Black Women and Combatting Self-Doubt

By Raven Young

I was having a conversation with my partner recently about starting my spiritual consulting business. We were looking at business articles and plans when he went, “You should offer (insert products).” My first thought immediately was, “No, I can’t do that; too many people are doing that right now; I’d be saturating the market, right?”

Since I’ve started my spiritual journey, I have been working on taking a step back and collecting my thoughts before responding. It then hit me like a ton of bricks. Why is it that when we discuss opening a business, starting a website, creating a podcast, etc., our brains automatically go to negatives? Specifically, worrying about what other people are doing or thinking. I’ve applied for multiple jobs and positions since I was 16, and not once did the thought, “Dang, too many people are baristas right now” or “The market is probably saturated with operations managers.

As Black women, I feel it’s more common than not; We are questioning our original ideas, implanting seeds of self-doubt, ending something before we even begin. And that, my lovelies, is NOT okay. We are the creators of creation, the very foundation of pretty much every trend, cultural standards, and more. Even if there are 50 other people selling specialty candles, there is NOTHING wrong with being the 51st candle maker. Your specific brand could be exactly what one IG scroller or Amazon shopper is seeking. Starting a business, side hustle, or whatever is getting you the bag is most definitely a taunting task without those nasty, negative thoughts being intrusive.

A few things I’ve found helpful in combating and overcoming that rut are:

• Limit your time on social media looking at the competition. No, this does not mean you don’t do your research and due diligence. But keep yourself from focusing on how many views or likes a post has gotten. Those numbers are a quick way to discourage from creating.
• Keep your ideas to yourself at least until you’ve got your road map and business plan in the final stages.
• Surround yourself with an encouraging, positive tribe! This one is key. You want people in your circle who want to see you flourish and grow. Criticism and feedback are essential, but you want to make sure it’s coming from a place of love and honesty.
• Ground yourself. It’s easy to get worked up and over our heads because it’s akin to having a child when we create. Show yourself grace and patience.

I guess what I’m getting at is, own your inspiration, sis! Only you can create like YOU. And that in itself is absolutely wonderful.

---

Raven Young is a contributing writer for the Pedestal Project LLC. Raven is a spiritually driven individual navigating corporate America. Follow her journey and connect on Instagram @raebeyy