Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Teresa Pante. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Teresa, 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.
Before I started a business, I wasn’t sure if I had enough skills and experience to become an entrepreneur. I also lack how I express myself to others and self-doubt a lot about my skills. However, being creative is the best way for me to show my capabilities and service to the world. While overcoming these imposter symptoms, there are several ways I have overcome it. There was an instagram reel that stuck to me and it had a message about no matter what you try to do or how bad you feel about doing something risky, the world keeps spinning and life goes on. If I make a mistake or I feel my skills are lacking, the only way to overcome it is to do my best and try to live my life without regrets. I’d rather regret doing something rather than doing nothing. Also, starting sooner rather than later was the best advice I’ve gotten from my professor. Being present and surrounding myself with close friends also comforts me. I also try to work on self-care, especially when I feel anxious or worried, I ask myself why I’m feeling that way and do what it takes to comfort myself and my thoughts. If I work hard that day, I tell myself “I did good today” and when there’s a bump on the road, I say, “it’ll be fine”. I also have to know that everyone has different struggles and not the world revolves around me.
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?
Hello! I’m Teresa, the creator and founder of Mindful Cements Studios in Los Angeles. I initiated Mindful Cements as a home hobby during the 2021 pandemic after having a collection of plants as a hobby. I came across a Pinterest video demonstrating how to craft concrete pots from reusable bottles and containers, sparking my first attempt at making planters from a soup container and a Pepsi bottle. The process of handcrafting planters and home decor appealed to me for its uniqueness and originality compared to the mass-produced products like at Target or Walmart.
As I slowly grew my collection, I began participating in pop-ups in 2022 to showcase my crafts. The positive feedback I received in person from many people motivated me to iterate, improve, and generate ideas for creating home decor accessible to everyone. It instilled in me the belief that I have the potential to bring joy to people, enhance their lifestyles, and have my products featured in their homes.
Currently, I create home decor items, including vases, coasters, tableware, and apothecary accessories that can complement any home style. My style is influenced by nature, as seen in pieces like the Nordic Lake Coaster and Pinecone Tealight Candle Holders. I want to introduce comfortable, multi-functional, and intentional pieces into living spaces. Traveling to Scandinavian countries and Japan has also inspired me, where their home lifestyles not only featured minimalist and unique pieces but their lifestyles were also practical and environmentally conscious.
I aspire for Mindful Cements to become a home brand this year, bringing joy to people through intentional decor for their space.
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?
Since I have a degree in Marketing from California State University, Fullerton, and currently work as a full-time E-commerce Specialist, I am grateful for the opportunity to grow my own business with the skills I’ve acquired at work. I enjoy graphic design, digital marketing, and selling online. These skills have helped me promote what Mindful Cements is today, even though I handle everything for my small business including product design, production, social media, web design, and finances. At least I’ve gained some knowledge in online selling, and being in a community with other makers at marketplaces has helped me connect with like-minded people and learn from them. The advice I would give to others who want to start their journey is to begin with what they enjoy doing and practice as much as possible. Just starting anything you’re passionate about will eventually lead to more opportunities that you may not have anticipated.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I would love to collaborate with local artists of all kinds and home brands! As for potential partners (though it might be a stretch), it would be a dream to work with Crate & Barrel, Ikea, or Uniqlo.
You can send inquiries at contact@mindfulcements.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mindfulcements.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/mindfulcements
- Facebook: facebook.com/mindfulcements
Image Credits
Studio shots by @faces.portraiture
