Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How One Female Founder Built an 8-Figure Business Through Community

Introduction: From Imposter Syndrome to 8-Figure Success

Are you struggling with overcoming imposter syndrome as a female entrepreneur? You’re not alone. Lisa Simone Richards, former publicist turned product founder, felt like a fraud despite 20 years of success—until she transformed her self-doubt into a thriving business with an 8-figure exit strategy.

What is Imposter Syndrome and Why Do Female Entrepreneurs Experience It?

Overcoming imposter syndrome starts with understanding it. It affects 75% of female leaders at some point in their careers. It’s that nagging voice saying you’re not qualified, experienced, or deserving of your success.

For Lisa, it hit hardest when she stood on stage teaching 150 female founders about visibility strategies. Despite her 20-year track record, she felt like a fraud.

The Three Types of Imposter Syndrome in Female Entrepreneurs

1. The Perfectionist: You discount achievements because they weren’t “perfect enough”
2. The Expert: You feel you need to know everything before you start
3. The Natural Genius: You believe if you were truly talented, success would come easily

Instead of letting imposter syndrome win, Lisa created the Female Founders Journal—designed specifically for overcoming it and building authentic confidence.

The Bookstore Moment That Started Her Journey

In September 2024, Lisa browsed the guided journal section at Toronto’s Indigo bookstore. She couldn’t find what she needed for overcoming imposter syndrome—journals were either too tactical or too feelings-focused.

When her husband Steve noticed one popular journal repeated the same prompts on every page, they thought: We could do better.

That spark became Pearl Spark Pages and Lisa’s journey toward overcoming imposter syndrome permanently.

How the Female Founders Journal Helps

The BRAGGS Morning Framework for Building Confidence

Every morning starts with: “Today my vision is…”

Research shows people who write down their goals are 40 times more likely to achieve them. These therapist-approved prompts support overcoming imposter syndrome:

• What’s something you’re proud of accomplishing in your business?
• What personal qualities helped you succeed with a recent challenge?
• How have you grown as a leader this month?

The Daily Celebration Ritual

Every evening ends with: “Today I’m proud of myself for…”

This single prompt is powerful. When Lisa brings her full-size mirror to events with this prompt written in acrylic, women struggle to answer—not because they haven’t accomplished anything, but because overcoming imposter syndrome requires training your brain to acknowledge wins.

Building a Business Through Community, Not Paid Ads

Overcoming imposter syndrome becomes easier when you’re surrounded by supportive community. Lisa joined communities like Entreprenista and simply asked for help.

Women got on 30-minute calls sharing expertise on:

• Manufacturing processes
• Email marketing strategies
• Landing page optimization
• Product launch tactics

What would have cost tens of thousands in consulting? Free, because women wanted to see her succeed.

The Kickstarter Success Story

Instead of investing her own capital, Lisa used Kickstarter with a $10,000 goal. She documented the entire journey through an 8-episode podcast called “The Messy Middle.”

The result? More than 40% of her Kickstarter funding came from community members who felt invested. Let people see your messy middle builds authentic connection.

Why She Chose No Paid Advertising

Lisa and Steve made a strategic decision: no paid advertising. When they exit for eight figures, they want to tell the story of building through community.

During the campaign, Lisa woke up to LinkedIn posts she didn’t write—other people championing her business. This organic support is invaluable for overcoming imposter syndrome.

The Document, Don’t Create Content Strategy

A content creator’s advice changed Lisa’s approach: “Don’t create content. Document what you do.”

This strategy helps with overcoming imposter syndrome because it removes the pressure of perfection. Just share:

• Sample packs arriving in the mail
• Color palette decisions
• Behind-the-scenes manufacturing
• Real challenges and wins

When you build in public, people become invested in your success and share your content organically. This authentic advocacy accelerates overcoming imposter syndrome because you see real-time proof people believe in you.

5 Practical Strategies for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

1. Start a Morning Confidence Ritual

Overcoming imposter syndrome requires daily practice. Write down:

• Your vision for the day
• One thing you’re proud of accomplishing
• One quality that makes you uniquely qualified

2. Practice Daily Celebration

Complete this sentence every evening: “Today I’m proud of myself for…”

3. Control Your Inner Narrative

Emma Greed, CEO of Skims and Good American, says: “You cannot afford to have your biggest enemy living between your ears.”

Journaling isn’t fluff—it’s business strategy. Learn more about building confidence through journaling.

4. Pour Into Community Before Taking

Overcoming imposter syndrome becomes easier in supportive community. Show up, help others, and build genuine relationships in groups like:

• The Brighter Side Society
• Entreprenista
• Industry-specific communities

5. Document Your Journey

Share behind-the-scenes content. Overcoming imposter syndrome happens when you embrace authenticity over perfection.

The 8-Figure Exit Strategy

Lisa’s approach includes a crystal-clear exit strategy: sell Pearl Spark Pages for eight figures by 2031.

Why Clarity Matters

When you know where you’re going:

• Every decision becomes easier
• You can reverse-engineer your path
• You attract the right opportunities

Lisa writes her vision every single morning.

Working With Your Spouse

Lisa and I (Angel Holmes) both build businesses with our husbands. Here’s what works:

Division of Labor is Critical

Lisa handles marketing and community. Steve handles finances and operations (he doesn’t even have Instagram).

Clear boundaries support overcoming imposter syndrome by preventing overwhelm and comparison.

The “Let Them” Moment

Lisa borrowed Mel Robbins’ “Let Them” concept for partnership. Overcoming imposter syndrome in partnership means trusting your spouse to lead their areas. Read more about building a business with your spouse.

Why Journaling is Essential for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

The Female Founders Journal isn’t wellness fluff—it’s strategic business infrastructure.

It’s designed to:

• Rewire neural pathways for confidence
• Combat negative self-talk that kills businesses
• Create daily evidence of your competence
• Train your brain to recognize wins
• Build self-belief required for big goals

Learn more about using journaling as a business strategy.

Key Takeaways for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

• Imposter syndrome affects 75% of female leaders—you’re not alone in this journey
• Daily confidence rituals rewire your brain for success and support overcoming imposter syndrome
• Community investment creates authentic brand ambassadors
• Building in public makes people feel part of your success
• Clear exit strategies keep you focused on long-term goals
• Journaling is legitimate business strategy for overcoming imposter syndrome

Start Your Journey: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Today

Ready to begin overcoming imposter syndrome? Get a free 7-day journal preview at FemaleFFoundersJournal.com or order the full bundle at PearlSparkPages.com.

Listen to the full conversation about overcoming imposter syndrome on Episode 47 of the Never Stop Dreaming Biggie Podcast.

Discover more strategies for building confidence and growing your business on our resources page.

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Related Articles:

• Building Confidence as a Female Entrepreneur
• How to Pivot From Service to Product-Based Business

About the Author: Angel Holmes is a former publicist, host of Never Stop Dreaming Biggie Podcast, and founder of The Brighter Side Society. She helps female entrepreneurs build confidence and create successful businesses. Learn more about Angel.