What Imposter Syndrome Feels Like (Even When You’re Already Qualified)

drglowup
Aug 29
2 min read

Last weekend, I stood on stage at MAAI 2025 to speak about one of my favorite topics—peptides, science, and the intersection of wellness and beauty.

I had my slides. I had the clinical data. I had years of experience. But I also had… that feeling.

That quiet, gnawing voice whispering:

“Who do you think you are?”

“Are you really qualified to speak on this?”

“What if they already know more than you?”

That’s imposter syndrome.

It doesn’t show up when you’re failing. It shows up when you’re stepping into something new, bigger, more visible.

And yes—even qualified, experienced, hard-working women feel it.

👉 I shared a moment of that vulnerability in this Instagram Reel, and I was blown away by how many women echoed the same experience.

✧ What Imposter Syndrome Actually Feels Like

It doesn’t always sound like doubt.

Sometimes it sounds like over-preparing.

Like staying quiet in a room you belong in.

Like shrinking before you even step into the spotlight.

Other times, it’s trying to be the best at everything—because you’re terrified of being found out as not enough.

And it can show up differently for everyone:

You’re the new injector in a room of veterans.
You’re the founder of a med spa, but you still feel like the former hospitalist trying to catch up.
You’re running a business while being a mother, partner, leader, and wondering if you’re “too much” or “not enough” depending on the day.

✧ Where It Comes From

Imposter syndrome isn’t just insecurity. It often lives in people who are:

High-achieving
Service-oriented
Multidimensional (hello, mothers, doctors, creatives, entrepreneurs)
And, honestly, women navigating systems that weren’t designed for our complexity

✧ What Helped Me Reclaim My Voice

Being at MAAI, surrounded by women like Yvonne Dellos and Julie Bass Kaplan, reminded me of something vital:

Confidence doesn’t always arrive before the moment. Sometimes, it arrives because you dared to show up.

Mentorship, community, and sisterhood matter—especially in an industry like aesthetics, where perception often overshadows process.

There’s nothing more powerful than seeing someone who looks like you, thinks like you, leads like you… standing unapologetically in their glow.

That’s what I want to be for other women. Not just an injector or a business owner—but a mirror. A safe space. A reminder.

✧ If You Feel It Too…

Here’s what I want you to know:

You’re allowed to feel nervous and still be powerful.
You’re allowed to question yourself and still be qualified.
You’re allowed to lead without waiting for someone else to approve your brilliance.

Let imposter syndrome be a sign—not that you don’t belong—but that you’re growing.