We were lucky to catch up with Lilo Allen recently and have shared our conversation below.
Lilo, 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.
In the ten years I have been in business for myself, I’ve learned that confidence is a muscle that has to be grown and strengthened over time. If you consistently put yourself in uncomfortable situations where you challenge yourself, you will always have the opportunity to show yourself just what you’re made of. Apply for the position you don’t necessarily qualify for. Accept the huge speaking gig that you’re nervous about. Define and then refine your elevator pitch. Yes, there’s an inner voice that pops up sometimes to tell me I’m not doing enough or that I don’t deserve all that I have accomplished, but I use that voice as redirection – not a reminder. I turn inward and investigate those feelings, and I make a plan to address any personal lapses I see in myself or my work ethic. Once I’ve done that, everything I do afterwards is undoubtedly my best intended work, and I’ll always be satisfied with that.
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?
In this next season, I’m working on being more intentional with my offerings from Papyrus & Charms. You’ll see curated crystal kits, more semi fine jewelry, and more beautiful bags made in collaboration with my father in Jamaica. You can also mark your calendars this Kwanzaa season to join Papyrus & Charms at America’s Black Holocaust Museum for the Ujamaa Marketplace! In collaboration with ABHM, I’ve curated this event to bring creativity and community together. December 29th from 11am – 6pm
Ujamaa is the fourth principle of Kwanzaa, which means “cooperative economics” in Swahili. The description of the principle is “to build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.” It emphasizes supporting other Black owned businesses and sharing resources with each other.
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 majored in Business Communications at University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, and I use my degree every day in my. business! I tell future business owners all the time, cultural competency will take you much further than small talk. From the way you address an email to the way you walk into a room, it’s important to know exactly who your message is going to and the best way for them to receive it. I would suggest finding books or taking certificate courses on cultures in business communication. It will help you immensely in the future – especially if you plan on expanding your business internationally!
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
My go-to relief is always going to be a caramel vanilla latte with extra whipped cream. I started drinking coffee at age 4 (shh, less focus on my age here!) with my Grandma Cecelia when she would give me a few spoonfuls before I would rush off to school. Coffee for me feels like communion with her. It’s how I honor her memory and how she was my biggest supporter. I take those 15-20 minutes to sit with my thoughts, feel my feelings, and block out all my stressors. It’s important to me to do this as a small form of self care.. It’s the one thing that I choose for myself, with my joy in mind, to partake in every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.papyrusandcharms.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papyrusncharms/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/papyrusncharms
Image Credits
Paul ByDesign, Mahdi Gransberry
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