Stories of Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

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.

Dee Parson

It’s still an endless battle I’m working on. It’s really hard to not overcome it, but having friends, family and others who are there to support you and cheer you on goes a long way to help. Read more>>

Jordan Thompkins

Personally I think imposter syndrome is something that will never fully go away. You just learn how to mitigate it a bit better. If theres anything I feel like I’ve learned on my journey as a photographer it’s that it seems like the more I learn, the less I feel like I knew to begin with (I’m pretty sure a pretty famous photographer has said the same thing but ironically their name escapes me). Read more>>

Ellen Dieter

I do not know that I have overcome my imposter syndrome. I am sure someone will figure out that I don’t know what I am doing. That said, in believing I do no know, that leaves me open to learn and keep learning. For me, I show up. I am in the studio every day, I am putting paint to canvas every day. In doing the work, the false belief’s don’t have room in my head. Read more>>

Carl Milli

Overcoming imposter syndrome was a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. Initially, I struggled with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, constantly questioning my abilities and achievements. However, I gradually learned to recognize these thoughts as mere perceptions, not realities. I started celebrating my successes, no matter how small, and reframed failures as valuable learning experiences. Read more>>

Star Hansen

I discovered my purpose when I was 24 years old. I had left college early to follow my heart and pursue acting, but along the way discovered that I was a healer who could help people transform their lives through their physical spaces and the process of organizing. Because I was so young and didn’t finish college, I felt like an impostor. I worried I didn’t have enough credentials (or life experience) to be taken seriously.  Read more>>

Michelle Dennis

Overcoming imposter syndrome has been quite the journey for me, especially in the realm of podcasting where I strive to amplify the voices and stories of Black Canadians. There’s this constant tug-of-war between feeling like I’m making a meaningful impact and questioning whether I truly belong in this space. Read more>>

Dr. Sheila Marie Campbell

Imposter syndrome emerged in my life over the past year, particularly when I reached a significant milestone in my career. Questions about my qualifications and feelings of unworthiness began to surface. I’ve come to see it as a natural part of reaching new heights; each new level brings its own challenges. Read more>>

Samantha Slater

I haven’t, and I don’t know that anyone really ever does. What you have to do is make sure that when you feel that way, it doesn’t own you. Read more>>

Allison Francois

Overcoming imposter syndrome has been an ongoing journey, a rollercoaster ride I’ve been on for years. Since the beginning of my business, I’ve often sought inspiration from others—those who came before me, those seemingly excelling beyond measure, and those projecting unwavering confidence online. At times, I questioned if I’d ever break free from it… until 2024, when everything changed. Read more>>

Laneit Jones

Overcoming imposter syndrome is an ongoing journey for me, one that involves daily self-improvement and mindfulness. I’ve learned that the key to combating these feelings of doubt is staying true to myself and maintaining the authenticity of my brand. In a world brimming with opinions on how a brand should present itself, it’s crucial to anchor my business in its original purpose and vision.  Read more>>

Curtis Bartone

For the past 30 years I have made prints, exhibited prints, won awards, have been invited to residencies, and have become an integral part of the international printmaking community. And yet, when I call myself a printmaker, there are times when I still feel like an imposter. I earned my degrees as a painter and that’s what I set out to be. But somewhere along the way, I fell in love with the processes of printmaking.  Read more>>

Lindsay Stayton

No matter how many times people compliment me on my photos and work ethic, there is always a little doubt in your mind that something is off and you are not worthy of their compliments. This is one of the most difficult things about being a sole business owner and artist. Read more>>

Jamé Jackson

Navigating imposter syndrome has been a richly rewarding challenge, especially as a Black actor. The entertainment industry doesn’t always make room easily for us, and it often felt like every audition was more about proving my basic right to be there than showcasing my talent. Initially, I questioned whether I had what it took. Read more>>

Helene Taylor

Several years back, I underwent a pivotal shift in my perception of self, realizing that merely “working harder” wasn’t sufficient for success in my field. It dawned on me that the industry I was in didn’t operate as a meritocracy. This realization was underscored humorously by an online meme making the rounds, urging us to have the confidence of a “mediocre white man.” While said in jest, it struck a chord with me and a few of my female colleagues. Read more>>

Mayen Akpan

For me, imposter syndrome is fluency in the language of doubt. It questions anything beyond existing patterns and confronts the nature of expansion. Meaning I was as successful as the environment I answered to. I broke imposter syndrome when I made a habit of seeing what is there instead of what isn’t there. Read more>>

