Impostor syndrome is a silent battle many of us face but rarely talk about. It’s that persistent, nagging feeling of being a fraud — of believing that your accomplishments are somehow unearned, and it’s only a matter of time before you’re “found out.” This psychological phenomenon can affect anyone, regardless of their achievements, and it’s particularly prevalent in high-pressure, creative, and performance-driven industries.
Famous figures like Taylor Swift have openly discussed their struggles with impostor syndrome. Despite being one of the most successful artists in the world, Taylor Swift admitted in an interview that she often questions her own worth and talent. If someone with global recognition, talent, and an unmatched discography can feel like an impostor, it’s clear that this issue doesn’t discriminate.
For me, Niki Lutley, my personal experience with impostor syndrome has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. After over 35 years in the hairdressing industry, including running my own salon for 10 years, you’d think I’d feel a sense of accomplishment. But that wasn’t the case. In fact, impostor syndrome was a shadow that lingered in the background, affecting my career, personal life, and even my mental health.
The Early Days: Success Tainted by Self-Doubt
I opened my own salon, Deva Hairdressing with excitement, ambition, and a genuine passion for the craft. In the early years, everything seemed to be on track. The business was thriving, and I felt like I was finally living my dream. But over time, self-doubt crept in. My personal life took a downward turn so It didn’t happen all at once and a quiet voice telling me that my success was just luck or that I wasn’t “good enough” compared to others in the industry.
Instead of seeing myself as the expert I was, I compared myself to other salon owners and hairdressers. I started to feel that I wasn’t as talented or as deserving as they were. I didn’t celebrate my wins. I downplayed my role in the salon’s success, attributing it to external factors like location, timing, or even “luck.” This internal battle eventually took a toll. By 2010, after 10 years of operation, I closed the salon. From the outside, it may have looked like a personal decision, but I now see that it was fueled by my inability to face my impostor syndrome and low self worth head-on.
Rebuilding My Self-Worth (2010-2016)
The next six years were a period of rediscovery. I returned to working in a salon — not as the owner, but as part of a team at RyanJake. And what a team it was! I was surrounded by a group of supportive hairdressers who created a safe and welcoming environment. Slowly, I began to regain my self-esteem and self-worth. Being in that space reminded me of why I loved this industry in the first place. The collaborative energy, the creative expression, and the human connection reignited something within me.
I wasn’t chasing perfection or trying to live up to an impossible standard anymore. I was just doing what I loved, and that was enough. It taught me that impostor syndrome thrives in isolation but loses its power when you’re surrounded by supportive people.
A New Chapter of Sacrifice (2016-2021)
Life has a way of testing you when you least expect it. In 2016, I made the decision to step away from hairdressing again — not because of impostor syndrome this time, but to care for my mum, who was battling lung cancer. She was in remission at first, but a new cancer diagnosis followed. I wanted to be there for her, to create memories and give her my full attention. While I have no regrets about stepping away from my career, it was still a period of emotional upheaval.
Looking after a loved one in their final years puts life into perspective. It reminds you of what’s truly important. My mum passed away in 2021, and I knew that I needed to return to hairdressing — but not as I had before. This time, I felt called to do something different.
Reclaiming My Purpose: Becoming an Educator (2021 - Present)
When I stepped back into the world of hairdressing, I didn’t just want to cut, color, and style hair. I wanted to Educate. With 35+ years of experience, I knew I had a wealth of knowledge to share with others. I wanted to support the next generation of hairdressers, giving them the confidence and tools I wish I’d had when I was younger. But the moment I decided to step into the role of an educator, the old voice of impostor syndrome came back — and this time, it was louder.
I had been an educator in the 90s, but this was 2024/2025. The industry had evolved, and I worried that I was “out of touch.” Who was I to think I could teach anyone in a world of TikToks, YouTube tutorials, and endless social media experts? The doubt was deafening.
But I made a choice. I wasn’t going to let impostor syndrome win. I sought guidance and mentorship from someone I trusted. I followed the guidance of experts like
Lisa Sheerin whose Speak Proud became a powerful help of motivation for me. I also reached out for mentorship from within the industry. These conversations helped me recognize that I wasn’t alone. It’s one thing to battle impostor syndrome on your own, but it’s another to face it with someone walking beside you.
How I’m Smashing Impostor Syndrome
I’m still on this journey, but I want to share what has worked for me so far. If you’re struggling with impostor syndrome, try these strategies:
1. Find a Mentor: Look for someone you trust who can provide perspective, encouragement, and accountability. If you don’t have one, start by following experts like Lisa. Sometimes, mentorship doesn’t have to be a formal arrangement. It can come from consuming the right content.
2. Document Your Wins: Every win, no matter how small, is a sign of growth. I’ve started keeping track of my “wins” at Deva hairdressing on Instagram so I can look back on them when doubt creeps in. It can also be as simple as a notebook of daily wins or a private notes app on your phone.
3. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others: Your journey is your own. Social media can be a breeding ground for impostor syndrome. I remind myself daily that what I see online is a highlight reel, not the full story.
4. Be Kind to Yourself: I used to be so hard on myself, thinking I should “know everything” or “have it all figured out.” Now, I give myself grace. Nobody knows everything, and being an educator doesn’t mean you have to be flawless.
5. Take Action Despite Fear: The only way to silence impostor syndrome is to prove it wrong. Every time I teach a class, launch a program, or share my story, I’m taking action despite the fear.
6. Join a Community: Community is where impostor syndrome dies. It’s why working with a supportive group of hairdressers from 2010-2016 was so powerful for me. If you’re feeling isolated, find a community — even if it’s online.
Final Thoughts: A Work in Progress
Impostor syndrome doesn’t disappear overnight. It’s a constant, ongoing battle. But with every year that passes, I’m learning to recognize its voice and refuse to listen to it. My goal is to continue teaching and mentoring other hairdressers, using my experience and passion to help them grow.
If you’re reading this and you’ve felt like a fraud in your career, know that you’re not alone. But it doesn’t have to define you. Your past mistakes, your doubts, and your fears aren’t evidence that you’re not good enough. They’re evidence that you’re learning and growing.
Impostor syndrome only wins if you stop moving forward. But every time you take action, every time you show up, and every time you keep going, you win.
I’m Niki Lutley, and I’m still on this journey. I’m learning every day how to silence that voice and reclaim my space as an educator, a mentor, and a leader. If this story resonates with you, just know that you’re not alone. We’re all figuring it out together.
If you’re looking for help smashing impostor syndrome, I encourage you to follow the Speak Proud Her words have helped me, and I know they can help you too.
If I can do it, so can you.
If you would like to know more,
Here are a list of ways
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