We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Helen Mantilla. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Helen below.
Helen, 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.
The turning point for me was realizing that I wasn’t alone in feeling this way. So many successful people have gone through the similar imposter syndrome struggles. It was incredibly hard at first but once I started by acknowledging my accomplishments and reminding myself of all the hard work, dedication, and learning I had put into my journey, I realized I was exactly where I needed to be. Each project I took on, each hurdle I overcame, they were all stepping stones that led me to where I was.
I also began to lean on fellow entrepreneurs, family, and friends who believed in me. Having a community that genuinely celebrated my wins and offered guidance during challenges made a world of difference. It’s incredible how sharing your insecurities with others can lead to them sharing their own stories of self-doubt, creating a community of all of us!
Being a mom added another layer of complexity to this journey. The balancing act between business and family was real. There were days when I questioned whether I was giving my best to both roles. What helped me was adopting a more flexible perspective on success. It wasn’t about being perfect in every area every single day, but about doing my best in each moment and being present where I was.
I think imposter syndrome is such a real thing now because of social media. We see these perfectly curated lives on the daily and can’t help but start comparing ourselves to others. To get over this, I started focusing on my own progress, celebrating my wins, no matter how small they seemed. This change of mindset from “I should be there” to “Look how far I’ve come” worked wonders.
Overcoming imposter syndrome was a journey that took time and effort, but it was entirely worth it. As I stand here today, leading my own agency, I can’t help but look back at how far I’ve come. The doubts still creep in now and then, but I’ve built a toolkit of strategies and a network of support that helps me push through.
So, to all the moms out there chasing their entrepreneurial dreams, remember that you are capable, you are strong, and you belong in the world of business just as much as anyone else. Embrace your journey, both the successes and the challenges, and don’t forget to celebrate yourself along the way.
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?
We are HM Agency – where beauty and lifestyle brands discover their full potential and flourish in the dynamic market. As a trailblazing product development and beauty brand consulting agency, we are committed to helping you launch, grow, and thrive like never before.
Our tailored solutions cater specifically to the unique needs of beauty and lifestyle brands, offering unrivaled expertise in product development, captivating packaging design, working with subscription services, and strategic brand awareness campaigns.
With our passion for excellence and deep understanding of the industry, we position your brand as a captivating force that resonates with consumers and sets new trends. Work with us to unlock a world of limitless possibilities and create an unforgettable brand journey that captivates your audience like never before.
PLUS, we have a brand new service where we help brands bring their exhibitor booths to life to convert trade-show audiences into paying customers. With our product development and brand strategy knowledge, we are able to mock-up a vendor’s entire booth and bring it to life with digital and physical activations, graphic design that converts, and email marketing support.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
First, it’s the power of adaptability. In this ever-shifting business world, being able to pivot and roll with the punches is key. Flexibility keeps you relevant and open to new opportunities.
Secondly, networking – connecting with fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry peers enriched my journey. Those shared experiences, advice, and insights? Priceless. So, my advice? Don’t be shy, put yourself out there. Attend events, join online communities – the connections you make are everything!
Lastly, continuous learning. The industry’s like a wave – always evolving. Staying up-to-date, whether it’s trends, tech, or market shifts, keeps you ahead. Invest in learning, read, take courses – it’s like your compass guiding you forward. Always be ready to make those shifts.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I find myself insanely overwhelmed, I have a few trusty strategies that bring me back to a place of balance.
1. Firstly, I allow myself a moment to pause and take a breath. Sometimes all I really need is a short walk outside to ground myself again.
2. Next, I break down what feels like impossible tasks into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Even if it technically makes my to-do list longer, it allows me to get more things done by doing things one step at a time. Sorting out what’s most pressing helps me regain a sense of direction and allows me to prioritize accordingly!
3. Seeking assistance is something I’ve come to embrace as well. Whether it’s turning to my team, seeking guidance from mentors, or simply sharing my thoughts with family, knowing that I have a network of support makes a world of difference.
4. Learning to say no has been a crucial lesson. Realizing that I can’t do everything has been liberating. Setting boundaries and focusing on what truly matters has helped alleviate unnecessary stress.
5. Lastly, I’ve learned that self-care isn’t a luxury, but a necessity. Taking a moment for myself, whether it’s just driving to Starbucks for a mid-day break or watching something on Netflix I’ve been wanting to see, these things help recharge my spirits and then I’m able to go back to work feeling refreshed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.itshmagency.com
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- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/its-hm-agency/
Image Credits
Photographer of files named “HMBRAND-01, HMBRAND-03,: The PR Influence @theprinfluence
