Learning from one another is what BoldJourney is all about. Below, we’ve shared stories and insights from phenomenal artists, creatives and entrepreneurs who’ve successfully managed to overcome imposter syndrome.
Dalya Black
Imposter syndrome was something I felt passionate about eradicating in myself and my community in 2021. It was through the lens of specifically smashing it out of me that I realized imposter syndrome is not actually a personal problem, but a structural one. The systems that are put in place have had so little diversity over the years that they are specifically not built to include me and they do not want me. Read more>>
Valerie Freeman
Imposter syndrome is definitely something I still struggle with! But I try to be grateful for everything I’ve accomplished as a business owner–such as being in business for over a decade, taking my side hustle to a full time job, and reaching six-figures in revenue. I also try to eliminate what typically triggers imposter syndrome for me, which is comparison. Read more>>
Eileen Kielty
I haven’t. I don’t think I ever will. Not because I truly believe I am an imposter but because, I view this concept as an ongoing practice of self acceptance, self trust, self confidence and self love to truly be able to stand in my decisions and know that they are authentic to me, my experience and my aligned embodiment. Read more>>
Ren Fernandez-Kim
I thought I had imposter syndrome. And sometimes there’s a bit of self-doubt. It happens. But it wasn’t until more recently in the past few years that I could recognize what imposter syndrome was for me. And that was a lack of representation. Because for the longest time, I thought that maybe I was the problem. Read more>>
Stefania Vasconcellos
I feel I never actually overcome the imposter syndrome. It’s a constant work; I always have to remember that if I’m inside the room, it’s because I’ve worked really hard and I deserve to be there. It’s hard sometimes, but I think we have to embrace our vulnerabilities and our strengths and just keep going, making what we love. Read more>>
Brittiné Mantilla
Oh Gosh. I think everyone deals with imposter syndrome to a degree. We all have days where we feel like we don’t have it together or question if we belong. I definitely have fewer of those days as I get older and gain more experience. Care less about what others think of me. I guess mainly I have found comfort in embracing the fact that these feelings are normal. Read more>>
Taryn Starr
I still see it crystal clear in front of me. You are the voice of Texas now. Will you be the director to lead the launch of Texas for our organization? I was stunned. If you were to look at my resume, you would need to read between the lines to find out that I was a leader. In my professional life, I had never been “paid to lead” in any specific position before. Read more>>
Sabrina Allen
As much as I want give an answer to this question I fell that imposter syndrome is truly something you never fully overcome. I believe in each level you promote your way through, there is a new set of challenges that await you. Read more>>
Amy Rapisarda
I’d have to say that I have not completely overcome imposter syndrome. There are always folks that are more successful, more famous, possess more talent and creativity, or have more followers. There will always be “more” and each time I take on a new project, I have one MORE chance to improve. It is a race nobody will ever win. Read more>>
Jennifer Yonda
Imposter syndrome is such a tricky mix of self doubt, fear, and deep respect for our ambitious dreams. Sometimes, we don’t let ourselves acknowledge our true talents and abilities because, for so long, we’ve admired our dreams from afar as something that feels impossible. It’s hard to grapple with become the you that you always wanted to be. Read more>>
Devin McGee
It seems within the creative arts, there is often a tendency to struggle with feelings of impostor syndrome. I certainly have, and many of my friends and family have also experienced moments of self doubt throughout their careers as working artists. Read more>>
Melinda Cea
I don’t know that I can say I totally have. I still have days where I am scared, nervous and unsure of myself as I venture down new creative paths. What keeps me in alignment with worthiness and confidence, though, is remembering that nobody who “fit it”, ever stood out. Read more>>
Fiona Flyte
Like just about every artist I’ve worked with, I also have struggled with imposter syndrome. It’s one of the most frustrating parts of being an artist, believing that what I’m creating is never quite good enough. And by extension, I MYSELF am not good enough… Read more>>
Tim Kobza
Imposter syndrome can rear its head from time to time. I think that anyone who’s passionate about their art, craft, profession or anything they have spent a lot of time developing skills in has dealt with this at some point. The feeling that we are not good enough or worthy despite evidence to the contrary. Read more>>
Amethyst Green
If you’ve ever found yourself in the freelancing space, then you know most times you often feel like a small fish in a big pond. Anytime a potential client posts a job opportunity, there’s hundreds of comments of other virtual assistants, social media managers, etc. pleading their case as to why they’re the right woman (or man) for the job. Read more>>
