It’s okay to be scared, often that’s a sign that you are pushing yourself towards greatness. However, it’s equally important to build up your confidence and we hope the conversations presented below can help provide some food for thought around how you can level up your confidence and self-esteem.
Kira Deevah
I had to grow up fast a very young age; Not because I wanted to I just didn’t have a choice. For many years I had to Build myself up daily. I did this by speaking positively throughout the trials in life. My self esteem grew in survival mode. I didn’t have anyone guiding me, or pushing me forward. Life was my biggest teacher. All I had was my experiences and a greater force ordering my steps. My confidence comes from knowing and understanding that I am not in control,. But things will always work out in my favor through faith. Read more>>
Kristen Joy
The levels of my confidence and self-esteem ebb and flow as every day brings new opportunities and new challenges. I will say that being born into a stable family gave me a strong foundation for both, however. My father said that by the age of 4, I was already ready to “do my own thing”. At 5, I was kicked repeatedly in the shins by a boy in my kindergarten class and when I told my teacher, she told me he probably had a crush on me and I should “fight my own battles”. Read more>>
The Oshi
By faith, I condition my mind almost every morning to set my intentions for the day and this one habit has changed my life and its perspective. Having internal dialogue leads to better decisions with a balance of logic and emotion. I also speak positive to myself even through hard times, it’s so easy to be discouraged in the world we live in today but I keep a personal shield around my mind heart and soul at all times. Read more>>
Kenya Rothstein
By trying new things, not being great at them at first, and then learning from my mistakes. Taking the time to reflect on lessons learned is a valuable skill. Read more>>
Ben Bryant
It wasn’t easy, that’s for sure. I grew up with a lot of low self-esteem and always thought others were better than me. To confront this, I put on a face that I was better than others. Sounds a bit backwards, doesn’t it? However, the further into entrepreneurism I got during college and supporting myself, I started to grow a sense of confidence from my ability to provide for myself and not rely on others. Read more>>
Wendy Ruyle
I have to chalk this up to my history of strong women bosses from an early age. I worked part time for a friend’s mom in high school and she believed I could figure out pretty much anything. I was a people-pleaser, (and she wasn’t my mom) so I attempted whatever she asked me to do. And what do you know, I could usually do it. Read more>>
Veronica Chapman
I am super fortunate to have grown up in a family/community in which I was free to communicate my thoughts and ideas. Many people discount the thoughts, ideas, and opinions of children, but I believe growing up in community with people who honor the humanity of children truly helps develop their confidence and self-esteem. Read more>>
Amy Charbonneau
I have a mom who believed I could do anything and when life was especially hard for me, she would remind me that I was not made to blend in, I was made to shine, something I often remind my own daughter! Beyond my mother, my confidence and self-esteem have come through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Read more>>
Kaila Marino
I’ve always been confident and liked who I am as a person. I grew up dancing on stage in front of large audiences since I could walk so I assume that ability to perform in front of large crowds helped shake me of any insecurity. As I get older, I try to nurture this self esteem by doing what feels good to me, and never wavering from the things I like due to someone else opinion, and consistently putting myself into situations where I might fail, but usually don’t & if I do, I just learn and do better the next time. I think everyone should do things in life that scare them but they do anyway. Read more>>
April Peng
I thought I was God’s gift to writing when I wasn’t trying to pursue it as a career. In an echo chamber with only my peers, I had nothing but confidence. As soon as I took my words beyond the privacy of my own eyes, all that confidence shattered and I thought I was the worst writer in existence. The truth lies somewhere in between. Read more>>
Gerda Carina
I developed confidence with time and experience. There isn’t a shortcut for this. My self-esteem hasn’t always been good. It has taken a lot of work and I can say that I’m still not where I really want to be. Regardless, I’ve come a long way. I’m consciously choosing my surroundings as well as I can and through having a couple of loving and big hearted friends in life goes a long way in building up your self-esteem as well. Read more>>
Arleta Mykolyk
Growing up I was extremely shy and lacked confidence. Speaking in front of people or just to new people would bring on anxiety . Today, I teach clinics across Canada and US to operate medical esthetic devices , Slimwave and Celluskin. I never would have imaged myself in that position, taking control of a room and leading a training course. Read more>>
Stormie Anderson
These are things that you have to really dig deep within yourself. As challenging as it might be but you have to sit witty yourself and understand who you truly are. You have to ask yourself where this lack of confidence and self-esteem comes from and work through it. This is not an overnight process and it can take years but it will be worth it in the end. Your confidence and self esteem can show up in many aspects of your life and can impact it for better or for worse it’s really up to you. Read more>>
Wenpei Li
As an illustrator, and animator who also teaches in an art school, my confidence and self-esteem stem from a combination of passion for my craft and continuous learning. Engaging with the creative process and seeing the impact of my work, whether in my illustrations or through the feedback from my students, reinforces my belief in my abilities. Read more>>
