We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Victoria Featherstone. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Victoria below.
Victoria, appreciate you joining us today. Any thoughts about whether to ask friends and family to support your business. What’s okay in your view?
The number one thing that holds new entrepreneurs back from going all in on their business idea is chasing external validation. If I am honest, when I initially shared my business ideas with family and friends, I wasn’t looking for advice or wisdom; I was seeking validation. I wanted somebody to rubber-stamp my idea before I went all in because I was scared of rejection. I wanted to know that I was worthy of being compensated for my skills and gifts.
Over time, I realized that somebody else can not validate a vision that they didn’t give me. I believe business ideas are divinely gifted. They are not just good ideas; they are part of our purpose. Your purpose is unique as a fingerprint. From that perspective, other people can not validate a vision because they don’t see what you see and they might not see the full picture until you find the courage to create it.
When I find myself desiring to share an idea with someone, I’ve had to practice pausing and taking a moment to ask myself, “What exactly am I seeking from this person?” and “Why do I desire their input?” This self-reflection helps me discern whether my desire stems from insecurity.
When I approach someone, I want to be sure that my request is impact-driven and rooted in a specific goal rather than insecurity. For instance, seeking feedback on a service because I genuinely value their opinion as a potential customer is helpful. However, asking for their approval to soothe my doubts is not.
As entrepreneurs, we have to learn to trust our instincts and believe in the uniqueness of our vision.
While it’s beneficial to seek support from friends and family, it’s crucial to do so with clarity and the right intent. Understanding the difference between seeking genuine support and merely looking for validation can make a significant impact on how you move forward with your business.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Finding the courage to tell my story changed my life in ways I never imagined. Four years ago, I started my own podcast, The Seeds of Hope Podcast, during a time when I felt completely disconnected from my purpose. I was in a place of uncertainty and needed to believe that my story had value, even while I was in the messy middle. Starting the podcast was my way of authentically sharing my story and my journey. It’s incredible how magnetic storytelling can be. As I shared more of myself, I organically began to attract the community I had longed for. This experience taught me the profound power of being authentic, and it’s the foundation of my work today.
I help women own the power of their voice and turn their stories into something that attracts their most aligned audience. By leveraging their stories, they can create impactful communities that support their growth and help them serve more people. I do this through podcast production, where I help women craft beautiful works of art that showcase their brilliance and brand in incredible ways. I also offer small group coaching, guiding women through the process of piecing together their unique storytelling point.
In my coaching, I help women determine what they need to share to stand out as experts online, connect authentically, and boost engagement. This clarity not only propels them to have their own platform but also ensures they are the stars of their own show. I am on a mission to help women create their own spaces vs. shrink to fit into borrowed platforms. You should be in the spotlight and shining brightly. Through my work, I empower women to own their stories and voices, creating impactful communities and thriving businesses.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
The number one thing I have had to unlearn in this chapter of my life is performing perfection. Much of my life has been in the spotlight from a very early age, and I learned how to act and perform when all eyes were on me. Underneath it all was a sense of perfectionism that needed to be accepted. I’ve become increasingly aware of how exhausting living that way has been. It’s one thing to recognize how something feels, but it’s another to find the courage to release the fear when you no longer live by those rules.
I’ve been focusing on reframing my mind to understand that I don’t desire to be in spaces where I cannot authentically be myself and be accepted. If I have to pretend and perform, it’s not for me. I’ve also embraced the narrative that what is for me will accept me. This realization has radically changed my life and my business. In the process of embracing authenticity, I now find creating content and showing up online incredibly fun, freeing, and liberating. I’ve released myself from the idea that I have to show up perfectly to be accepted.
I had to go through this journey because I encounter women every day who need to see not only the example but also the fruits that come from the other side of self-acceptance and freedom. This transformation has shown me the power of being true to oneself and how liberating it is to let go of the need for perfection.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
As an introvert with social anxiety, I prepare for networking and conferences a little differently. I have to consider it from an energy standpoint, not just a goal standpoint. I need to be strategic about resting beforehand and taking breaks when needed. This way, when I’m present, I can be all in. Just because I’m an introvert doesn’t mean I’m quiet and in the corner. I love people and deep conversations, which is why I enjoy conferences. We’re all there with intentions and goals, and the kind of conversations that happen in those environments are different and deeper.
I’m very intentional about the events I attend and the communities I’m part of. As an introvert, I thrive in rooms where shallow, surface-level conversations are minimized. I find that in environments where people have invested to be there and have set goals, the conversations are more intentional. I can go all in when I’m in those spaces, connecting as much as possible. This is why I find my best clients at these events. They get to see the best of me in those moments because my energy is genuine and magnetic.
I achieve this by taking care of myself – being mindful of what I need to recharge my energy. This way, I’m not pretending to be excited or energetic; I truly am. By nurturing myself intentionally, I can be fully present and engaged.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amplifyyourvoicenow.com/passivepromo
- Instagram: @victoriathepodcastproducer
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victoria.featherstone.9/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLksPJAQnc6jJSNyhCOUbrA
- Other: Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2EvCg4uyxOjY86Ya1kflfx?si=18a5f15732d04697&nd=1&dlsi=687a3a53241f4cbe
Image Credits
Tre Sharpe | _sharpeeyeproductions_
Catara Lane | @clxcontent
Cherry Mayward | @cherrymayward