We recently connected with Kari Dern and have shared our conversation below.
Kari , 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 such a natural part of taking on a new identity or role that I am sure we have all felt this at some point in our lives. Highly sensitive and intelligent people especially tend to question their competence when first entering a position. I definitely experienced imposter syndrome early on when I quit my career in the beer business to fulfill my lifelong dream of becoming an artist and creator full time. I think the only way to overcome imposter syndrome is to wholeheartedly throw yourself into your new role and all of the day to day tasks that are a part of it. Some days you will wonder if you accomplished enough and others you will feel pleased with a job well done or some milestone completed. Gradually over time as you work and all of your accomplishments great and small add up, you will notice that you more fully are able to embody your new identity and the imposter syndrome slowly fades away into the background. Basically you walk the talk until you have so much evidence to support your new identity that it seems truly silly to question it!
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 am now into my 7th year with Become Spellbound and I am enjoying every minute of creating! I am focusing on trying to utilize new and unique stones, bones and fossils into my work. I think what makes these creations special is not only the intimate sculptural process that is unique to Become Spellbound, but also the bold designs and photographs depicting the necklaces. I want them to transport the wearer into a world of magic and fantasy while being wearable in everyday life.
As for the rest of 2023 I am planning to do a little more local vending that I have in the past and am excited to have trunk shows coming up in September and October and more around the holiday season!
Find me and never before seen pieces Friday September 8th at Full Moon Acupuncture In Baltimore and Sunday October 15th at The Peale Museum for Bazaar Esoterica with many other makers and follow @become_spellbound on Instagram for more info!
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?
Consistency, dedication and willingness to ask for help! I think first and foremost working consistently and putting in the hours every single day is the most important quality to a successful new business. There is no silver bullet and little wins all add up to something great! Dedication helps to fuel these daily choices to get in and do the work, whether it is what you feel like doing that day or doing your dreaded taxes! The willingness to ask for help in areas where you know you don’t excel or can’t dedicate the time is important to make sure that it all gets done at the end of the day. For instance I hired someone to help me set up my website and once it was built I took over all the day to day functions. I also have a subscription to quickbooks and hire a bookkeeper to help me out with the topline accounting so I can make my estimated payments and have a little bit of an easier time come tax season even though it still feels like there is a lot to do there, haha. Lean into your strengths and find a way to either make time for or delegate your weaker areas or those you may tend to procrastinate.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am always looking for people to collaborate with! I would love to collaborate with astrologers for online cross promotion around monthly updates, makers who are able to create custom wholesale textile accessories for possible collaborative creations I could offer for a limited release, other maker accounts on instagram who would like to be active and engage in an online community of mutual support, and I am open to more! Please reach out to me either via email [email protected] or on IG message me @become_spellbound.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.becomespellbound.com
- Instagram: @become_spellbound
- Facebook: Spellbound
- Other: Tiktok: @become_spellbound Threads: @become_spellbound
