Why Women Business Owners Struggle to Show Up and How to Start Anyway

I’ll be honest with you: showing up as the face of my business hasn’t always been easy.

There are days when I’d rather hide behind my camera than step in front of it. Days when the thought of putting myself out there makes me feel exposed and unsure. But I’ve learned something important: the moments I’ve been brave enough to show up, even when I didn’t feel ready, are the moments that have made the biggest impact—on my business, my clients, and myself.

If you’ve ever felt scared to show your face as the owner of your business, I want you to know you’re not alone. I’m right there with you, figuring this out too. Let’s talk about why it feels so hard and what we can do to move forward—together.

Why We’re Afraid to Show Up

Perfectionism Holds Us Back

How many times have you told yourself, “I’ll do it when I’m ready” or “I just need to get this one thing right”? Perfectionism is sneaky like that. It convinces us that we need to have it all figured out before we can be seen. But the truth? Perfection isn’t what draws people in—authenticity does. They don’t need you to be perfect; they need you to be real.

Fear of Being Judged

The internet can be a tough crowd, and it’s easy to let the fear of criticism keep us silent. Will people think I’m not good enough? Will they question my expertise? These thoughts run through my mind too. But the people who matter—your dream clients—aren’t here to judge. They’re here to connect.

We Don’t See Ourselves Clearly

Let’s be honest: many of us struggle with how we look or how we think we’ll come across. I’ve had my fair share of moments staring at a photo of myself, picking apart every little thing. But what I’ve come to realize is that when I show up, imperfections and all, it inspires others to do the same. It’s not about looking perfect; it’s about being yourself.

What Does Showing Up Really Mean?

For me, showing up means letting people see the person behind the business. It means sharing the story of why I do what I do and inviting others into the journey. It’s about connection, not performance.

When you show up, you’re telling your audience, “I’m here, and I’m in this with you.” You’re building trust. You’re creating a space where others feel seen and supported. And you’re giving them permission to show up too, in their own way.

How I’m Learning to Show Up (and How You Can Too)

Start Small

My first steps were small. Sharing a photo of myself, writing a caption that felt personal, hitting “post” even when I wanted to delete it. Those small acts add up. Each one builds your confidence, little by little.

The More You Show Up, the Easier It Gets

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that practice truly makes progress. The more you put yourself on camera—whether in photos or videos—the less intimidating it becomes. Over time, it feels more natural, and you begin to focus less on your insecurities and more on the message you’re sharing.

Remember Your “Why”

When I feel the fear creeping in, I think about why I started my business in the first place. I want to help women tell their stories, feel empowered, and show up for their dreams. Focusing on that keeps me moving forward, even when it’s scary.

Be Honest With Yourself

Some days, I’m still scared. But I’ve learned to do it scared. To acknowledge the fear and keep going anyway. When you share your struggles and your wins, your audience will see themselves in your journey. That’s where the magic happens.

Get Support

You don’t have to do this alone. Whether it’s hiring a photographer who makes you feel comfortable, leaning on a friend, or finding a community that lifts you up, support makes all the difference. For me, seeing myself through someone else’s lens has been transformative. It’s helped me see what others see—not the flaws, but the strength and the story.

My Journey Isn’t Over

I’m still on this path. I’m still learning how to show up, how to quiet the inner critic, and how to embrace the messy, beautiful reality of being the face of my business. And that’s okay. Growth doesn’t happen overnight. It happens in the small, brave steps we take every day.

Let’s Take This Step Together

You don’t have to wait until you feel confident to show up. Confidence isn’t a requirement; it’s a result. Start where you are. Take one small step. Share a piece of your story. And know that I’m here, cheering you on as I take those steps too.

Because the world needs to see you. And you deserve to be seen.

Ready to take the first step? 

Let’s do it together. Schedule a session with me, and we’ll create photos and videos that feel like you. Authentic, approachable, and powerful.

Click here to get started today

You’re wearing all the hats—business owner, marketer, customer service rep—and somehow, you’re expected to magically pull off a cohesive, professional online presence, too. It’s exhausting.

Here’s the truth: if you feel like your branding doesn’t reflect your professionalism, creativity, or the heart behind your work, you’re not alone. Many female entrepreneurs struggle to connect the dots between what their business feels like and how it looks online.

The good news? A strong visual brand can bridge that gap—and it starts with professional brand photography. Let’s talk about how to build a visual identity that actually works for you (and not against you).

1. Identify What Sets You Apart
Before you can create visuals that stand out, you need to understand what makes your business unique. Think about the emotions you want your audience to feel when they see your brand. Are you approachable and fun? Sophisticated and reliable?

This clarity is key to creating visuals that tell the right story. Professional brand photography can help you highlight your unique qualities in ways that resonate with your dream clients. From the colors you wear to the way you pose, each photo can be designed to reflect the essence of you.

Action Step: Write down three adjectives that describe how you want your brand to be perceived. Use these as a guide for all your visual branding decisions.

