Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as an Entrepreneur

Studio Notes

1. Upcoming Rough Draft Topics: What you can expect if you subscribe to this podcast. Different Series, including:

   1. “I️ Read it So You Don’t Have to”: The first book will be The One Thing

   2. "Between the Lines" – Motivational and reflective articles

   3. "Creative Hotline" – SEO-focused, how-to articles for artists

   4. "Note to Self" – Personal reflections and insights from Hayley’s perspective.

2. What I’m Listening to: This episode on the effects of alcohol on women. Yikes! After a lovely dry January, I️ might lessen my drinking throughout the year.

3. What I’m Watching:

   1. Severance- I know I’m late to the game, but this is the first show Jack and I have watched since before football and basketball season… my friends are consistently amazed with how much ESPN facts I️ retain. (This is what happens when an Alabama fan and an Auburn fan get married)…

      Anyway, we finally started Severance, and I’m hooked. The dystopian themes give me The Giver meets The Handmaid’s Tale vibes—an unsettling theme you can’t help but watch.

      If you’re looking for something new to watch, I highly recommend it! But fair warning: this isn’t a background-noise kind of show. You’ll want to give it your full attention—every detail matters.

   2. Also - Golden Goose’s new campaign with Jane Fonda - why does it remind me of a skateboard scene from an early 2000s movie? (Sleepover comes to mind - thank you Blockbuster for introducing my 9 year old self to that masterpiece)

      

      This was the only photo I️ could find, but go rewatch for the full effect

4. What I’m Reading: This historical fiction book. Different than my usual reads, but very interesting!

5. Just So You know…Here is what Pinterest is saying the year’s color trends will be. Do you agree?

6. What do you think? Will this trend actually replace work from home sweatpants? I️ doubt it, but I️ don’t hate a comfy-cute option.

7. What I’m Into:

   1. I have admired artist Mary Ball’s work for a long time and her new collab is everything. I️ just bought this shirt and can’t wait to style it - stay tuned. (I️ also love that only 500 are being sold and each is numbered. Such a great idea!!)If you want to be the next artist - apply here!

      

   2. Someone please buy me this or this set of matches! $4 of attention to detail.

   3. This book about your closet and the joy of getting dressed.

      

   4. This skirt! I️ am obsessed! The fabric looks painted and yet is a classic silhouette - which is in line with my three words describing my style (read the book above to learn what I’m talking about)

      

      Phew! Just went from Dry January to SEC football, to Severance, to The Sleepover, to a historical fiction novel—we call that range. If you didn’t find a tidbit to take away from today’s intro, then I don’t know what to tell you!

      This Substack contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase—thank you for your support!

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February camera roll

Hi Creatives,

If there’s one thing I’ve learned as an artist, entrepreneur, and creative business owner, it’s that nothing starts out perfect. Every great idea, every thriving business, and every bold step forward begins as a rough draft—messy, unpolished, and full of possibilities.

That’s exactly what this new podcast is about. Rough Draft is a space where we embrace the process, experiment with ideas, and have real conversations about what it takes to build something meaningful. There’s no need for perfection here—just the willingness to show up, learn, and refine as we go.

And what better way to start than by tackling one of the biggest challenges creatives and entrepreneurs face: imposter syndrome. In the first episode, I’m breaking down why so many of us feel like we’re not “qualified” or “ready” enough, how it holds us back in business, and what we can do to shift our mindset and step into our confidence.

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Not a paid subscriber? For just $8 a month, you’ll unlock exclusive access to two bonus deep-dive solo podcast episodes every month, where I share candid insights, strategies, and behind-the-scenes lessons on growing a creative business.

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To kick things off, we’re diving into a topic that I know so many entrepreneurs (myself included) struggle with: Imposter Syndrome.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re not qualified enough, like your success is just luck, or that at any moment someone is going to “call you out” for not knowing what you’re doing—you’re not alone. Imposter syndrome can creep in at any stage of business, from launching your first offer to scaling beyond what you ever thought possible. The good news? It doesn’t have to control your business.

Episode 1: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as an Entrepreneur

In this episode, I’m breaking down:
- What imposter syndrome really is and why it’s so common among entrepreneurs, especially creatives and business owners constantly pushing into new territory.
- How it shows up in business—from procrastination and perfectionism to undercharging, overworking, and avoiding visibility.
- My personal experiences with imposter syndrome—how I felt it when starting my business, launching this podcast, and even making big decisions in my career.
- Actionable strategies to help you break free from self-doubt, build confidence, and finally start owning your expertise without hesitation.

At the core of this episode is a simple truth: imposter syndrome is normal, but it doesn’t have to run the show. The difference between those who stay stuck in doubt and those who move forward isn’t whether they experience imposter syndrome—it’s how they choose to navigate it.

I’ll walk you through practical steps to recognize when imposter syndrome is showing up, shift your mindset, and take action despite the fear. Because the truth is, confidence isn’t something you magically wake up with one day—it’s built through action, reflection, and pushing past self-doubt, one step at a time.

Let me know what you think after tuning in! Have you experienced imposter syndrome in your creative business? How have you worked through it? Hit reply and share your thoughts—I’d love to continue this conversation with you.

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Can you do me a quick favor? If you like this, just hit the ❤️ at the bottom of this email! It helps me more than you know, and it’ll only take a second.

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