Drysen Carsten
I was raised on a second-generation family farm in South Dakota, where we raised corn, soybeans, pigs, and cattle. Growing up as a farm kid, you learn to have a certain “Roll up your sleeves and get it done” mentality. Unfortunately, I was also a shy and nervous kid. Most of my nights and weekends were spent in the solitude of a tractor cab, haunted by mental replays of embarrassing conversations and stupid things I did. Read more>>
Raphaël Larocque
I had events that triggered me in my childhood where I had to fight for my respect and speak up. It all started when I was 10 years old. I was isolated and bullied by my closest friends in elementary school. It was a rough time because I had nobody to talk to except my parents. I had to train my mind to stand my ground, and gain the respect that I deserved. Read more>>
Alexandria Wilson
Building confidence and self-esteem is a gradual process. I focused on setting small, achievable goals, celebrating successes, and learning from challenges. Additionally, surrounding myself with supportive people and practicing self-care played crucial roles in boosting my confidence over time. Read more>>
Lauren Hua
I used to struggle quite a bit with “Imposter Syndrome” when I first started my art journey. Because I didn’t come from a prestigious art school, or have any professional training, it was easy to listen to that voice in the back of my head that told me I wasn’t good enough. That I just got lucky. And because each painting is deeply personal, if my art wasn’t accepted somewhere- it wasn’t just a rejection of my art- it felt like a rejection of me. Read more>>
Latoya Lashae
For as far back as I can remember, I always liked fashion and the way celebrities put together their Interview styles specifically. Now could I afford them – absolutely not, but I like looking at them. Then came the plus size models like Ashley Graham, Tabria Majors, and of course the well-known Toccara Jones. Being a plus size girl and now grown woman it was fascinating to see women that look like me rocking the styles that I would like to rock. Read more>>
Micah Dillman
Personally, my journey to self acceptance and confidence is always ongoing and comes with a lot of failure. Especially as an artist, I think it’s important to turn towards the failures and find what is salvageable and more forward with that. Also, I like to remind myself that there are so many people making beautiful things in the world and we’re all sharing a small pool of opportunities. Read more>>
Allison Webber
While I wouldn’t say I’m the most confident when it comes to my own self-esteem, I am very proud to see how far I have come over the years overcoming self doubt and imposter syndrome. Do I still experience this from time to time? Absolutely! We’re all human and that is part of our makeup. I try my hardest to celebrate the small accomplishments along the way vs getting upset that I didn’t make the big one. Read more>>
Kimberly Russo
My journey to improved self-confidence and self-esteem was significantly shaped by a shift in mindset, particularly after leaving a challenging relationship. Embracing a positive and growth-oriented mindset was key in my self-development and goal-setting. This approach helped me view challenges as opportunities, enhancing my resilience and self-belief. Read more>>
Annie Latrice
My confidence and high self-esteem comes from a few different places. Firstly, I intrinsically have a “knowing” about myself, and who I am. Because I have always thought, and wanted to look/dress differently, I had to be okay with outside criticism. I always felt as if being myself was more important than being like. So, there was something inside of me (since a child) that made me totally okay with being me. Read more>>
Tracey Zhang
My journey toward developing self-confidence begins with refining what confidence truly means. I used to believe that confidence revolved around having an extensive list of achievements, surpassing others, or being the life of the party. However, my perspective shifted one day when I heard a speaker share an example: Read more>>
Kerry Lee Bowser
By accepting my faults and honoring opportunity. From elementary school, beginning in the 5th grade, I was an exceptional athlete and the best in every competition. While teammates and competitors looked up to me and my winning routine, I felt like I represented the entire neighborhood, park, and those individuals cheering my every feat. Read more>>
Alana Miller
This is an intriguing question. I developed my confidence and self-esteem during a boudoir photoshoot with Greenville Boudoir in April 2021. The photoshoot began with me getting glammed by one of our very own top make-up artists Essie Yvonne. Once my make-up was complete, none other than Latoya Dixon-Smith of Greenville boudoir played some tunes for me and remember telling her that one particular song was the one. Read more>>
Tamira Wells
In my personal journey towards building confidence, I’ve embraced a multifaceted approach that encompasses various empowering practices. Speaking positive affirmations has become a daily ritual, reshaping my mindset and reinforcing a strong sense of self-belief. Engaging with self-help books has provided invaluable insights and practical advice, serving as a constant source of inspiration for personal development. Read more>>
Grandmaster Shifu Brett Russell
This is a great question – for many people who start training with me, a big part of what they want to achieve for themselves is building their own self confidence. During my martial arts training from a young age, and through each level of martial arts I’ve achieved, there comes a set of skills to learn and master. These skills provide support to achieve goals and through times of adversity, both in training and in life. Read more>>
