We were lucky to catch up with Joseph Baldwin recently and have shared our conversation below.
Joseph , 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.
Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a transformative journey for me, and I’ve discovered that taking small yet effective actions towards my goals is a key strategy in this process. When the weight of self-doubt begins to creep in, causing me to question my purpose, I’ve learned to step back from my work and business momentarily. This pause allows me the necessary time to rest and reset my mind, body, and spirit.
One powerful tool in my arsenal against imposter syndrome is the practice of reading affirmations I’ve diligently penned in my journal. These affirmations serve as a source of strength and resilience, acting as a beacon that guides me back to clarity regarding my goals, purpose, and the inherent ability to thrive as an entrepreneur. As I regain this clarity, my confidence experiences a rejuvenation, enabling me to take concrete steps towards overcoming imposter syndrome.
In addition to these mental and emotional strategies, I’ve found solace in physical activities, such as skateboarding at the local skatepark. The rhythmic motion and focus required in skateboarding divert my mind from the overwhelming feelings of imposter syndrome. After a fulfilling skate session, I often find myself approaching my creativity and business endeavors with a fresh perspective.
Finally, expressing gratitude for the progress I’ve made throughout my journey has been a crucial aspect of my imposter syndrome-fighting toolkit. I’ve come to understand that it’s perfectly okay not to have all the answers. Instead, creating opportunities for myself and embracing new challenges with a willingness to try has proven to be the most effective and actionable approach in countering imposter syndrome.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Hello,
I’m Joseph Baldwin, a passionate portrait photographer and the entrepreneurial spirit behind CreativeWrks in Houston, Texas. From a young age, I’ve been captivated by the art of capturing life’s essence through my lens. What began as a love for beauty, fashion, and creative projects has evolved into a fulfilling career where I connect with clients to bring out their best.
My journey into photography is rooted in a deep appreciation for the unique beauty each individual possesses. Creating a safe and comfortable space during sessions is not just a part of my job; it’s a commitment to making lasting connections. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing my clients light up when they see their photos and sharing their positive experiences with CreativeWrks.
As an entrepreneur, I’ve navigated challenges and celebrated milestones, witnessing the growth of CreativeWrks over the years. Always seeking improvement, I’m excited to announce my participation in an upcoming masterclass, where I’ll delve deeper into the art and business of photography.
At CreativeWrks, I go beyond creating images; I craft unique experiences that lay the path for my clients’ journeys. My commitment to high-quality photos and personalized service is unwavering. I’m thrilled to introduce “Blended Visions” on my website, a space dedicated to showcasing collaborative works and sharing my creative journey through blogging.
Looking ahead, I’m eager to embark on new projects and continue making a positive impact through CreativeWrks. Join me on this exciting journey, where every photo tells a story and every collaboration becomes a part of the blended visions.
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?
Reflecting on my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve identified three essential qualities that every entrepreneur should cultivate: mindful thinking, patience, and unwavering self-belief. These attributes proved to be immensely impactful as I navigated the challenges of starting a business with limited knowledge and uncertainty about my services.
In the initial stages, the daunting prospect of providing valuable services and meeting client expectations weighed heavily on my mind. Overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome became a significant challenge. It took me two years to discern my strengths and weaknesses in the realm of photography.
Setting partial goals, such as reaching out to 50 people daily to promote my photography business, was a transformative step. Although speaking in public initially felt intimidating, I learned the power of mindful thinking through trial and error. Writing down my envisioned accomplishments and expressing gratitude for every opportunity to promote my business bolstered my confidence over time.
Practicing patience was perhaps the most demanding aspect of my journey. Progressing as a photographer and entrepreneur involved honing my composition skills, mastering manual camera settings, and navigating the complexities of marketing. Despite occasional overwhelming moments, dedicating downtime to personal projects and continuous learning proved instrumental. Patience led to a resurgence in gigs, and the creative projects I undertook contributed significantly to the improvement of my skills and business.
Believing in myself and holding onto my vision was a cornerstone of my journey. Personal and professional setbacks tested this belief, but understanding that my conviction would lead to success kept me on track. I realized the importance of self-belief—knowing that if I didn’t believe in myself, others wouldn’t either.
For those embarking on their entrepreneurial journey, my advice is to embrace the journey’s pace and stay present. Avoid rushing and stay true to your identity and brand values. Step out of your comfort zone, build meaningful connections, and inquire and research extensively about your market and services. Set the tone for your business, take calculated risks, and bet on yourself. Cultivate self-compassion, celebrate your achievements, and surround yourself with a supportive community. Lastly, maintain faith in your journey, recognizing that every step forward is progress toward success.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
The book that has profoundly influenced my personal development is none other than ‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho. This literary masterpiece has secured a special place in my heart, serving as a cherished companion on my journey through life. The narrative revolves around a young protagonist who embarks on a transformative quest in pursuit of his treasure.
What captivates me most about ‘The Alchemist’ is the overarching theme of self-discovery and the realization of one’s personal legend. As the protagonist ventures into the unknown, he not only unravels the secrets of his own destiny but also learns to heed the whispers of his heart. The profound wisdom embedded in the storyline is a reminder that our true treasure lies within us, nestled in the depths of our desires and aspirations.
The essence of the book resonates with the belief that each of us is destined for greatness, and the journey to uncover our treasures is a reflection of our innermost desires. ‘The Alchemist’ imparts a valuable lesson—that it is our responsibility to pursue our dreams with unwavering determination. Despite the inevitable challenges and setbacks that may cross our path, the book instills the confidence that we possess everything needed to metamorphose into the person we aspire to become.
In essence, the story beautifully encapsulates the philosophy that life is a quest for our personal treasure, and the journey itself is a crucial part of the discovery. ‘The Alchemist’ inspires us to navigate through the labyrinth of existence, propelled by the belief that our dreams are attainable, and our destinies are within reach. It serves as a timeless guide, encouraging us to embrace our desires, face challenges head-on, and manifest the treasures that lie latent within our hearts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://creativewrks777.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativewrks777/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JosephBaldwin12498
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-baldwin-41900b216/
Image Credits
Photo #1: Earl Sweatshirt, Voir Dire Concert Tour 2023 – Houston, Texas Photo #2: Model – Marcos Da Silva Photo #3: Models – Glenys, Yaz, Jariah, Sa’mya, Layla Photo #4: Model- Estefania Anzaldua Photo #5: Model- Aceah Brown Photo #6: Model- Sharieka Hall Photo #7: 19 Keys Highest LVL Tour 2023 – Houston, Texas Photo #8: Model – Ruben Dixon All images captured by Photographer Joseph Baldwin
