Meet Heidi Shabarek

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Heidi Shabarek. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Heidi, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I used to be an introvert who avoided large crowds and any kind of confrontation. Social situations drained me, and I was most comfortable staying in the background. But when I started my business, everything changed. Suddenly, I had no choice but to put myself out there, talking to strangers, networking, and showing up at events where I had to present my products and make sales.
Running a business pushed me far outside my comfort zone, but it also taught me a powerful lesson: if you want to grow, you have to be seen. In business, you can’t stay hidden and hope customers find you. You have to speak up, step forward, and build real connections. Over time, I learned to navigate crowds, initiate conversations, and confidently share what I offer. What once felt intimidating has now become a fundamental part of my success.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m a small business owner specializing in Middle Eastern sweets and treats, and my work is all about sharing the flavors and traditions I grew up with. What excites me most is introducing people to these desserts and watching them connect with something new. Recently, I’ve also expanded into the American palette by creating themed treats for holidays like Christmas and Halloween, which has allowed me to blend cultural traditions with fun, modern twists.
What makes my business unique is that everything is made in small batches, meaning there’s no mass production at all. I’m a one-woman show with no assistants or employees, which definitely makes things a bit harder, but it also ensures that every sweet is handcrafted with care and consistency.
Lately, I’ve been adding more fusion and seasonal items to the menu, and I’m excited to keep experimenting and growing while staying true to the heart of my brand.

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

Looking back, the three qualities that had the biggest impact on my journey were perseverance, adaptability, and willingness to learn. Perseverance kept me going on the long days when I was juggling everything on my own and still needed to show up with consistency. Adaptability helped me adjust my offerings, try new ideas, like themed treats for different holidays and grow with my customers’ needs. And being willing to learn allowed me to improve my craft, understand my market, and navigate the parts of business that were completely new to me.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

Two people in my life have been especially impactful in helping me overcome challenges and grow my business. They consistently pushed me outside of my comfort zone, especially when I was hesitant to expand beyond the Middle Eastern sweets and treats I was familiar with. They saw potential in me long before I fully saw it in myself, and with just the right amount of encouragement, they helped me take steps I never imagined I could take.
I’m forever grateful for their support and belief in me. Without their push, I probably would have stayed in my safe zone instead of exploring new ideas, experimenting with different flavors, and expanding my business in meaningful ways. Their confidence in me helped me build the skills, courage, and mindset I needed to grow.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blossombyheidi?igsh=MWpxM3RvdG01ODlvMw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blossombyheidi