Jhavion Tate
I developed my confidence and self-esteem from learning to not care about what anyone said about me. Growing up, I was talked about in school and laughed at but something I will always keep in the back of my head is that when people have to belittle someone else and make them feel less than is only because they are extremely jealous of that individual. Read more>>
Ellie La Gringa
I think confidence and self-esteem is built overtime. I think as children, we all have a lot of confidence, and then the real world starts and a lot of us lose it. Especially with social media, not only can you receive negative or mean comments, but just in general, we are constantly looking at other people’s lives and inevitably comparing ourselves. Read more>>
Deborah Altizio
I developed my confidence during my makeup career by watching and studying some of the best makeup artists in the world. I am very lucky to have had the opportunity to assist Pat McGrath, Charlotte Tilbury, Gucci Westman, Dick Page, and so many more amazing artists. I have devoted my whole life to the art of makeup. Always fascinated and still passionate every step of the way! Read more>>
Zharia’Elizabeth McGlothin
Gaining confidence was definitely something that I had to learn and somewhat force myself into. Growing up I had a hard time being comfortable in my darker skin complexion. Especially growing up in a time when colorism is so real, it was really hard to ignore that and embrace who I am. Read more>>
Thi Rex
I’ve developed my confidence and self-esteem by reflecting on myself, setting realistic goals, and acknowledging the small wins. It’s an ongoing journey, but staying mindful to surround myself with positivity and embracing challenges has been crucial for my personal growth. The commitment to continuous learning and stepping out of my comfort zone has laid the groundwork for a solid foundation of self-assurance. Read more>>
Alfred E. Rutherford
I think that Confidence and Self esteem/Self belief are the most important component when it comes to achieving what goals. From an early age it was something that I always recognized in people because it always intrigued me as to why some people succeed and why others don’t. Read more>>
Kelly Michelle Thomas
I’ve always had some level of confidence and self esteem, but there came a point in my life where my self esteem went down the drain. I had gotten myself involved in some very tumultuous relationships that involved a lot of emotional and physical abuse. It was one after the other and each time, my self esteem would chip away more and more. But, I kept trying to find my worth in other people. Read more>>
Francesca Tarantino
Being 15, I’m honestly still working on my self-esteem. When I was younger I really worried about what other people thought of me and it definitely hurt my confidence in singing. In front of people so much so that I wouldn’t even sing in front of my mom and dad. I loved singing but the thought of doing it in front of others terrified me. Read more>>
Baris Yesilbas
Confidence and self-esteem are integral components of one’s personal development, shaping the way individuals perceive and navigate the world around them. My journey toward building confidence and self-esteem has been a multifaceted process, influenced by experiences, challenges, and a conscious effort to embrace personal growth. Read more>>
Lorraine House
I think developing confidence and self esteem comes directly from doing hard things. You can have a lot of positive self talk which helps to kickstart the hard thing that you want to do but it really comes from the behavior that you are putting out. Once you do the hard thing you get the proof that you can withstand the things that are tough and that helps to build your confidence and self esteem. Read more>>
ELIZA DALY
Working in a kitchen team of mostly older men meant I had to do a lot ot stand out, stand up for myself, and trust my instincts. Learning to listen to my inner voice was the secret to unlocking my confidence. Read more>>
Michael Galyean
Confidence, to me, has been more than just being proud of myself or a method to showcase my skills, it has also been a defense mechanism. I have always been the outsider kid. Whether it was being a boy cheerleader in small-town Delaware, to the first male color guard member in the High School band, to the present day out and proud member of the Queer Community, I have used my strong self-esteem to defend myself. Read more>>
Nathan Wolfe
I’ve always been a sort of individualist. Never super open with a lot of people, and hid parts of myself from others. But it wasn’t until I met some really close friends in college that I really learned so much about myself. We would have deep discussion almost nightly, about all sort of topics. It initially started as a way to get to know one another, but quickly become moments of deep connection and discussion. Read more>>
Shakira Miller
I developed my self esteem over time, by learning myself it was not easy at first but I feel like I had to take the time to learn my self overtime. To gain that self respect. Read more>>
Gina Gallina
I’ve spent the majority of my life figuring everything out but didn’t even think to figure myself out. I’ve been making art and music for years. I’ve always done this for fun and to express how I am feeling. The pandemic was terrible for many on so many levels, but where there is crap, good things can grow. I have always had a side job to support my creative crochet habits and I’ve never loved any of those jobs. Read more>>
Cindy Quayle, OPA
I developed my confidence by never being afraid to try something new. I have always made it my goal to look forward and never go back because all of my choices and experiences, both good and bad, have led me to where I am today. Learning from life experiences along the way has taught me many lessons which are invaluable. Read more>>
