Imposter Syndrome (and telling it to bugger off)
As I’ve been going through the motions of getting this business up-and-running, the thoughts in my head have been my biggest adversary. Lots of chatter around: you have no experience in this space (even though I’ve worked in marketing for well over twenty years now), it’s too difficult to break into the clean beauty industry, passion isn’t enough - you have to certifications and degrees. The list goes on and on.
I launched this business 6 weeks ago and, just as predicted for any new business or venture, it’s been a spiritual roller coaster of highs and lows.
On one hand: the product has been so well received by friends and family - people truly love it and it works!! And my peeps would not tell a lie!! They’re the type that read labels, evaluate thoroughly and leave HONEST feedback.
On the other: rejection is HARD. Getting a product or brand out into the word is really challenging and it takes a long time to build something trustworthy, that has a solid foundation. It takes a long time to pitch, meeting, present, discuss and move a product through the process to from wholesaler to the end consumer in retail. Everything is a learning process. Also - money! Dude. It’s very hard to start something and get it off the ground when you’re bootstrapping it with some (dwindling) savings.
As someone who looks for signs from the Universe - I got inspired today, the first day of the month, do do a little decluttering. A little pile of notebooks was sitting on my dresser for months and today I opened them up and was ready to toss this one when I found this recipe - for lip balm - written out. One Christmas - probably around 2012 - my friend Corinne and I whipped up some love potions as gifts using ingredients from our local apothecary down the street. It was awesome. I think this is her handwriting actually - I think this was her recipe! It was the perfect sign I needed today: I’m not an imposter! I’ve been creating skincare products with my friends for years; I’ve never launched a business with my creations…until now.
Keep going! If you’re reading this - this is your sign that you’re not an imposter either. xoxo