WHAT IS IMPOSTER SYNDROME?
In the world of fashion, where creativity knows no bounds, launching your own business can be a thrilling but daunting endeavor. It’s not just about designing beautiful garments or curating stunning collections; it’s about believing in yourself and your vision, even when that nagging voice of doubt, known as imposter syndrome, threatens to hold you back.
Imposter syndrome is a common experience where you doubt your own abilities and feel like a fraud. Imposter syndrome can be debilitating and prevent you from pursuing your dreams and aspirations I know firsthand because it prevented me from realizing my dream for almost seven years. In this blog post, I share my story of overcoming imposter syndrome and launching my dream business, Soraya Mèliane, a luxury ready-to-wear women’s brand. I also provide actionable steps that you can take to launch your dream, whatever it may be. (PS: All the blazers featured in this post are from Soraya Mèliane.)
MY PERSONAL JOURNEY
Growing up, I always loved fashion and dreamed of owning my own fashion brand. However, I often found myself doubting my abilities and questioning whether I had what it took to make it in the competitive fashion world. My self-doubt and insecurity plagued me, and I worried that I won’t be good enough or would be exposed as a fraud if I pursued my fashion dream.
So I stuck to what I knew best, being a lawyer. But every day, I would wake up with a gnawing feeling. I was secretly jealous of people who had launched their own brands or careers in the fashion industry, doing what they were truly passionate about. I asked myself, “How did they get the courage to follow their dreams?” I realized my fear of failure was holding me back the most. This persisted for seven years until one day; I saw a quote by Theodore Roosevelt that changed my whole mindset. The quote said, “It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed”. That day, I decided life is too precious to play small and be imprisoned by other people’s desires and expectations of me. Despite my fears, I decided to take action and pursue my dream of starting a women’s fashion brand. I began by researching the fashion industry extensively, studying successful fashion brands, reaching out to people in my network, and interacting with my target audience. Despite my preparations, I still felt like an imposter and doubted my ability to succeed.
I know imposter syndrome well because it was a constant companion on my journey to starting my dream fashion business. It seemed like such a lofty goal, and I often questioned whether I had what it took to succeed. However, I realized that overcoming imposter syndrome was essential to realizing my dream, and here’s how I did it:
HOW I DEFEATED IMPOSTER SYNDROME
Embrace Your Passion
Passion is the antidote to imposter syndrome. When you’re deeply passionate about your craft and your vision, it becomes your driving force. I knew that fashion was my true passion,because I couldnt stop thinking about it. So I used that passion to silence my doubts.
Learn Continuously
In order to be successful in any endeavour you have to be a continuous student, always learning. Fashion is an ever-evolving industry, and continuous learning is not only beneficial; it’s necessary. I immersed myself in fashion courses, attended workshops, and sought out mentors. Knowledge boosted my confidence and helped me feel more deserving of success.
Celebrate Small Wins
Imposter syndrome often makes you focus on what you haven’t achieved yet. Instead, celebrate your small victories. Each sale, positive customer feedback, or successful fashion show is a win. These moments remind you that you’re on the right path.
Seek Support
Don’t go it alone. Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, and mentors who believe in your vision. Talking to others about your feelings of self-doubt can be incredibly liberating.
Challenge Negative Thoughts
When imposter syndrome strikes, challenge those negative thoughts. Ask yourself for evidence of your accomplishments and skills. Remember, feeling like an imposter doesn’t mean you are one.
TUNE OUT THE NOISE
Visualize Success
Visualization is a powerful tool. I started envisioning my fashion business succeeding, picturing myself showcasing collections at prestigious events, and receiving accolades. These mental images provided motivation and built confidence.
Take Risks
Overcoming imposter syndrome often requires taking calculated risks. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, whether it’s launching a daring collection or reaching out to influential figures in the industry.
Understand That Everyone Feels It
You’re not alone in battling imposter syndrome. Many successful fashion entrepreneurs, even the most renowned designers, have faced it. Knowing that it’s a common experience can be comforting.
Keep Moving Forward
The most crucial step is to keep moving forward, even when you doubt yourself. Take one step at a time, and soon you’ll look back and realize how far you’ve come.
YOUR FASHION DREAM AWAITS
Starting a fashion business is a challenging endeavor, but don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back. Remember, it’s a natural part of the journey. Embrace your passion, keep learning, and celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem. You have the creativity, determination, and vision to bring your dream fashion business to life. Don’t let imposter syndrome stand in your way; let it be the fuel that propels you forward. Your fashion dream awaits, and it’s time to turn it into reality.
GET THE LOOK
So there you have it lovelies. My Top Secrets for overcoming imposter syndrome and manifesting your dreams. I’d just like to note that you can make money regardless of the number of subscribers you have. If you’re passionate about starting a business or you’re a content creator, or you’re tired of having only one source of income and looking for another stream of income where you don’t have to depend on anyone but yourself then take the leap. It will never be too saturated and there is literally a market for everyone! Your tribe will always find you. Be patient and have fun in the process. I hope this post was helpful and don’t forget to check out Amazon and Barnes & Noble for my book Conquering I’ve written to help you overcome limiting beliefs and self doubt and to manifest your greatness.
Drop any other tips you have below and leave your YouTube Channel in the comments! Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube Channel!
xx
Dionne
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