Mari Ashted featured in Business Chicks Latte Magazine

We are so proud of Mari and her fantastic feature in Business Chicks' Latte Magazine. In this honest interview, she shares many truths about how to find confidence when running a business.

HAVE THERE BEEN ANY PERIODS IN YOUR LIFE WHEN YOU’VE STRUGGLED WITH CONFIDENCE?

For sure! Recently I doubted myself after having been in business for nearly 10 years. The issue I faced was not a lack of confidence in my ability to do the work I do; I doubted whether I actually had what it takes to be a business owner. Early in 2017 I was going through a period of conflict with my business partners at the time, mostly over the future direction of our business. Ultimately, this led to me exiting that business in June last year. It was a business I had put my heart and soul into. In a relatively short space of time, I found myself going out on my own with no team and just a small number of clients who I had negotiated to come with me, mustering up all the entrepreneurial spirit I could find to get going. In deciding whether to stay (and make some serious compromises to do so) or whether I could actually leave, I questioned whether it would all be worth it. There was the fear of the unknown, leaving behind the safety and security of a successful business and, most of all, the fear of failure A quote I love but don’t know who to credit is, “Grow through what you go through.” It’s absolutely true! I’m so grateful to have people who believe in me. Close friends, family and my lovely PowerPlayers ladies all played a part in helping me restore my confidence and move forward.

WHICH AREAS HAVE YOU STRUGGLED WITH MOST?

I’m an introvert by nature so things like meeting new people and networking put me well outside my comfort zone. I have no problem getting up in front of an audience and speaking, particularly in a work environment, but walking into a crowded room and striking up a conversation with someone I don’t know makes me want to run in the opposite direction. When you’re aware of it, you just need to come up with strategies to overcome it. Be prepared to put yourself out there and face the fear. For me that’s a work in progress.

WHAT HAVE YOUR LEARNT ABOUT CONFIDENCE AS YOU’VE GOT OLDER?

You certainly spend a lot less time worrying about what other people think of you and that really is quite liberating. Removing those sorts of worries means there is less opportunity for negative selftalk to get in the way. Also, it’s important to draw upon your all your experiences and achievements. The successes and the failures shape who we are, especially the times you’ve picked yourself up and kept going. It’s important to be proud of the person who you are and all that you’ve achieved, even the small things.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO’S LACKING CONFIDENCE?

Be aware of your negative self-talk and understand what your strengths and weaknesses are. Celebrate your strengths and look at how you might be able to work on your weaknesses. But overall, be OK with accepting who you are and know your worth. Keep the people who believe in you and make you feel good about yourself close; don’t let them go. Do things that make you happy and limit your time with negative people. I was recently lucky enough to hear Layne Beachley speak and she illustrated this point so well; she said you need a dream team consisting of the people who are your Honesty Barometers in life and that there’s no room for any Dream Thieves. Above all, spend some time outside your comfort zone – you never know where it could take you.

ARE THERE ANY EVERYDAY TIPS YOU PRACTISE TO BOOST CONFIDENCE?

I’ll wear an outfit that makes me feel good about myself or one I’ve been complimented on before, and of course pop on my favourite lip colour. Or I compliment someone else – it makes them feel great about themselves.