Overcoming Imposter Syndrome When Starting Your Own Business
You’re thinking about turning your skills into a side hustle.
You’re dreaming of trading in the 9–5 for more flexibility and purpose.
You want to build something of your own — but every time you start to take that first step, a voice in your head whispers:
“Who am I to do this?”
“What if I’m not good enough?”
“I’m not ready”
Welcome to imposter syndrome — the feeling that you’re not qualified, not credible, and not enough. The irony? It shows up most when you’re on the brink of something brave.
At Dubsado, we talk to creative entrepreneurs every day — photographers, coaches, designers, freelancers — who are just getting started. They’re excited, full of potential, and still hear that same voice of doubt. Loudly.
Here’s what we want you to know: Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re in the wrong place. It means you care. It means you’re stepping into something bigger than what you’ve done before — and that’s always going to feel a little scary.
Imposter syndrome is real, but your doubts don’t have to be. They’re just stories — not the final word on what you’re capable of.
And here’s the thing: that fear doesn’t get to decide what you’re capable of. You do.
What is imposter syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is more than just insecurity. It’s the persistent feeling that you’re not as capable as others think you are — even if you’ve already proven otherwise.
For early-stage business owners, it can sound like:
“I’m not as good as the people already doing this.”
“I don’t have the experience or credentials to charge for my services.”
“There’s no room for me.”
This isn’t just self-doubt: it’s a story that can keep you stuck if you let it.
You’re not alone in feeling this way
One of the biggest ways imposter syndrome keeps its hold? It makes you feel like you’re the only one who doesn’t belong.
But every confident business owner you admire has felt this, too. In fact, the most successful entrepreneurs will tell you they still feel imposter syndrome — even after years of wins and milestones. But they also know that something great is waiting on the other side of that scary leap.
The difference? They didn’t let it stop them from starting. They found ways to move through the doubt — not by ignoring it, but by building systems and support that help them trust themselves more.
How imposter syndrome can hold you back
Imposter syndrome isn’t just an emotional experience. It can affect how you show up in your business every day.
When self-doubt takes the wheel, it can lead to:
Underpricing your services (even when you’re overdelivering)
Saying yes to the wrong clients (just to prove you’re capable)
Avoiding the systems and structures that could make things easier
Constantly second-guessing what’s “good enough”
…or never starting at all, stuck in the loop of “I’ll be ready when I feel ready.”
The truth? You don’t need to earn the right to build your business. You already have it.
How to quiet imposter syndrome and take the leap
Ready to move past the self-doubt? Here are some gentle, practical steps:
1. Normalize the feeling
Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re not ready. It means you’re doing something new. Acknowledge it as part of growth — not a reason to stop.
Author Elizabeth Gilbert says it beautifully:
“It isn’t a problem to have fear along for the ride. Just don’t let it drive the car.”
(From her book Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear)
It’s okay to feel the fear — it just doesn’t get to decide how far you’ll go.
2. Find community
Talk to others who’ve been there. Whether it’s a local networking group or online community (come join our facebook group of supportive 30K+ creative entrepreneurs!), hearing “me too” can help you feel less alone.
3. Take action (yes, even if it’s imperfect)
Confidence doesn’t show up before you start. It grows because you start. Take the smallest possible step today — even if it’s messy. Start with something small and safe. It might be as simple as sharing your offer with a friend, or sending one email. Confidence grows in motion.
4. Build systems to support yourself
When you have clear, repeatable processes in place, self-doubt is less likely to creep in. Tools like Dubsado help you stay organized, look professional, and focus on what you do best — serving your clients. Here’s how that can show up:
You’ll feel more confident in how you show up with clients — by setting expectations in your proposals, sending polished contracts, and being the trusted expert or handling tough conversations with customizable email templates.
You’ll stop second-guessing where you’re at in the process — because statuses and automated workflows keep projects moving forward and eliminate the “did I forget something?” feeling.
You’ll put your best foot forward by delivering a premium client experience all in one place — from centralized client portals, seamless appointment scheduling to easy invoicing and payment processing, on-brand forms and follow-ups that reflect the level of professionalism you want to be known for.
5. Celebrate your wins
Big or small, every win matters — from being here researching your next step, registering your business, creating your brand mood board, sharing your first post that you’re open for business, or sending your first invoice. Celebrate those milestones. It’s proof you’re already in motion.
You’re just growing — and the cost of inaction is real
Tracey Jazmin, Business Strategist and Coach
Imposter syndrome isn’t a sign you’re not cut out for this. It’s a sign you’re stretching — and that’s where real growth lives.
Think about where you could be in 3, 6, or 12 months if you decided to just go for it — and what’s at stake if you keep waiting. Every month you delay could mean:
Missing out on income you could be earning.
Staying stuck in a job or situation that drains you.
Missing the chance to build a portfolio, reputation, and confidence that only grows with time.
Sacrificing the flexibility to build a life-first business — one that lets you show up for your family and your own wellbeing, not the other way around.
The cost of inaction? It’s not just about money. It’s about your energy, your time, and your sense of possibility.
If you’re a parent looking for more time with your family, a recent grad who’s tired of endless applications, someone who’s bored of their 9-5 or laid off and ready to write your own job description — this leap is for you.
You don’t need to wait for someone else to give you permission to start. You already have it.
One of our favorite examples? Business coach and creative entrepreneur Tracey Jazmin, who took the leap from being laid off to start her then photography business and pivoted to business coaching — and used Dubsado to build trust and confidence she attributes to her quick growth.
At Dubsado, we believe that betting on yourself is worth it. And we’re here to help you make that leap — not by promising you’ll never feel doubt again, but by giving you the systems and community to keep moving forward anyway.
Want to make sure you’re starting your business on the right foot from Day 1? Check out our Ultimate Day 1 Checklist for Creative Entrepreneurs.
Start for free with Dubsado — and let’s build your confidence, one small step at a time.
