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.
Jade Warrick
I’ve always struggled with imposter syndrome, and I think that’s something many artists and creatives can relate to—especially Black women in positions of power or control. Historically, we haven’t always had these spaces, so it’s easy to feel like we don’t belong. It’s east to feel like we are imposter’s. For me, imposter syndrome was a constant wet blanket until about a year ago. What really helped was surrounding myself with others who felt the same way, creating a network of support where we could uplift each other. Finally getting therapy made a huge difference, too. It helped me realize that I’m not an imposter, that I’m not just taking up space—I’m in a space that’s mine to share with others. Imposter syndrome only exists to hold us back, and shedding that weight has allowed me to flourish in ways I never imagined. Read more>>
Ryan Renner
Impostor syndrome is definitely a real thing. I always think about the quote “Comparison is a thief of joy.” With everyone on social media these days, it’s hard not to get caught up on comparing yourself to others. The world of wood mosaic art has completely blown up the past few years. On a daily basis when I’m scrolling through Instagram, I see dozens of artists artwork and it is truly difficult to stop myself from comparing. If I don’t, all those nagging thoughts start to stir in my head saying “you’re not good enough”, “you’re not working hard enough”, “you’re not being different enough”… I think what has really helped me coming to terms with imposter syndrome is stepping back and realizing that I’m just me. I like who I am. I know who I am. And I have no desire to be like anyone else. And that made me realize, I don’t have to prove myself to anyone. I just need to keep on doing what I’m doing because I absolutely love it and it makes me happy. Something else that helps me get over imposter syndrome at the beginning was finding an amazing community through IG. There are so many insanely talented artists out there and I am honored to be friends with so many of them. Even though we are all completely different Stylistically, we still root for each other and cheer each other on choosing Community over competition. Having this community and the open dialogue made me realize that everyone else goes through the same thing and has the same thoughts now and again. It definitely makes it easier. Read more>>
Nahomie St.louis
I’ve been on this journey, and every now and then, imposter syndrome likes to creep into my life. Through lots of prayer and scriptual affirmations, I reached a point where I just did it scared! I didn’t let fear define me; instead, I embraced it and understood that it’s all part of the journey. I never wanted to be the person who only dreamed of making my ideas a reality—I wanted to make it happen. I remember when I was working toward my masters degree in digital marketing, at the time I was the only black girl in my class, no one I knew I was doing this degree. I was so scared to submit assignments. I always thought they weren’t what the teacher wanted, so I held onto them, procrastinating, afraid that the work wasn’t good enough. But it turned out I was doing really well. My mind was the one entrapping me. There was one time when I held onto an assignment and finally submitted it two weeks late—not because I wasn’t done, but because my anxiety made me think it wasn’t good enough. My teacher told me I would have received a perfect grade if I had submitted it on time. I cried so much that day because I realized my fear of “getting it all wrong” was holding me back, and that was not the first time, this was a repetive story of my life in many areas. Since then, I’ve fought to make the decision to move forward in my purpose and goals. It first started with learning how to kill the perfectionism in my heart and learning how to stop comparing my abilities to others. I am fearfully and wonderfully made and my souls knows this very well! Read more>>
Lisa Charles
Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a journey that required me to draw upon the very skills I honed as a prosecutor. The courtroom taught me the art of discovery, the power of direct and cross-examination, and the importance of a strong closing statement. These skills, typically applied in the pursuit of justice, became invaluable tools in my personal quest to uncover and embrace my true self. Discovery: Uncovering My True Self In the legal world, discovery is the process of gathering evidence and understanding the facts of a case. I applied this process inwardly, embarking on a journey of self-discovery. This involved peeling back layers to reveal my innermost core—my loves, dreams, passions, and moral compass. I took the time to reflect deeply on what drives me, what makes me feel alive, and the values that guide my life. Integrity, kindness, compassion, truthfulness, generosity, and my connection with God emerged as the pillars of my being. This was more than just an intellectual