We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Valerie Freeman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Valerie below.
Valerie, 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.
Imposter syndrome is definitely something I still struggle with! But I try to be grateful for everything I’ve accomplished as a business owner–such as being in business for over a decade, taking my side hustle to a full time job, and reaching six-figures in revenue.
I also try to eliminate what typically triggers imposter syndrome for me, which is comparison. Social media has unintentionally fostered comparison–we want our homes to look as perfect as what we see on Instagram, we compare follower accounts with our competitors, or we compare ourselves to others who are further ahead than us. But, what we see on Instagram isn’t always the full picture. And, it’s also important to remember that someone else’s journey is *not* ours.
Gratitude for what we have accomplished is a powerful tool to help overcome imposter syndrome. It helps us to shift the focus from self doubt to acknowledgement and appreciation of our strengths and accomplishments.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Valerie Freeman, a wedding stationery designer and small business educator.
After struggling to find the perfect invitation for my own wedding, I decided to design my own. After I did that, I knew I could serve brides by creating unique, elegant wedding stationery that I couldn’t find for myself. This business gives me the opportunity to serve brides and celebrate marriages, and that’s the part of this work I love.
I’ve been a stationery designer for over a decade. A few years ago, after the pandemic devastated so many small businesses, especially in the wedding industry, I felt called to help other wedding stationers, calligraphers, and creatives get back on their feet. Since then, I’ve been sharing my six-figure stationery strategies through private coaching and courses to other small business owners.
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?
First, application is the number one skill to achieving success in any business.
You have to apply yourself.
You can find a course or a free YouTube tutorial on almost any topic today. But, if you don’t apply what you’ve learned, it won’t serve you any good.
I had no idea what to do when I started my business in 2013. I had no business experience, no money, no following, and I didn’t graduate with a design degree. But, I saw an opportunity to quickly start my side hustle on Etsy–and went for it.
Second, stop procrastinating or waiting for the right time.
There are a few reasons we procrastinate, and it really differs for everyone. I find myself procrastinating when I’m not passionate about completing a task, when I’m waiting for the right time, or when I experience self doubt.
But the truth is, procrastination takes up so much mental space. Even if you aren’t working on the task you need to complete, you’re probably thinking about it. It’s easier said than done–but once you address the reason you’re procrastinating, it becomes a lot easier to either complete the task or nix it from your to-do list.
Lastly, choose progress over perfection.
Again, this is probably something social media unintentionally created, but I’ve learned over the past decade that “it” doesn’t have to be perfect. “It” being whatever you’re doing or creating.
Perfectionism can hinder you from ever making progress. I’m so glad I took the leap to start my business when I wasn’t that good at design or marketing! If I waited to start my business when it was perfect, I’d have never made the leap!
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
Atomic Habits is the best book–hands down.
The concept of Atomic Habits is (essentially) rather than set goals for yourself, make habits instead. One habit I developed from this book was to start making my bed. It seems so simple, but making my bed every single day was just the domino effect I needed to start making more, better habits in my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.valeriefreeman.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bettylupaperie/
Image Credits
Office photos/Portrait: Starling and Stage Invitation Photos: Juliana Mary
