Conquering Imposter Syndrome in Your Candle Making Journey

Hey everyone, it's Sebastian here! Today, I want to dive into a topic that's been a constant companion on my journey as a candle maker and business owner: imposter syndrome. It’s something many of us face, especially when we’re venturing into a space filled with talented individuals. But fear not! Understanding and overcoming imposter syndrome is key to thriving in your candle making journey.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is that nagging belief that you’re not good enough, that you don’t belong where you are, or that you’re somehow faking your achievements. It’s that little voice in your head that tells you that you’re not as skilled or experienced as others in your field. When I first started making candles, I felt this intensely. The candle-making market is saturated; there are countless talented makers out there. I often thought, “What do I have to offer?”

As I progressed and started to make good candles, new questions arose. How would I sell them? How could I compete with those who had been in the game for years? This self-doubt can be paralyzing, but it’s important to recognize that it’s completely normal. Many of us experience this feeling, whether we are just starting out or have been in the business for years.

My Journey with Imposter Syndrome

Let me take you back to where it all began. We started making candles at our kitchen table during the pandemic. What started as a hobby quickly turned into a passion project. The journey from hobbyist to business owner was filled with challenges, and I often questioned my abilities. Even as we began selling online and at markets, I felt like a fraud. The fear of not being accepted in the candle-making community loomed large.

Despite our growth—now owning three storefronts and having numerous wholesale accounts—I still grapple with feelings of inadequacy. Just last night, I found myself pondering what the next step for our business should be. Why do I still feel this way? It’s because every time I step into a new territory, I encounter that familiar feeling of imposter syndrome. But here’s the thing: I’ve learned to reframe that feeling.

Reframing Imposter Syndrome

Here’s a powerful realization I had: if I’m not feeling imposter syndrome, it might mean I’m not challenging myself enough. I’ve come to understand that feeling out of my depth is often a sign that I’m on the right path. It pushes me to strive for more and to take on challenges that seem daunting.

Whenever I feel that self-doubt creeping in, I remind myself that complacency is a real threat. If I start to feel comfortable without challenges, that’s when I risk losing my passion for candle making. It’s crucial to keep pushing forward and to embrace the challenges that come our way.

Building a Community

As part of our growth strategy, we are putting together a Candle Business Pro membership. This community will consist of candle business owners at all levels, from those just starting out to those with decades of experience. I want to learn from others, and I believe that sharing knowledge is essential for growth.

This isn’t just about me teaching others; it’s about creating a space where we can all learn from each other. The candle-making community should be one of collaboration, not competition. Whether you’re struggling to find the perfect scent blend or looking to scale your business, being surrounded by like-minded individuals can make all the difference.

Four Steps to Combat Imposter Syndrome

Now, let’s get into some actionable steps you can take to combat imposter syndrome:

1. Acknowledge It: The first step is to recognize that you have imposter syndrome. Understand that it’s a common feeling among those on a growth journey. Accepting that you’re not alone can be incredibly liberating.
2. Reflect on Your Accomplishments: Take a moment to look back at what you’ve achieved. Celebrate the milestones, no matter how small. Did you finally nail that candle recipe? Did you successfully sell your first candle? Acknowledge these accomplishments as vital steps on your journey.
3. Shift Your Perspective: Instead of viewing challenges as setbacks, see them as opportunities to grow. Each hurdle you face is a chance to learn and improve your skills. Embrace the discomfort; it’s part of the journey.
4. Surround Yourself with a Community: Engage with others who are on a similar path. Whether you’re still figuring out your scent blends or looking to franchise your business, having a supportive community can provide motivation and encouragement.

Embrace the Journey

To recap, if you’re experiencing imposter syndrome, embrace it! It means you’re pushing boundaries and thinking big. If you don’t feel it, it might be time to reevaluate your goals. Remember, this feeling is common, and it’s something we all experience at various stages of our journeys.

As you navigate through your candle-making journey, keep pushing through those feelings of self-doubt. Understand that you are capable of more than you give yourself credit for. Reach out to the community, share your experiences, and let’s grow together!

Let’s Connect!

What are your thoughts on imposter syndrome? Have you faced it in your candle-making journey? I’d love to hear your experiences. Leave a comment below or join our community at Candle Business Pro! Together, we can overcome those feelings of inadequacy and achieve great things in our candle-making adventures.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope it has been helpful! Let’s keep pushing forward and supporting each other in our endeavors. Have a fantastic day!