Chris Bush
When facing imposter syndrome, I took a moment to acknowledge our accomplishments. My journey has been defined by a series of pivotal moments and accomplishments that reshaped my perspective. Being Named advocate of the year for Cuyahoga County, featured in numerous news articles, and participating in interviews across various platforms, these experiences forced me to confront the self-doubt that often accompanies imposter syndrome. Read more>>
Brad Williamson
In a world where social media is the main avenue for musicians cultivate an audience, developing imposter syndrome is nearly unavoidable. This fact combined with my time at Berklee, an environment that breeds & reinforces imposter syndrome, has made me extremely familiar with the topic. Not only did it hinder my own growth for a time, but I’ve watched it stifle some of the greatest talents I’ve ever seen in my friends and peers. Read more>>
Gavin Worland
For me, I remember that I am the only individual living the life that I am. There might be more people out there playing the trumpet, composing/ arranging, teaching, and bandleading, but I am the only one doing the things with the people I am doing them with. Read more>>
Molly Blaeser
I hit 1M views on a Reel I posted to my public Facebook page. I still don’t know why it blew up. The short video got a lot of hate — but it also brought so many people together in the comments. Since the subject of the video was obscure childhood videos, the comments were flooded with mentions of various movies. Read more>>
Limp Wizurdz
Frank: I can’t say that I have totally overcome imposter syndrome in all aspects of my life. But when it comes to playing music, I feel pretty confident. A lot of that has to do with my experiences traveling and getting to play music all across the country. Read more>>
Alex Faddish
Overcoming imposter syndrome is still a work in progress for me. It definitely helps to have the reinforcement and unwavering support from my family and friends. No matter what, I think all artists struggle with this at some point in their creative journey. However, at the end of the day as long as you’re still having fun and able to express yourself through your artwork that is all that really matters. Read more>>
Amber Taylor
I think everyone deals with imposter syndrome, especially entrepreneurs. And honestly, I don’t think I’ve successfully overcome it! It’s definitely something I must continue to work on but I’ve noticed that as I continue to develop my skills, my confidence level increases as well. Read more>>
Elisabeth Barton
Oh man, this is probably the hardest question to answer, but is absolutely the most important to share. So, I am a loud and gregarious female that has an opinion on or a solution for everything! I have also worked for 25 years or so to not be a loud and gregarious female that has an opinion on or a solution for everything. Read more>>
Dan Drake
Man, this is a tough one. Imposter syndrome? Not me… Oh wait, that’s me too…. I have to say that I’m perpetually indebted to the clients I see day in and day out with imposter syndrome. And if I could be so bold, that’s all of us. Read more>>
Melissa Baird
After owning my business for 2 years I have definitely faced the looming presence of imposter syndrome. Overcoming this was hard, and to be honest I sometimes catch myself slipping back into the imposter syndrome mindset. Read more>>
Aaron Hagele
While I was making PARTY DREAM with my producing partner, Tim Slowikowski, I was bartending at Bludso’s BBQ on LaBrea/Melrose. Whenever I would meet someone new and they asked me what I did for work I would say, “I bartend at Bludso’s and on the side I’m making a music documentary with my best friend about our all-time favorite live band.” Read more>>
Simone Brown
You know, it’s funny , when read this question, I had to laugh because the truth is, I haven’t. Not really. Despite being in the beauty industry for a solid decade, I still find myself wrestling with those nagging doubts. Who am I to teach others? Why would anyone listen to what I have to say? Me? Seriously? Read more>>
Mary Wilhelm
Short answer: I didn’t. I actually still have it, and it is very much still this little voice that whispers in the back of my head that “I’m not good enough.” Long Answer: There’s a lot about the art world, and just culture in general that makes people think that they aren’t good enough. And on one end I’ve dealt with it by consistently reminding myself that I AM good enough, that the work I create is important, and it is beneficial for it to be seen by an audience. Read more>>
Elijah Nykamp
Imposter syndrome is best confronted head-on. I often remind myself, “My work isn’t the best there is, but it’s definitely not the worst. Currently, it’s your best & tomorrow you’ll be better.” While delusion is also a favorite tactic of mine, I am a realist by nature. I fake it until I make it alongside knowing how far I have yet to go in my craft. Read more>>
Daniel Logan
Imposter syndrome affects a lot artists and affected me for a long time. I started my art career later in life, so I had the constant notion of being late with time, but with my skill set as well. I was constantly feeling like my art was done wrong because I’ve seen it done in better ways. Read more>>
