Confidence Through Action

Watching It Happen. Realizing It’s My Turn.

For a long time, I thought confidence came first. You know, one day you wake up feeling ready to take on the world and launch out the gate.

But that’s not what I’ve seen. What I’ve seen is this: confidence grows after you move. It grows when you take the step before you feel prepared. When you try, adjust, and try again.

Watching It Up Close

I began working with an art coach, Hayley White in 2022 and joined The Art Coaching Club in 2023 — a weekly community of artists building real businesses.

A bit on Hayley. After graduating in 2018 from W&L with a business and art degrees she opened an art gallery on King Street in Charleston. Unfortunately, the pandemic hit the next year, and the doors closed.

However, she didn’t give up. Instead, she pivoted and took a brave step to move her gallery online. After working with artists in the gallery she began individual coaching. Then, she pivoted again helping a broader audience form Instagram. It was small steps because she didn’t love being on camera. First it was first in writing posts, then showing her face on camera with scrolling words, then she bravery took over and she spoke on camera. Small steps.

I’ve watched her confidence grow, not because she waited for it, but because she moved. And I’ve watched dozens of artists in that community grow the same way.

Confidence didn’t come first. Action did.

I’ve Seen It Inside W4W

I’ve seen this happen right here inside W4W.

Take Sarah Reusch of Say Studios. When she first joined W4W, her talent was undeniable. But she was still early in her journey — testing the waters, figuring out shows, learning where she fit.

What shifted wasn’t her ability. It was the environment around her. She stepped into a room of women who encouraged her to apply for shows, and who reminded her that her work was strong, With that encouragement, she took bigger steps and put herself out there. And last year, she bloomed — more shows, more visibility, real financial return.

You see, confidence often grows when someone else believes in you first. You find it easier to take the next step.

So, Sarah…she moved — supported, encouraged, surrounded — and confidence followed.

A space for thoughtful work, shared learning, and moving forward — together. Join us.

And Now I’m Asking Myself

If I’ve seen it happen in Hayley, Sarah, and so many others… why not me?

I’ve spent years building a business. Selling my work. Starting W4W from scratch. Encouraging other women to step forward. And still, I hesitate.

I don’t want to step forward in a loud way, and certainly not for applause. But in a steady, grounded way. And if I’m honest, I want to do the next chapter in my life well. I want my family to be proud of me.

But I’m starting to understand something: Confidence isn’t going to show up first. It’s going to grow because I move.

For You, Too

Are you there too? Watching others grow and feeling that quiet sense that you have more in you — if only you felt more confident? You’re not alone.

That’s why W4W exists. We’re creating a place where we can learn together and take brave steps alongside women at any stage who are building in real time. Come join us!

Let’s build confidence through action — together.