Let’s name it clearly: the feeling has a name, but it has never been your fault.

Imposter syndrome has been marketed to women of color like it’s a personal defect. Like we’re insecure. Like we need more confidence, more positivity, more affirmations. But the truth is simpler and more honest:

Imposter syndrome is a symptom of being underestimated, underfunded, and structurally excluded. Not a flaw in your character.

And when you realize that, everything shifts.

Why You Feel Like an Imposter (The Part No One Says Out Loud)

Most founders don’t feel like imposters because they lack talent.

They feel that way because:

• They’re often the only woman of color in the room

• They’re doing things no one in their family has ever done

• They’ve never seen themselves represented in the ecosystem they’re building in

• They weren’t given insider networks, mentorship, or step-by-step guidance

• They had to google everything while others got handed instructions

• They’re judged more harshly, funded less often, and scrutinized more deeply

So of course you feel like you’re “guessing.”

You had to build from scratch.

But that doesn’t make you unqualified.

It makes you resilient.

Myth vs Fact

Myth: “I’m not ready because I don’t know enough.”

Fact: You built more with less than most people ever will.

Where Imposter Syndrome Shows Up for Founders

It sneaks into moments like:

• Pricing your offers (“Is this too much?”)

• Applying for grants (“Who am I to try?”)

• Launching new products (“What if nobody buys?”)

• Rebranding (“Will people think I’m doing too much?”)

• Introducing yourself (“Should I say CEO… or is that doing too much?”)

And even in the simple act of receiving a compliment.

But every time you dim yourself, the world follows your lead.

The Truth: You’re Not an Imposter — You’re Under-resourced

When you finally get access — real strategy, legal literacy, funding intel, mentorship, templates, clarity — the imposter feeling loses its power.

Because you’re not guessing anymore.

You’re executing.

And that’s why OVIDIA. exists: not to hype you up, but to give you the tools the world hid from you.

A Quick Reset for This Week

Whenever that “Who do you think you are?” voice hits, ask yourself:

“Who benefits when I make myself small?”

It’s never you.

It’s never your business.

And it’s definitely not your legacy.

Action Steps for the Week

Here’s how to quiet the imposter voice with structure, not shame:

• Write down three things you’ve built that didn’t exist before you

• Identify what you need (not what you “lack”) — resources, clarity, a plan

• Replace “Am I qualified?” with “What’s my next step?”

• Add one credibility builder this week: update your bio, refresh your website, post your receipts

• Celebrate a small win — the brain needs proof you’re growing

You don’t need to become someone else.

You just need access, language, and tools that match your ambition.