The impostor syndrome affects far more entrepreneurs than one might think. I’ve personally experienced it that uncomfortable feeling of not belonging, of not being legitimate enough to run my own business (I was only 24 when I created it), and especially that fear of being too young and lacking credibility.
I remember my early days, when I started selling my first pieces of jewelry. My accountant and other brands in the industry advised me on certain prices to ensure profitability. Yet, I couldn’t bring myself to own them. I felt almost guilty, convinced my creations weren’t worth that price. I was afraid of being judged, of sounding pretentious, or worse that my clients would realize I “wasn’t worth it.” That feeling is a classic sign of impostor syndrome.
But why do we feel this way? This syndrome can take many different forms.
The different faces of impostor syndrome
1.Never acknowledging one’s success
Even after reaching our goals, we often struggle to take credit for our success. We prefer to think it was luck, timing, or coincidence. For a long time, I minimized my own victories, convinced that if I had succeeded, it was simply because circumstances favored me not because of my hard work.
2.The feeling of being overrated
As entrepreneurs, our friends and family often admire us for having dared to take the leap. Yet deep down, we find it hard to accept those compliments. “It’s not that amazing,” I used to tell myself. “After all, I’m just doing my job like everyone else.” This need to downplay our achievements is another expression of impostor syndrome.
3.The fear of not being competent enough
Whether at the beginning of our careers or at each new milestone, that thought often returns: “Why are they trusting me? I’m not sure I’m good enough.” This fear can be paralyzing it makes us doubt our abilities, even in the face of clear evidence of our skills. But at the same time (at least for me), it can also be a powerful motivator to keep pushing forward.
4.The fear of being exposed
The anxiety that one day someone will “find out we don’t really know what we’re doing” is very common among entrepreneurs. This feeling of not deserving our place, of having somehow fooled others, can create constant stress and prevent us from fully enjoying our successes.
How I learned to overcome impostor syndrome
After several years, I put concrete actions in place to free myself from it. It’s not something that disappears overnight, but over time I’ve learned to manage these thoughts much better.
1.Recognizing and celebrating my wins
I started to write down my victories even the small ones in a notebook. Whenever doubt creeps in, I reread those pages and realize how far I’ve come. Remembering our achievements helps us see they’re not luck, but the result of our own effort and persistence.
2.Changing how I see compliments
I used to brush off compliments. Now, I accept them as encouragement to keep going. Positive feedback from my clients and peers has become a true source of motivation.
3.Accepting that mistakes are part of the process
For a long time, I thought that making an error meant I wasn’t competent enough. Today, I see things differently: every mistake is an opportunity to learn. No one knows everything each challenge helps us grow.
4.Trusting the quality of my work and my partners
One of the key steps in overcoming my impostor syndrome was becoming fully confident in the quality of my jewelry and my manufacturers. I went through difficult experiences some suppliers delivered poor quality, especially in plating. They told me it was my fault, that I wasn’t Hermès, and that I shouldn’t expect such high standards, especially with my limited experience.
Instead of letting those remarks get to me, they motivated me to be more demanding and to choose better partners. By selecting reliable collaborators and trusting the quality of my products, I gradually reduced those impostor feelings. Today, I’m proud of what I create and that confidence helps me assert the value of my work.
5.Finding inspiration in mentors and role models
What helped me tremendously was listening to stories from other entrepreneurs who experienced the same doubts. Pauline Laigneau, founder of Gemmyo, deeply influenced my perspective as did the book "À nous la liberté" by Christophe André, Alexandre Jollien, and Matthieu Ricard. I also find inspiration in Women Empowerment School podcasts by Marianna.
My advice for those starting out and feeling the same way
- Accept that doubt is part of the journey. It’s normal to feel afraid, but those fears don’t define your worth.
- Surround yourself with kind and supportive people. Talking with other entrepreneurs who understand what you’re going through can make all the difference.
- Value your work. Setting a fair price isn’t arrogance, it’s respect for your talent and your time.
- Keep learning. The more skills and experience you gain, the more your confidence will grow naturally.
- Celebrate yourself. Every success, no matter how small, deserves to be celebrated.
Conclusion
Impostor syndrome isn’t a life sentence. It’s a false perception that can be unlearned with time and intention. You deserve your success. Your work has value. And most importantly, you are absolutely legitimate to occupy the space you’ve created for yourself.
So next time doubt shows up, remember this: you’re not alone — and you’re far more capable than you think.
Alexandra 🤍