exercise; it was a spiritual and emotional awakening that helped me to see myself as a person of worth, deserving of every opportunity and success that came my way. Direct Examination: Developing My Core Qualities Just as direct examination involves questioning witnesses to build a case, I spent time nurturing and developing those qualities that are central to who I am. I focused on activities and practices that tied me to my purpose, like engaging in acts of kindness, cultivating compassion, and deepening my connection with God through prayer and meditation. I also pursued my passions with renewed vigor, allowing myself to dream big and invest in the things that truly matter to me. By consciously developing these qualities, I began to build a solid foundation of self-worth that could stand firm against the winds of doubt and insecurity. Read more>>
Jen Ruiz
The key to overcoming imposter syndrome is to take action! Instead of spending time worrying about what could go wrong, start and refine the process along the way as things inevitably do go wrong. As an entrepreneur with a personal brand, I feel imposter syndrome all the time and it doesn’t go away with the next level of success. I think about Brené Brown’s concept of being in the arena. Sure, you may have missteps and people booing you along the way, but at least you’re in the arena. At least you’re getting messy and living instead of just being a passive spectator to the journey of others. Imposter syndrome is pervasive and hard to kick. The key is to live your live undeterred by it. Recently, I won Outstanding Social Media Presence at the TBEX Travel Creator Awards. Immediately, negative imposter thoughts popped into my head. I thought I didn’t deserve it because didn’t have the most followers. Sure, I had over 375,000, but was that a million? Or that I didn’t have recent virality. Sure, I’d generated more than 100M views with my content, but what gone viral for me lately? I worried I didn’t campaign the hardest and as a result, didn’t want it the most. If I had let it, imposter syndrome would’ve ruined that celebratory moment. One that I legitimately earned. I resolved instead to put imposter syndrome aside and enjoy my win, guilt-free. Read more>>
Savannah Macias
To begin, I want to say I don’t think i’ve fully overcome imposter syndrome. However, I have done my fair share in trying to improve my confidence in my work and in getting to that point there are a few things I like to tell myself and others who feel the same way. I do think it’s important to have certain qualities that will make you effectual and successful in your work life. Although, the reason I love photography is because these qualities are extremely subjective person to person no matter if its a colleague, client, or friend. Each photographer has a different personality type, photography style, editing style, client experience, etc. With this means that when you hire a photographer you get to choose which of those things aligns with the work and vibe you want for your session/wedding day. So in essence every photographer is good at they do because, it’s what their business portrays. Now, following back to the question I think that having the knowledge of all that I have said above and remembering that each artist is different is what helps me overcome imposter syndrome. Diving deeper, I have a type-a personality behind the scenes which means I love to plan, I love a timeline, and I am quite the perfectionist. Oppositely, on a shoot day I am much more chill. Probably because I have done everything behind the scenes that I could possibly do but I think having that attitude on a shoot day makes everything flow much better. My shooting style, and my editing style is something that i’m always working on to make sure the photos embody my brand, and I love where I have gotten. I have a very laid back client experience and my goal is to make every client feel like a friend. All of these aspects are what make skills and successes worthwhile. Sure, every now and again I have that imposter syndrome creep back up. When that does happen I follow back to these thoughts: photography is subjective as is most art, I love the work I am putting out and so do my clients which is why they book me for me, everyone (including myself) that is putting their heart into their work is worthy of their successes. Read more>>
Gaby Azorsky
Imposter Syndrome is completely normal. Lately I’ve been thinking about how the best artists would doubt themselves, and if you’re not doubting some aspect of the magnificence of your vision, perhaps that’s another thing to reflect on. I find for myself, being honest about where I am and who I am is the best way forward. With my offerings, I’m clear that while yes, I have experience and knowledge to share, I also come with a beginner’s mind and the perspective of being a forever student. Always learning, always growing. Read more>>
Carlotta Romano
