Starting a business is never as simple as it seems, especially when self-doubt creeps in. The moment you take the leap, there’s a constant question: ‘Am I really cut out for this?’ For me, the journey was filled with uncertainty and self-doubt. I began KJPA at a time when temp work was drying up and I couldn’t get enough hours to pay rent or put food on the table. I was in a really tough spot. The last time I earned this little was back in 1995, during my Chef Apprenticeship, earning just $196.20 a week. It felt like I had nowhere else to turn.
It was by complete chance that I responded to a friend’s instagram story. We hadn’t spoken in a while and when she asked how things were going, I told her how tough it had been. She reached out and offered me an opportunity to help with some admin work for her business. We met up, discussed her needs and I was off and running with my business. I was excited to get started, but as time went on and new clients were slow to come in, the self-doubt really started to take hold.
Despite my years of experience in various industries—everything from hospitality to corporate roles to small businesses—my confidence faltered. I questioned whether I could truly do this on my own. I have always been good at admin, I pick things up quickly, and if I don’t know something, I figure it out. I guess the real problem was doing it solo, feeling like I didn’t have a team to run things by. That’s when the uncertainty really started to creep in.
While I don’t doubt my ability to be compassionate, organised and supportive, I’ve had to grapple with the imposter syndrome that comes with starting a new business. It’s hard to believe in yourself when imposter syndrome hits, making you feel like you’re just pretending to be a business owner. It took a lot of reminding myself that self-doubt is a normal part of the process. Everyone faces it—especially in the beginning. The key is to keep moving forward, even if it’s with shaky confidence.
What works for one business owner may not work for another. We each have our own unique strengths and weaknesses, and that’s what shapes us as individuals and as entrepreneurs. I’ve also learned to trust my compassion and support over perfect systems, which have allowed me to build a meaningful business that helps others. And if you’re feeling that same self-doubt, know that you’re not alone. The important thing is to continue taking small steps toward your goal. Surround yourself with people who encourage and uplift you, because those people are the ones who help you push through the self-doubt and give you the courage to keep going.
If this resonates with you and you’re feeling uncertain about your journey, I’d love to connect and support you as you push through the doubt. Let’s chat about how we can take small steps together to move forward.