Gloria Allorbi

I have come to understand that imposter syndrome may not necessarily be something to completely overcome, but rather to cope with and manage. Instead of striving to eliminate it entirely, I’ve focused on learning to occupy space confidently and assure myself that I belong in every environment I find myself in.  Read more>>

Kenton Hoppas

I feel I have moved a little further away from imposter syndrome just by doing more work. I should quantify that by saying A LOT MORE WORK. When I started posting on TikTok I was adding 21 new paintings a week. Then things took off and I started to livestream 30 paintings a DAY Monday through Friday. Read more>>

Kezziah Casias Green

Imposter syndrome is something I have always struggled with as an artist. For nearly 15 years, photography has been a captivating creative pursuit for me. I began taking photos with my laptop webcam in High School (because I could not afford a camera at the time), and over the years slowly worked my way up as a self-taught portrait and wedding photographer.  Read more>>

The Biggest Brandon

Imposter syndrome is something I grapple with regularly. It hits me in waves about once every season. It’s honestly one of the heaviest weights I carry, making me doubt myself and sink into a funk of self-doubt and depression. Usually during those times im holding on to everything by a thread, I might find myself barely managing my day job, squeezing in a light workout, and leaning on some not-so-healthy coping mechanisms, all while comparing myself to everyone under the sun. Read more>>

Kay Flowerz

Overcoming imposter syndrome required me to focus on my mental health and affirmations. I practiced self-compassion, reminding myself of my accomplishments and unique strengths. Building a supportive network of friends and mentors who believed in me also played a crucial role in overcoming those feelings of doubt and insecurity. Read more>>

Alexandria Hollowell

I overcame impostor syndrome by building a support network of friends, colleagues, mentors, and therapists who provided me with encouragement and reassurance during times when I doubted my abilities or felt like a fraud despite my accomplishments. Their influence helped me to recognize and challenge negative thought patterns that led me to discount my successes and set unrealistic standards for myself.  Read more>>

Kimberly Merriweather

I shifted my focus to my accomplishments. At times, I felt like giving up because I was comparing myself to others and not acknowledging my own successes. Having a mentor was a game-changer for me. My mentor, who had achieved success in various endeavors, was open and honest with me. She took the time to listen to my thoughts, provide guidance, and offer insights that I hadn’t considered.  Read more>>

Alexandra Helene

I have always been someone who wants to share the things I love with other people. I don’t like to keep things to myself. But as a millennial, I didn’t grow up with social media the way the younger generation has. There was a pretty big learning curve to feeling comfortable doing what I do in such a public way. Read more>>

Audrey Shockency

Self-doubt plagued me for years. Despite picking up photography quickly, I always felt like I wasn’t truly talented. Then about a year ago I revisited old photos that I deemed awful, I took a look at them with fresh eyes; . Re-editing them revealed this hidden potential that I guess I ‘ve always had – my work. It was definitely a turning point.  Read more>>

Laura Kern

Imposter syndrome serves as both a killjoy and the weight that kept me grounded. I worked hard to get into an MFA program, and I was doubtful 100% of the time during the application process. When I accepted an offer at Penn State, I immediately started thinking of the worst-case scenarios. Read more>>

Lauritta Stellers

I have struggled with imposter syndrome for years, and I can honestly say that it still affects me at times. However, I’ve learned to confront and accept this aspect of myself. Everyone who is also working in any creative field or trying to build a business in general, will, in one way or another, be faced with a feeling of not being enough. Read more>>

So Hyun Park

I struggled with imposter syndrome severely. However, I overcame it through several methods. Firstly, it’s about remembering that hard work never betrays. As a foreigner working in an American company, it wasn’t easy. But what I realized is that I always work harder than anyone else. And that always shines through.  Read more>>

Julie Gittemeier

I still struggle with this from time to time. I think it’s normal for us all to have feelings of doubt or comparing ourselves to others in the same “field”. For me, I had to go against my “people pleasing” tendencies. It is so easy to get caught up in the idea of what people will like or what they will think…but if you’re not happy with your ideas or creations, than nothing else matters. Read more>>

Amanda Foster

Embracing Imposter Syndrome: A Rebel Interior eDesigner’s Perspective As an experienced interior eDesigner and the founder of Foster Decor Consulting, I, Amanda (or “amandork the rebel” as I’m affectionately known), have learned to navigate the ups and downs of the design industry. Read more>>

Ja’lia Marie

Comparison was robbing me of my ability to see myself for who I really was and recognize my worth.! I overcame imposter syndrome by focusing on myself and keeping my eyes on my own paper.! I was then able to see the value I possessed and realized how gifted I truly am all along.! Read more>>