Aren’t we all, at some point, victims of this unjust feeling? We compare our skills to those around us, often forgetting the hard work it took to get where we are and why we deserve to be here. Imposter Syndrome is one of those feelings that comes and goes, but it’s also one we can learn from. As we grow older and become more aware of ourselves, these strong emotions become more prevalent, making everything seem questionable at times. Yet, sometimes the right answer is as simple as saying, ‘Yes, I can do this,’ without letting self-doubt take over. The key to overcoming these feelings lies in staying in touch with yourself. Ask yourself: What am I truly great at? What areas could use more work? As you start uncovering these answers, you’ll begin to see your value in a larger context. They say, ‘fake it till you make it,’ and sometimes, that’s exactly the mindset that can help you move forward. Read more>>
Michael Goude
Earlier on in my life I viewed imposter syndrome as something negative that needed to be fixed in me or a problem that needed to be solved. Before I even knew the term imposter syndrome I would allow the feelings of not belonging in a space I had somehow fallen into crush my spirit or cause me to freeze and I would show up small in my own mind. In the last few years I’ve come to understand that imposter syndrome is normal and actually essential for growth. It can point to areas that need a skill sharpened, or a belief or perspective shifted. It also shows me that I’m in the right place. If I’m not feeling some level of imposter syndrome I’m probably not living a big enough life in the spaces I want to occupy. So these days when it comes up which is all the time I get curious about it, I ask questions and allow the answers to come and on my best days I integrate what I’ve learned and then I keep showing up with my art and my full self not matter what. Read more>>
Linh James, Ma
The truth is, I cannot say I have entirely overcome imposter syndrome, and to be honest, I don’t know that I want to. For me, imposter syndrome isn’t a barrier to be conquered; it’s also a part of me that constantly pushes me to grow and evolve beyond my comfort zone. By embracing imposter syndrome as part of my journey, I’ve learned to live with uncertainty and to use it as fuel rather than as a reason to hold back. I’ve come to see imposter syndrome as a motivator, a reminder that I am stepping into new territory and challenging myself in ways that matter. Instead of trying to silence that inner voice of doubt, I’ve learned to listen to it differently. It’s a sign that I am doing something significant that stretches my abilities and takes me to the next level. Rather than trying to completely eliminate imposter syndrome, I’ve focused on developing a healthier relationship with it. When those feelings of doubt and insecurity arise, I acknowledge them but don’t let them dictate my actions. Instead, I thank that part of me that wants to stay safe. I remind myself that growth happens outside the comfort zone, and if I’m feeling like an imposter, it means I’m growing. I’ve come to appreciate that the discomfort of imposter syndrome drives me to continually refine my skills, expand my knowledge, and deepen my understanding of what I do. It’s a force that pushes me to seek new challenges and approach each day with a mindset of learning and improvement. I share this perspective with those I work with because I believe it’s important to acknowledge that imposter syndrome doesn’t have to be a roadblock. It can be a companion on the journey—a sometimes uncomfortable one, but a companion nonetheless—that keeps us moving forward, striving for more, and reaching new heights. So, imposter syndrome is a gift that keeps me growing. Read more>>
Thomas Dean
I feel that imposter syndrome is something that every creative professional encounters at some point, and my journey has been no different. In the early days of my career as a wedding and corporate event DJ, I often found myself questioning whether I truly belonged in this industry. I would ask myself if I belonged amongst the industries’ elite, and was I worthy of servicing the most demanding and luxury events. There’s a unique pressure when you’re tasked with creating the soundtrack to someone’s most important day or when you’re responsible for setting the tone at a high-stakes corporate event. Read more>>
Lucia Ocejo
Imposter syndrome is the persistent feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy. In my experience, overcoming imposter syndrome begins with recognising that these feelings are common. To challenge these negative thoughts, I focus on my strengths while also acknowledging my weaknesses. While I may not have the sharpest attention to detail, be the most creative person in the room, nor finish tasks the fastest, I am confident in my ability to problem-solve, strategise, and juggle multiple tasks simultaneously. These are the skills that I bring to the table. My confidence in problem-solving informs my creative process, grounds my resilience, and helps keep imposter syndrome in check. Read more>>
Aubrielle Whitis
