Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tammy De Zilva. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tammy, 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.
For me, tackling imposter syndrome starts with acknowledging moments of self-doubt, not brushing them aside or letting them consume me. Last year, I came up with a process to transform my limiting beliefs into empowering ones, which has since significantly influenced my mindset and growth for the better. This approach became so impactful for me, that I decided to share it with others through an online class. In this class, I reveal how ChatGPT assists me in creating personalised empowering beliefs, combined with using Adobe Express to establish a belief plan that I have in a visible place to see every day. This process has been pivotal for me in fostering a positive and growth-focused mindset, encouraging me to question negative thoughts, challenge their validity, and shape empowering beliefs.
Overcoming imposter syndrome has been an ongoing journey, but through self-awareness, challenging negative thoughts, fostering a growth mindset and consciously staying in my own lane, it has instead become a path of empowerment and continuous personal growth. It’s all too easy to fall into the comparison trap, measuring my progress against others without truly understanding their personal journey. By staying focused on my path, and regularly acknowledging my accomplishments, it’s boosted my self-esteem while fuelling my motivation and my belief in my capabilities.
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 2019, I made the pivotal decision to transition from a successful 20+ year career in IT to pursue my passion in Surface Design. While not an easy choice, I recognised the need for change and followed my heart towards genuine happiness. Initially focused on building my portfolio and licensing artwork, I soon realised the importance of diversifying income streams, especially when confronted with the challenges brought by the pandemic in 2020.
While some may perceive such a transition as daunting, I firmly believe that with self-belief and determination, anyone can forge their own path to fulfilment. It’s not about bravery; it’s about recognising the brevity of life and embracing change to create a more meaningful journey. Those who are driven consistently act upon their goals. For me, success isn’t just about waiting for opportunities to arise. It’s about taking action and taking proactive steps towards my goals.
As my business expanded into art licensing, retail and wholesale sales, both in-person and online workshops, mentoring programmes for fellow artists, and the nurturing of community connections, I’ve recently launched Learn with Loopla. This new platform offers a range of online classes aimed at empowering budding Surface Designers and enthusiasts alike, providing them with the tools and guidance they need to kickstart their creative journey. It’s another step towards enriching and empowering the broader creative community, and I’m thrilled to share this new venture with everyone.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, I would definitely have to say that drive, self-belief, and the invaluable support of a network of fellow creatives have been instrumental in my success. My drive and motivation to accomplish my goals have propelled me forward, even during the toughest times, while believing in myself and my abilities has given me the confidence to take risks and push myself outside of my comfort zone. Additionally, surrounding myself with other creatives has provided invaluable support and encouragement, especially during both the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.
For those early in their journey, my advice would be to cultivate these qualities deliberately. Find ways to fuel your drive and motivation, whether it’s setting clear goals, visualising your success, or finding inspiration from others in your field. Develop a strong sense of self-belief by challenging self-doubt and celebrating your achievements, no matter how small. And most importantly, seek out and nurture relationships with like-minded individuals who can provide support, guidance, and encouragement along the way. Together, these qualities and practices can serve as a solid foundation in any creative pursuit.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When faced with a multitude of tasks swirling around in our minds, it’s crucial to take a step back and clear our mental clutter. I find that doing a giant brain dump of all the tasks can be incredibly helpful. Once everything is down on paper, I sort through the list and break each task down into smaller, more manageable steps. This approach not only helps to alleviate overwhelm but also provides a clear roadmap for tackling each task. Focusing on each task at hand rather than thinking about other tasks on your list is also important, taking it one step at a time and believing in yourself.
As I’m naturally inclined towards logical thinking and organisation, this process comes quite easily to me. However, I understand that many creatives may struggle with this, especially if they lean more towards right-brain thinking. That’s why I’m passionate about helping others with this in my mentoring sessions. I find it incredibly rewarding to assist individuals in finding clarity, guiding them towards their goals, and witnessing their growth. Simplifying tasks and focusing on small, actionable steps can make a significant difference in overcoming overwhelm. Additionally, challenging overthinking by asking, ‘What’s the worst that could happen?’ and pushing oneself out of the comfort zone can help alleviate fears and foster confidence in moving forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.loopla.com.au/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loopla.designs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loopla.designs/
- Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/loopladesigns/
