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Imposter Syndrome: The Silent Confidence Killer in Cookie Decorating.
- Catherine Harris
- Nov 25
- 5 min read
If you've ever found yourself in the kitchen looking at a batch of beautifully baked and decorated cookies and still questioning whether "you're good enough," you're not alone.
That quiet voice that whispers someone else could have done this better, visits more decorators than you think-and if it's been visiting you, welcome. You are exactly where you need to be.
Imposter syndrome is something almost every cookie and cake decorator bumps into. Quietly. Privately. Usually late at night while washing bowls or scrolling Instagram. And even though no one really talks about it much, it's ripple effect can hold incredible bakers back from charging what they're worth, sharing their work, stepping into their skills, and growing their business.
Today I want to say it out loud, gently but honestly
Skip ahead to:
What Exactly Is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is that persistent belief that you're not as capable, creative, or skilled as people think you are-and that sooner or later, someone will expose you as a fraud.
If you've never felt like this...I'm projecting total envy and this Blog really isn't for you. Why? Because I don't want to breathe life into something that doesn't exist for you.
Be grateful...choose another Blog xox
In simple terms, Imposter syndrome might look like this-you know you're doing the work, but somehow still feel like you don't deserve the title of cookie decorator, baker or creative professional.
In decorator terms, it sounds like:
Feeling embarrassed to charge properly because you assume other bakers are "more qualified".
Avoiding posting your work online because you are convinced others will zoom in and judge every flaw
Can I really call this a business-it's just me in my kitchen?
Maybe the customer was just being super kind when she said she loved them
It feels heavy-but it's not a reflection of truth. It's a reflection of self doubt mixed with comparison, burnout and pressure.
Where Does Imposter Syndrome Come From? Let's Call Out The Triggers.
The baking and decorating world is full of incredible talent, but it also comes with very human, very real triggers that can make even the most experienced decorators question themselves at times.
Let's call them out plainly, because pretending they aren't there only gives them more power.
The Instagram Highlight Reel
Very few people post:
-the dozens of cookies that cracked, burnt, broke and succumbed to the dreaded spread.
-trays of cookies that were "good enough" but never made it to the camera.
-the messy kitchen counters, the sink full of dishes and your cold cup of coffee that's grown a skin... eeewww.
You are comparing your every day reality to someone else's polished, edited, curated moment in time. It's not a fair comparison-it's not even the same playing field.
Watching Decorators With 10 Years' Experience When You're in Year 1 or 2
And then telling yourself you "should be as good as them by now"
It's like expecting yourself to run a marathon because someone else has been training for a decade.
Different journeys. Different timelines.
Take a look at my journey over the last 4 years. I used to cringe, but now I take a step back and go "WOW, look at you go girl".
Under Pricing Your Work
When you chronically charge too little, your brain quietly whispers, "See? Even you don't believe its' worth more."
Under pricing feeds imposter syndrome like oxygen.
The Pressure to Constantly Create Something New
Every season
Every event
Every trend
Every customer request.
Creativity on demand is exhausting, and exhaustion quickly becomes self doubt.
Being a Home Based Business
Sometimes there's an unspoken awkwardness about saying "I work from home".
But hear this:
A kitchen filled with passion, intentionality, and skill is no less legitimate than a commercial bakery.
Fear of Visibility
How to Navigate Imposter Syndrome (The Practical, Real Ways)
Imposter syndrome isn't something you magically "fix".
You navigate it...sometimes daily.
Here are some genuinely useful, doable strategies for bakers and decorators.
Stop Comparing Your Unedited Life to Edited Screens.
Mute, step back, curate your feed.
-You are not obligated to consume content that stifles your creativity or confidence.
-Choose voices, creators, and accounts that inspire-not ones that make you shrink.
-And remember: if someone's work triggers you, it often means you admire them.
-That's a sign of growth, not inadequacy.
Facts Beat Feelings-Make a Proof Folder.
Start a digital diary and add:
-Customer compliments
-Screenshots of reviews
-Your own before and after photos
-Moments you overcame challenges
When your brain says "you're not good enough," open it.
One of the quickest ways to silence imposter syndrome is to present it with facts.
Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Perfectionism is the biggest thief of joy.
Progress looks like recognising that:
-Every cookie gives you the opportunity to learn something new
-Your style develops through experimenting
-Progress shows up in the details you once struggled with
-Perfection isn't realistic with hand made work
-Your past self would be blown away by the techniques you use now.
Price Based on Skill and Time-Not Confidence
Charge based on:
-How long it takes
-Your experience
-Your level of detail
-Cost of ingredients
-Your expertise
Confidence will show up after you take action, not before.
Waiting to "feel confident" before charging correctly is how decorators stay stuck.
Talk Back to the Imposter Voice
You don't have to shut the voice down-but you can talk back to it.
-"This is solid work, even while I'm still levelling up"
-"Every decorator I look up to started somewhere too"
-"I am allowed to evolve-and people can witness that"
Self-talk isn't fluffy-it's foundational.
Replace Comparison With Community
Comparison isolates, Community Elevates
We thrive when we are seen, supported, and understood-especially in creative industries where self doubt is common.
A good community reminds you:
-You're not behind
-You're not doing it wrong
-You're not alone
-You are progressing
-You have something valuable to offer
Normalising Imposter Syndrome: The Truth No One Says Out Loud
Here's the part we don't talk about enough.
Every single decorator, from beginner to professionals with 100K followers, can still have those awkward and emotional moments from time to time.
It's not that the professionals don't feel it-the difference is that they don't let it decide for them.
-They post anyway
-They charge anyway
-They try new designs anyway
They step into opportunities despite fear
Imposter syndrome isn't a sign that you are not ready.
It's often a sign that you are growing.
Feeling like a beginner at times doesn't make you a fraud-it makes you human.
And growth requires humanness.
A Gentle, Honest Closing Reminder.
If no one has told you this lately, let me say it clearly:
You belong here
Your work matters
You are improving every time you show up, even on the messy days.
You are not an imposter-you are a creator. A maker, A decorator, A storyteller in sugar.
Wow Catherine, what a great read. I can resonate with everything you have said. The number of times I have refused requests from friends to make cookies for them because I felt my work wasn’t good enough. I am my own worst critic and lack so much confidence in my ability. You are an amazing mentor and very generous with sharing your knowledge 🥰. Thanks a million from one grateful novice cookier.
Maureen 😊