Imposter syndrome is an ongoing battle for me. However, over the years I have developed coping skills and found ways to support myself through it. When I feel my imposter syndrome getting loud, I talk to it. I acknowledge that it is likely not my voice telling me I’m not deserving of an opportunity. It is more likely a voice that developed after years of being criticized as a child. Including the voice of teachers who thought I couldn’t make a career as a dancer. Little did they know, that being doubted was motivating to me. After acknowledging that this doubting voice is not my own, I take some deep breaths and reassure myself that my hard work is paying off. I remind myself that I have been training my whole life as a dancer, that I graduated from high school early to pursue ballet full-time at 17 years old, that I’ve been on tour twice with a leading US ballet company, and other achievements that are proof I do deserve the opportunities I am receiving. Someone once told me, “If you weren’t ready, you wouldn’t have the opportunity.” That has stuck with me and pulled me out of the imposter syndrome loop many times. Unfortunately, I find that imposter syndrome doesn’t go away. As I have gained success it has gotten louder at times. I find that therapy and a daily meditation practice help soothe that voice. Resilience is a muscle that I have to work every day to keep my imposter syndrome from winning. Read more>>
Billie Smith
When I first started my business I jumped in without thinking too much about it. Covid had just been the cause of both of my jobs closing and my whole future plan went out the window. So when I started my business originally because I didn’t want to stop teaching; and I’m pretty grateful that I took that approach, because I know how easy it can be for impostor syndrome to convince you not to do it. It’s really easy to feel like you need ‘just one more training’ before you launch your business, and I think I avoided a lot of that at first because I didn’t really have it planned, it was a jump out of necessity. Imposter syndrome came up for me a bit later, and for a while it really seemed to take over for a while. I signed up for a marketing training course within the first year of my launch, and in that class the instructor asked anyone who felt imposter syndrome to put their hand up, and every single person raised their hand. I felt so much weight lift off my shoulders when I realized that imposter syndrome was much more common than talked about. To me that meant that it wasn’t as personal, meaning it wasn’t a personal failure, or anything I lacked. Read more>>
Eugenia Peralta
Art has always been my passion. I grew up in a family of artists and was surrounded by art all the time. Before my father passed, he gave me a beautiful and powerful painting of an ocean. I remember the impact, feeling drawn into it and in that moment, I realized the power art has on people. I studied Communication Studies at the Iberoamericana University in Mexico City, worked as a production assistant in a production company and then I started a boutique public relations agency focused on luxury brands. I organized art events and that’s when it clicked… art was my true calling. In 2008 I moved to New York to pursue my MA in Contemporary Art at Sotheby’s Institute. I was full of doubt, it was a huge change. People thought I was crazy to leave behind my PR business, but I focused on my passion, on the feelings that art evokes in me and in others, and little by little I overcame that fear. More so, I work at New Art Dealers Alliance, NADA, at a gallery in SoHo and in a non for profit, organizing an art auction. But it was when I moved to Miami in 2015 when the imposter syndrome kicked in again… I wanted to start my own art advisory business, and I did not know where to start, how to find clients, how I wanted to get the business afloat. So, one thing that helped me was, besides writing a business plan, was to compartmentalize different aspects and tackle one at the time. Read more>>
Jordan Attarian
Overcoming imposter syndrome was one of the hardest battles I have undergone in my business. I have a big handful of amazing repeat clients that I adore checking in with a few times a year, but the reality is most of the time I do a reading at an event and never truly get to see the impact that it makes in someones life. The times when people come back to my booth and tell me how deeply my messages for them altered their perception and helped them feel empowered enough to make hard and huge choices in their lives for the better is one of the things that helped me see how much what I offer in this world really matters. Still to this day those feelings of being an imposter bubble up and i have to sooth them back down with the reality check that I am putting so much love and effort into my services, my higher education, the decks I produce, and the books I have written.. and while not everyone will find the value I see in them, others lives will be changed forever in the most beautiful ways. Read more>>
Devin Jenkins
