We were lucky to catch up with Jessica Sellenberg recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jessica, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
I don’t know that imposter syndrome is something you ever fully get over — the temptation to compare yourself and think you’re not “the real deal” is always in the background. My best friend and I co-host a crochet podcast called The Crochet Baes and we actually dedicated an entire episode to imposter syndrome. Something we discussed that is a big help to me is simply the act of putting a name to the feeling. Knowing that imposter syndrome is a real thing, and that I’m not the only one having that experience is a big step in the right direction. Another thing I’ve found that helps is focusing on process and not only product. I can’t control every variable of my business, like how many orders I receive in a month, or how many followers I have on my social media accounts. But I do have control over the process. I can be consistent in my marketing, or posting content. And focusing on the things I can control helps me from spiraling into that imposter syndrome.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’ve had a love for crochet from a young age. My mother and older sister crocheted, so naturally I wanted in on the fun. In the past decade my passion for crochet and the desire to expand my skills has really grown. I often lament to my husband as I scroll through Pinterest and see one beautiful crochet piece after another, “I just want to make all the things, but there’s not enough time to make all the things!”.
I took to TikTok a couple years ago to try and build a following and customer base for my crochet business. However, the algorithm had other plans. I mostly connected with other crocheters, which was incredible for building a community, but not so much for finding customers, since they can already make what I’m making! That’s when I decided to shift gears and take up a new skill to bring something to the table that was relevant and needed by the audience that was in front of me.
I invested in a laser engraving machine and started making custom faux leather tags, patches, and other accessories. My mission is to create custom and affordable accessories for the small fiber artist, because I am also a small fiber artist and understand how difficult it can be to get custom items for your business that don’t cost an arm and a leg. It has been such a rewarding expansion to my business. I love getting to help other fiber artists put that beautiful finishing touch on their pieces that add a sense of polished professionalism.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The hill I will die on as a small business owner is consistency. It’s not flashy advice, and it doesn’t promise overnight explosive growth, but its accessible to everyone. Wherever you are in your journey, be consistent. When you show up each day and commit to being consistent in learning, making, posting, sharing, connecting with your customers… there will be growth whether you see it right away or not.
Always be learning! There is a wealth of free information on the internet for small business owners. Whether it’s learning new things about your craft, learning about social media, or even just personal development, you have the ability to learn something new every day. If something isn’t working for your business you can either get frustrated doing the same thing and wondering why it’s not working, or you can do some research, make an adjustment in your approach, and try again.
Don’t forget to rest! When you own your own business you are a one person show. Since everything falls on you it can be difficult to know where to draw the line and “clock out”. But working all the time, even at something you’re passionate about, is a recipe for burnout. I’m grateful my faith has a built in Sabbath day of rest, so to me a day off is not just a suggestion, it’s a requirement for my benefit! Having that day to rest and do other things gives me the refreshment I need to tackle a new week, and I can accomplish more in six days than I would in seven.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
This may sound like a cop-out, but my husband Michael. He is my partner 100% in everything I do, and he has been the most supportive force in my life as I work to grow this business.
He listens to my ramblings as I process through situations, offers advice and encouragement when things aren’t going the way I planned, and helps me with packaging and sending orders when I have a big release day. He is the muscle when I have a market and need the car loaded and unloaded. He’s built custom pieces like a laser enclosure when I need them for my business.
I absolutely wouldn’t be where I am without his love and support.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bergsnestcrochet.com
- Instagram: @bergsnestcrochet
- Facebook: Facebook.com/bergsnestcrochet
- Other: Tiktok: @bergsnestcrochet