2. Create Consistency Across All Platforms
Your website, social media, and marketing materials should feel cohesive. If your Instagram feed has bright, vibrant colors but your website feels muted and dull, it creates confusion for potential clients.

Brand photography gives you a library of cohesive images to use everywhere. When every photo feels like it belongs, you’re building trust and professionalism—without saying a word.

Action Step: Audit your current visuals. Do they match your branding? If not, it might be time to refresh your imagery.

3. Attract Clients Who Align with Your Values
One of the most overlooked benefits of professional brand photography is its ability to attract the right clients. Your visuals aren’t just about looking pretty—they’re about signaling to your audience, “Hey, I get you.”

For example, if you’re a wellness coach, photos that highlight a calming, balanced vibe will speak to clients seeking peace and clarity. If you’re an energetic entrepreneur who thrives on big ideas, dynamic and colorful imagery will pull in like-minded clients.

Action Step: Think about your dream client. What would make them stop scrolling and say, “This is exactly who I need”? Let that guide your brand visuals.

4. Show Up with Confidence
Let’s be honest: putting yourself out there can feel vulnerable. But when you have photos that represent your best self, it’s easier to show up confidently.

Instead of scrambling for something “good enough,” imagine knowing you have high-quality, on-brand photos that make your business shine. That confidence translates directly into how you show up for your audience—whether it’s in a client meeting, a social post, or a big presentation.

Action Step: Schedule a brand photography session that makes you feel excited, not stressed. Work with someone who understands your vision and makes you feel comfortable.

5. Save Time (and Your Sanity)
You’ve got a lot on your plate. Scrambling to take last-minute photos or relying on outdated selfies isn’t just stressful—it’s a time suck.

Investing in professional photography creates a bank of ready-to-go images for all your content needs. Imagine spending less time worrying about what to post and more time focusing on the parts of your business that light you up.

Action Step: Organize your brand photos into folders for easy access. Label them by use—social media, website, print materials—to save time later.

Your brand visuals are so much more than just photos

they’re the face of your business and a powerful tool to connect with your dream clients. When your visuals are intentional, cohesive, and aligned with your values, they don’t just enhance your brand—they elevate how your business is perceived.

If you’ve been feeling like your current photos aren’t quite cutting it, it’s time to take a closer look. Imagine the confidence of showing up online with visuals that reflect the powerhouse you truly are.

Ready to make it happen? Let’s start building the visual brand you deserve. Reach out today, and let’s create images that feel as professional, authentic, and impactful as you are.

Learn more

Do you ever find yourself doubting your accomplishments, feeling like you’re just faking it, and fearing that others will soon discover you’re not as competent as they think? If so, you’re not alone. Welcome to the world of Imposter Syndrome.

Imposter Syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their skills, talents, and accomplishments, and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud. It’s a common experience, especially among women, who often downplay their achievements and attribute their success to luck or external factors.

Just a few years ago, I struggled to call myself a professional photographer. Now, as I embark on this entrepreneurial journey, I find myself grappling with similar feelings of self-doubt. Can you relate?

Research shows that around 70% of people experience Imposter Syndrome at some point in their lives, with women being disproportionately affected. This can be attributed to societal pressures, gender stereotypes, and the tendency to compare ourselves to others.

So, why do we feel this way? As female entrepreneurs, we face unique challenges in a male-dominated business world. We may internalize societal expectations and perfectionist tendencies, leading us to set unrealistic standards for ourselves. Additionally, we may struggle with self-confidence and fear of failure, especially in industries where we’re underrepresented.

Here are some practical strategies to combat Imposter Syndrome:

Recognize and acknowledge your accomplishments: Take time to reflect on your achievements and celebrate your successes, no matter how small. Keep a journal of your wins to remind yourself of your capabilities.

Challenge your negative thoughts: When self-doubt creeps in, challenge those negative thoughts with evidence of your competence and past successes. Replace self-criticism with self-compassion and positive affirmations.

Seek support and mentorship: Surround yourself with a supportive network of peers, mentors, and role models who can offer encouragement, guidance, and perspective. Share your feelings of Imposter Syndrome with trusted confidants who can provide reassurance and validation.

Embrace vulnerability and authenticity: Remember that it’s okay to be imperfect and vulnerable. Share your struggles and setbacks openly, as they can be sources of inspiration and connection with others. Authenticity breeds trust and relatability, both essential qualities for successful entrepreneurship.

Take imperfect action: Don’t let the fear of failure paralyze you. Embrace the mindset of “progress over perfection” and take action despite your doubts. Break tasks down into manageable steps and focus on making incremental progress towards your goals.

In conclusion, Imposter Syndrome may be a common experience, but it doesn’t have to define you. By recognizing your worth, challenging your negative thoughts, seeking support, embracing vulnerability, and taking imperfect action, you can overcome Imposter Syndrome and thrive as a confident and empowered female entrepreneur. Remember, you are capable, you are deserving, and you belong.

You’ve got this!

If you’d like to explore additional ways to combat Imposter Syndrome, I’d love to chat! You can contact me here.

xo, Emily