaper and photographing for fun on the side. After getting my BFA, I moved to Santa Cruz and got a job as as a videographer for a local company. I knew an office wasn’t the place for me so after 8 months I quit to start my own media business. Over the last five years, I’ve been able to work with the coolest people which has led me to want to help others in a different way. I’ve recently been following this call to shift my business to provide tools for creatives that have helped me stay organized and take care of myself over the years.
My planner has always grounded me so I’ve spent the last few years learning how to design and create one myself which just launched! I’ve been on the self-help train for a while now, diving into my own childhood programming and learning how to re-wire my subconscious limiting beliefs. This planner has helped me to not only stay on top of my to-do lists and track habits but it’s helped me create a vision for the kind of person I’m becoming and the bigger picture.
I’m so excited for it to help others do the same!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I love this question!

1. Learning to follow my intuition.

This has been the biggest pillar to building my business and it can also be one of the scariest parts because it’s not always logical. There are infinite ways to build a business and we live in a time where we have access to coaches and courses which can be helpful but also overwhelming. One person’s ‘formula’ for success isn’t going to work for everyone and it’s up to us to unplug, slow down, tune in, and be honest with ourselves about what feels right.

2. Prioritizing Self Care.

This looks different for everyone. I’m a generator in human design so if I’m not careful, I tend to overwork/overextend myself. It can be really hard for me to slow down. Remembering that my number one job is to take care of myself is a muscle I’m constantly exercising. For me this means slow mornings, taking days off, spending time in nature, making time for passion projects and reminding myself that rest is also productive.

3. Surrounding myself with people who inspire me.

I feel like being surrounded by friends who genuinely make you feel loved and safe is the secret to everything in life. I have monthly women’s circles, weekly coffee dates, and daily Marco Polos/Facetimes with people I love. Having community really is key. I’m also mindful about who I’m following on social media along with the other media I’m consuming and it’s effects on me.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m really wanting to work with more businesses in creating videos telling their stories. I’m inspired by documentary style video with super 8 film mixed in. I love people & brands with a personal mission and want to create videos that help people connect on a deeper level beyond just selling a product.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Savannah Hayes Photography

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