Own Your Success!

Embracing Confidence and Independence as a Woman

Growing up I was taught to believe that, as a girl, I shouldn't take up too much space in the room. I learned not to talk too loudly, steal the spotlight or rock the boat. This conditioning followed me into my entrepreneurial journey, making it a challenge for me to promote the products I was selling. Despite wholeheartedly believing that Sprinkles were the best cupcakes out there, I struggled to express that conviction. It felt boastful, awkward and even a little tacky. So, I found myself holding back.

One night, a customer came into Sprinkles during his citywide cupcake crawl. He was excited to compare my cupcakes with others in LA and asked me how I thought they would stack up against the competition. In my mind, I knew they would "crush it”, but I hesitated and humbly replied, "I hope you enjoy them." I could immediately see his disappointment. He was not impressed by my modesty. To the contrary, he was confused by how meekly I was marketing my product - a product that was known for inspiring lines around the block!

That experience taught me a valuable lesson: I needed to be my own biggest cheerleader. If I wasn't shouting about the greatness of my cupcakes from the rooftops, who would? I realized that owning my success wasn't about bragging or being "too much." It was about embracing confidence and proudly standing behind what I had created.

Confidence is an essential ingredient for success in business, and life. It's not just about believing in your product or service; it's about projecting that belief to the world. Here are a few insights I've learned along the way, which I hope will empower you:

1. Embrace independence: As women, we often seek consensus and validation, but to truly cultivate confidence and unlock our full potential we have to find the strength to be comfortable being alone in our convictions. Start to welcome constructive disagreement - it will strengthen your resilience and help you stand firm in your beliefs.

2. Know your worth: Understand the value you bring to the table and the impact you and your product or service can make. It's not about arrogance but about recognizing the value you provide without apology. If you need help with this, seek support from friends and family. Often, our loved ones see a greater version of ourselves than we can envision on our own. Embrace their insights and let them empower you to step into the extraordinary person you are.

3. Practice self-affirmation: Ultimately your strength lies within you. Take a moment to remind yourself of your remarkable capabilities, innate strengths, and past achievements. Embrace the practice of positive self-talk and consciously challenge any lingering self-doubt. It may take time and effort, but by nurturing your mental game, you will cultivate a deep belief in your own abilities. This newfound confidence will not only empower you but also inspire others to follow suit.

4. Step out of your comfort zone: Growth and confidence go hand in hand. Challenge yourself to take calculated risks, embrace new opportunities, and push beyond your limits. Each step outside your comfort zone strengthens your confidence muscle. But remember, this transformation requires action. So, take a moment to reflect on what you will do today to propel yourself forward.

5. Claim your space unapologetically: As women we dominate the spending power in this country, and that gives us a uniquely influential perspective that men simply don't have. It's time to embrace the fact that our experiences, insights, and consumer needs carry immense weight and impact. Let this realization ignite your confidence to fearlessly express your ideas and make your mark.

Remember, as women in business and entrepreneurship, we have the power to shape our own narratives. Let go of the notion that we should shrink ourselves to fit societal expectations. Instead, step into your power, embrace confidence, and be the self advocate that you deserve.