The quiet courage of being visible
Visibility can be one of the most intimidating parts of running a business or sharing our personal work. For some of us, the fear of being seen, judged or misunderstood can feel overwhelming. But what if the act of sharing – even when we’re scared – is where the magic happens?
I know what it’s like to feel afraid and I want to share three little anecdotes with you about how I’ve learned to embrace that fear – and how it can be part of something beautiful to show up just as we are.
It was a sunny September day. We were so blessed with the weather. But I was afraid. Afraid to walk down the long pathway, all the way to the gazebo for the big ceremony. Afraid of speaking my vows in front of 50 guests. Petrified, I'd trip over my words – or my dress. Scared I'd look silly.
I whispered to my dad as we started on our long walk down the aisle, asking him to distract me by talking. Anything would do. Please just keep my brain busy so I don’t panic.
"If you were speaking to a foraging guide right now on a video consultation, and they told you they hated their website, what would you say?"
I was looking at a blank computer monitor. No one was there on the other side. But I spoke my answer aloud, waved my hands around a bit, playing my part in the pretence that this was a real consultation with a real client. The photographer snapped away while I kept blathering, trying my utmost best not to feel or look awkward.
I was afraid. And I had been for days before the photoshoot for my business. That's why booking a photographer I trusted – someone who could direct me, who made me feel at ease, and who I knew had a pair of safe, capable hands – was so important.
Sharing content with people you know and random strangers felt (and still sometimes feels) like a really big deal. Scary territory. Little control.
One LinkedIn post? Never mind that – what about sharing consistently, week in, week out?
I worked in marketing for years before returning to my design roots, combining both skills to pivot into web design. I advised clients on marketing consistently. But marketing my own business? That felt near to impossible.
One day I stumbled across a gorgeous co-working group of like-minded souls for some gentle accountability. It really helped me to find the courage to share more consistently. I started to find my voice and it became easier to talk about my business and to share from the heart.
I'm incredibly afraid of being seen. Of being visible. Not just in work but in life too. Standing up in front of 50 wedding guests – people I love dearly – didn't make it any easier.
I've always been like this. I'd rather be the person behind the scenes than the face of a business. I'd rather be the quiet worker bee, doing good work and helping clients flourish. I'm a sensitive soul – not shy, but private and open all at once. Quite the contradiction!
Over time, I've learned that it's okay to do things in my own way. To do things differently. And to ask for help.
If you're afraid of being seen – whether it's booking a photoshoot for your business, sharing your marketing or creating a website (sorry, I can’t help with the wedding ceremony part!) — please know you're not alone. We can chat about your fears and tackle them together, one step at a time. Sharing your fears makes them feel more manageable and I’m here to support you through it all.
I want you to know this: Your website is one place where you have full control over how you present yourself and how much (or how little) you want to be seen. You can choose what you want to share.
But it's important – after all, you're doing your soul work and legacy work – to share a true glimpse of who you really are. What drives you. What lights you up. Why you do the work you do.
You need to be Youier* – and I would love to help you do just that.
If you're ready to create a website that truly reflects who you are, one that feels like home and aligns with your values, I’d love to help. Together, we can craft something beautiful and meaningful that’s as unique as you are. No pressure, no rush – just a gentle, supportive space to explore what feels right for you.
Let’s chat and see how we can bring your vision to life in a way that feels authentic and comfortable. You’ve got this and I’m here to help every step of the way. I’m looking forward to hearing from you. Get in touch.
*Youier
I absolutely adore the beautiful poem Youier, by Donna Ashworth. It’s from her book Wild Hope, which was thoughtfully gifted to me by a wonderfully kind client.
