We recently connected with Tara Larrick and have shared our conversation below.
Tara, 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.
The short and sweet answer to the how did you overcome imposter syndrome question is, I didn’t fully. I don’t believe that this is something that you ever really overcome if you are truly growing and pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone. When I first started editing videos I was in the 7th grade, but it was just a fun way to express my creativity. When I made short films in high school, I never thought of myself as a filmmaker, no definitely not,I didn’t have the education or experience.
I began my business technically in 2009, creating videos for clients and making my own short films. I thought that when I graduated with my degree, then I could consider myself a filmmaker or a professional. But as I hit other milestones, landing my first internship with a production company and then my first job offer, I still never felt like I could assume the title of filmmaker. It was always at the next milestone that I hadn’t hit. While I worked for myself, I still didn’t see myself as a business owner. So if I didn’t see myself as a filmmaker, or a business owner, what did I consider myself? 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️ I was just a video editor. But even as “just a video editor”, with each client project I took on I felt unqualified. Worry always filled my brain, will I really be able to accomplish this to their standards? The funny thing is that I always exceeded expectations. This was my imposter syndrome at its height, it crippled my confidence in myself, and in my ability to grow as a business.
It wasn’t until 2023, yes a full 14 years after starting my business, that I looked back at my career and recognized all of the work that I had done. I realized that my own mindset was what was holding my business back from being an actual business that grows and thrives. Why? Because I had been doing it already without even thinking. I had consistent clients that were always happy with my work, but my mind was telling me I was an imposter, not qualified to run it like a business.
I realized that imposter syndrome is a feeling and not reality. I needed to accept the titles of filmmaker and business owner, if I actually wanted to see myself in that light. I mean the evidence backed it up so why couldn’t I? But I won’t lie. You don’t overcome imposter syndrome, because every time I take a job that is going to stretch my skills or creativity that feeling is very close behind. But instead of freezing, I continue doing what I have always done, do it anyway.
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?
I graduated with a degree in Film and Video Studies from George Mason University, focused on post-production. With 15 years of experience I have come to believe that filmmaking is an art form that requires passion, creativity, and attention to detail.
As the owner of LeMieux Media, I wear many hats but my favorite of which is Creative Director. I get to work with clients to make their vision a reality; the process of planning and seeing the project through to an impactful end is energizing not only for me, but for its audience as well. The best part is watching the audience be moved to action by the videos we produce.
We will be launching our Youtube Channel in July, sharing the tips and tricks of filmmaking with anyone who has a desire to learn, or needs a little help.
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?
Three qualities that are still crucial in my journey are a continuous desire to learn, the humility to ask for clarity from a client, and the recognition that client video production is a service industry. We should never stop learning, even if we’ve gotten our degree. Don’t let go of your wonder of how things are done and made, because it will inspire your creativity even more. The film industry is always evolving and we need to learn to adapt with it. Qualities two and three go hand in hand. Recognizing that you serve your client means that even if you have expertise, your client has a vision and it is our job to see it to fruition. Asking questions before getting to work, especially if you don’t fully grasp their vision, will save you time, energy AND make sure you are serving your client well. While you may suggest other options based on your experience, ultimately working with you is an experience, so make it a positively memorable one.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
I believe that we need to always be learning and growing, however when it comes to business I believe that hiring people whose strengths are our weaknesses allows for a well rounded team. For example, we just finished a video production for a client where I had to do multiple video interviews. While I planned the interviews and have strengths in production, having to try to monitor sound (which is not a strength for me) while I am interviewing the subjects was not something I was comfortable doing. Sound can make or break a video, but it is one of my weaknesses. Instead of trying to do too much at once, I hired a sound engineer for the shoot. Now, we had great audio and I was able to focus 100% on the interview subjects which allowed for a more engaging interview. Will I take some time to learn more about audio, absolutely, but the better business decision is to lean into my strengths and hire for my weaknesses.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lemieux-media.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarajoylarrick/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LeMieuxMedia
