Confession time: When I started my online business, I felt I had to fit in. All the cool kids online were taking specific photos, so I took the same photos. All the cool kids online used specific jargon, so I used the jargon.
While it felt smart to fit in to beat my imposter syndrome, it was pretty naive. I actually stayed more hidden and in my head about everything because of all the work I did to try to fit in. It wasn’t until breaking through those limiting beliefs and embracing my voice, ideas, and aesthetic that things felt flowy and FUN.
If you’re stuck in this same swirl, today’s guest on the blog is someone you’ll want to pay attention to. Heather Vickery and I met years ago in a small mastermind group, and I loved her desire to unleash other people’s limiting beliefs so they could break some rules of their own, too! When I started this column of sharing other people’s journeys in finding their voices, I knew Heather had to come on.
Meet Heather. You’re going to feel so fired up after hearing from her!
You’re the creator of the BRAVE Method, so I know you know how to show up boldly. But, have you ever experienced a time when you felt hesitant to share your ideas or use your voice?
Oh my goodness, there have been so many times when I felt hesitant to share my ideas or voice, especially when I was younger. That may surprise anyone who knows me because I can be very loud and boisterous. But I have a terrible fear of being embarrassed, and this can get in the way of speaking up around certain people or crowds.
Tell us about one of the first times when you decided to step forward BRAVEly and speak up about something you believed in.
My stepdad called me a “save the whales kinda girl” when I was 2 years old. I have never been afraid to be loud when speaking up for others and what I believe is right. What took me way too long to do was speak up for myself! It wasn't really until I came out (yes, of the closet) at 38 that I started to believe in the power of my voice for personal reasons and that I had the right to do what was best for me, even if it went against what other people wanted.
What happened as a result of you speaking up that first time?
If we’re going with my coming out … Pretty much everything. There was a lot of pain but also a lot of freedom and possibility. It unlocked everything.
How have you taken that experience and translated it into your business?
That experience ignited a passion within me to help successful people build beyond their businesses. By anchoring themselves in joy, pleasure, and possibility, they unlock a new level of growth as leaders and individuals.
The journey transforms when we begin with the foundational belief in our enoughness and the power of joy. We're not just changing the game; we're reshaping the entire system. Unraveling the old and rewiring takes work, but the outcome is immeasurably worth it.
What’s your biggest mindset shift since starting to use your voice more to share your big, beautiful business dream?
The most profound mindset shift I've experienced is realizing that happiness, joy, and pleasure aren't rewards we earn after "paying our dues." These feelings should be the very foundation that fuels our efforts, not mere byproducts of hard work. Even when tackling tasks we don't particularly enjoy, finding one aspect that brings us joy makes everything more manageable and shifts our perspective.
It's time to let go of the outdated belief that life and business must be a struggle. You don't have to push yourself to the brink of burnout to be valuable. It's time to embrace a new mentality prioritizing joy and self-care as the path to true success.
Where can people find you using your voice online (newsletter, podcast, vlog, social media, give us all the links!)?
Every week, I host a live show, ‘Live with Heather Vickery,’ on Thursdays at 12 p.m. CT. Here, I explore different ways to embrace the trifecta of self—knowing, liking, and trusting yourself—and how to have a joy-filled, possibility-filled, aligned life. You can catch the show on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.
I also have a weekly newsletter you can access here. I blog about my experiences on my website.
I also co-host an Award-Nominated podcast, Was it Chance. Our podcast is about taking intentional risks for creative success. We have so much fun talking to highly successful creatives about the risks they’ve taken to get to where they are today.