Imposter syndrome is something I still deal with in many areas. The trick for me though is to keep working and moving forward in spite of it. Typically we’re in our own heads because of fear of failure, but I’ve found that more often than not, people are waiting for what I have to offer and their response gives me the reassurance and confidence I need to quiet imposter syndrome’s voice and believe that I belong where I’m at doing what I’m doing. Read more>>
Christine Dennis
I think it’s something a lot of us never completely overcome, but I have to let my work and my clients all speak for themselves. Every once in awhile something doesn’t go quite as planned and it’s easy for me to want to go down that rabbit hole of self doubt. Instead, I remind myself how that’s part of the journey and it’s okay to have to pivot or correct. And it really does help to take lots of photos and look at the beautiful results from time to time. Read more>>
Janet Marie Collado
By helping others with my knowledge and experience achive the best version of themself and goals, I was able to evercome my imposter syndrome. I also learned how to Celebrate and share my accomplishments with others without hesitation. The world needs to see people proud of wining and living their best life because that is inspiring. Read more>>
Caity Smithson
As a woman with a degree in construction management, entering a predominantly male workforce often left me feeling out of place. Transitioning to interior design without a formal degree in the field only intensified these feelings of inadequacy, especially as I embarked on starting my own business. However, I realized that overcoming imposter syndrome was a journey built on small, incremental steps. Each project I participated in, each bit of experience I accumulated, and each client who believed in me played a crucial role in building my confidence. The trust people placed in me, starting with small projects and gradually growing to larger ones, reinforced my capabilities and helped me see my worth. Through these experiences, I learned that confidence is the cornerstone of overcoming imposter syndrome. It’s not about having all the qualifications from the start but about growing through every opportunity and recognizing the value in your contributions. Read more>>
Jeff Macolino
I was lucky to experience imposter syndrome and take a lifelong lesson out of it when I was in college. My very first college course at USF St. Petersburg was an Honors Philosophy class. I never felt so dumb in my life. After a few weeks I finally had the courage to ask one of my classmates if they understood anything that the professor was teaching. She was so excited because she, like me, thought she was the only dumb one in the class who didn’t understand. That led to additional classmates hearing us talk and chiming in that they too were clueless. That one moment highlighted two things for me at a young age. One was, don’t be afraid to admit you have questions. The other was, you’re almost certainly not alone when you feel like an imposter. Translated to today, whether it’s interviewing someone who I feel I have no business having the opportunity to talk to, or showing up to a film set and acting like I’m a confident actor – “fake it till you make it” is a philosophy that can work, as long as you know when you need to ask for help and you have the work ethic and desire to succeed. Read more>>
Chasely Matmanivong
For me, imposter syndrome comes often. Ive suffered from this ailment throughout my career as an athlete, student, and artist. The way I have been able to overcome imposter syndrome is setting goals that are obtainable. Once I have reached those goals, I set forth new ones until the end result came to fruition. When I played soccer, I set goals that I knew would highlight my skills as an athlete where I was able to play with the best players, where I was able to play collegiate soccer and rise above those who were causing my mind to think I lacked. When it comes to being a student and artist, imposter syndrome would hang over me. I would be in these small group settings telling myself I did not belong in the presence of these masterminds. I once again overcame this by setting achievable goals for myself. I would also give myself pep talks and affirming myself that I do belong in this circle. I also came to realize that everyone is unique in their art. Every artists’ story lies in their artwork and I am no different. Once I became more confident, collaborations, invitations, and opportunities fell into my lap and I no longer feel out of place when I am in a group of artists and people alike. Read more>>
Christian Costanzo
I feel that no matter what situation I am in regarding my personal life or my work life, I am in that position for a reason. I believe nobody in history ever had the confidence they were the man for the job, but they did it anyways and they did it with excellence. So while I may not feel confident and I may be nervous, I will always give it my best shot. Read more>>
