Navigating Imposter Syndrome as a Single Mom, Interior Design Student, and Woman

Have you ever walked into a room full of people and immediately felt like you don’t belong? I know I have. That gnawing voice in my head that whispers, “You’re not good enough,” or “They’re going to find out you’re a fraud.” It’s a constant struggle, and it’s called imposter syndrome.

For me, imposter syndrome has been an unwelcome companion throughout my journey as an interior design student, a single mom, and just as a woman trying to make it all work. It’s that heavy feeling that no matter how much I’ve achieved, I still worry someone’s going to point at me and say, “You shouldn’t be here.”

The Juggling Act: School and Motherhood

Being a single mom while pursuing a degree? Let me tell you, it’s no joke. There are days when I’m drowning in school assignments, trying to meet deadlines, while also making sure my kids are taken care of. The guilt creeps in from every angle. Am I spending enough time with them? Am I doing enough in my classes? Am I taking care of myself? It’s a delicate balancing act, and most days, it feels like I’m dropping at least one ball.

That’s where imposter syndrome likes to show up the most. When I feel like I’m not keeping up, when I’m struggling to find time to focus, that’s when the doubt creeps in. “Why are you even trying? You can’t handle this.” But deep down, I know I’m handling it. Maybe not perfectly, but I’m doing it.

Being a Woman in a Creative Industry

Then there’s the whole being a woman in a creative field like interior design. It’s hard not to notice when you’re in spaces where men seem to dominate the conversation. I’ve felt that pressure to prove myself – not just as a designer, but as a woman who belongs in those rooms.

There’s this internalized voice that tells me I have to be twice as good, twice as polished, to be taken seriously. It’s exhausting. I find myself questioning my ideas, hesitating to speak up in class or in discussions, even though I know I have something valuable to add.

But I’m learning to remind myself that my perspective as a woman, a mom, and a designer is just as valid as anyone else’s. I bring something unique to the table, and that’s worth something.

How I’m Battling Imposter Syndrome

I wish I could say I’ve figured it all out, but imposter syndrome still creeps in now and then. What’s helped me manage it, though, is a few simple reminders I give myself when I start doubting everything.

1. Celebrate Small Wins Sometimes, just getting through the day is a win. I’ve learned to recognize even the small victories — finishing a project, turning in an assignment, or just making it through a particularly hectic week with the kids. These moments matter, and they remind me that I’m capable.

   
   

2. It’s Okay to Make Mistakes Design is about creativity, and creativity involves trial and error. I’ve come to accept that mistakes are part of the process. When something doesn’t work out the way I imagined, I’m learning to see it as a stepping stone rather than a failure.

   
   

3. Leaning on My Support System Whether it’s my classmates, mentors, or fellow moms, having a support system makes all the difference. I can’t count how many times I’ve found comfort in knowing I’m not the only one feeling overwhelmed or out of place. It’s like a breath of fresh air when someone says, “I get it. I’ve been there too.”

   
   

4. Reminding Myself I’m Not Alone Imposter syndrome is way more common than I realized. The more I talk about it, the more I find that most people, even those I look up to, have experienced it at some point. Knowing that takes away some of its power.

   
   

5. Visualizing Where I’m Headed When I’m feeling unsure of myself, I try to imagine my future self — the one who has her degree, who’s designing spaces that inspire people. I ask myself what she would say to me now. She’d probably remind me to keep going, that all this hard work is laying the foundation for something amazing.

   
   

Moving Forward

Imposter syndrome might not ever completely disappear, but I’m learning how to quiet it. Every day, I’m proving to myself that I’m capable of balancing school, motherhood, and my dream of becoming an interior designer.

There are always going to be moments of doubt, but I’m also realizing that I’ve worked hard to get where I am. I belong here, and if you’re feeling this way too, trust me — you belong here as well. We’re not imposters. We’re just women doing our best, and that’s more than enough.