An Introvert’s Guide to Being Brave in Business

Content from the Not Just Momma Podcast Click HERE to listen to the full episode!

Hey guys — today we’re talking about something close to my heart: what it really looks like to be an introvert in business and how to find bravery along the way.

This episode — or post, depending on how you’re finding it — is for every quiet-hearted woman who dreams of building something for herself but feels completely overwhelmed by the idea of being seen or heard. If you’ve ever felt afraid to speak up, post online, or simply take up space in the world, I want you to know: you are not alone.

And most importantly, you don’t have to change who you are to show up bravely.

The Fear of Being Seen (Especially by People You Know)

Let me ask you this:
Have you ever stopped yourself from posting something because you were worried about who might see it?
Maybe it’s your old coworkers, your aunt, your high school friend who randomly still follows you…

I’ve been there. Honestly, I’m still there sometimes.

Even after years of working on this, I still hesitate before hitting “post.” It’s not because I’m unsure of what I’m building — it’s because I’m scared of what people will think, especially those I know personally.
Will I sound silly? Will I mess up? What if I don’t have anything “worthy” to say?

Truthfully, I was just afraid of being seen.

And here’s the thing: I still struggle.
But I’ve learned that bravery doesn’t mean the fear goes away. It means you do the thing anyway.

Where My Introversion Began

I’ve thought a lot about how I became introverted. There’s no one-size-fits-all reason for anyone, but I think parts of my upbringing shaped mine.

Both my parents were from different countries, so with them being from a different culture, I was fairly sheltered as a child — not in a harmful way, or anything, honestly I think my parents were just trying their best to just do their best. My mom was a worrier. She worried a lot about where I was at and who I spent time with. Sleepovers scared her, due to past trauma. She didn’t really know what the popular shows or movies were, so I often felt like I didn’t “get” what other kids were talking about. And like I said, it wasn’t intentional in any way, shape, or form… they just did the best they could as parents.

As a result, I became incredibly reserved. And in school, when I tried to step out of my shell? Kids made fun of me. It stung, and it had a lasting effect. So I pulled back in many public situations because I was always afraid to get made fun of.

It became a pattern: do something, get judged, retreat. Repeat.

That shaped who I became — someone quiet, careful, and terrified to mess up.

How It Affected Me as an Adult

Even as an adult, that fear followed me. When I started working as a hairstylist — something I did for over 15 years — I was so scared to talk to people. I loved learning the skills of the trade, but the people part? That was harder.

In the beginning, I’d go home every night and brainstorm conversation starters for the next day. I’d freeze mid-haircut, anxious about the silence.

Eventually, I figured out something simple that helped: ask people what they’re interested in.
If you find out what someone cares about, they’ll talk forever — and that breaks the ice.

And slowly, I got braver. I believe that with effort and constant practice, you can get braver too.

Real Fears Introverts Face in Business

If you’re an introvert and you’re trying to build a business, especially online, here are a few fears that may hit home:

1. Fear of Being Judged — Especially by People You Know

It’s not strangers we fear — it’s the people who truly know us.
Because we feel like we have to stay in the box they’ve always seen us in.

And let’s be honest — building an online business isn’t “normal” for most people. You don’t walk into a grocery store and hear someone say, “Oh, I teach online courses.” So when you do something outside the norm, people who knew the “old you” might not get it.

But here’s what I’ve realized:
The people who truly matter? They won’t judge you.
And the ones who do? They’re not paying your bills. They’re not building your life.

Honestly… are people even watching you as closely as you think? Probably not.

And guess what? You’re allowed to grow beyond who you once were. In fact, it’s healthy.

So here’s an affirmation you can keep in your back pocket:

If I’m building something with all my heart, there is nothing embarrassing about that.

You’re building a life that feels good to you — and you don’t need anyone’s permission to do that.

2. Fear of Having Nothing to Say

Ever felt like you have no content ideas? Like you’re showing up with nothing?

Me too.
Even starting this podcast/blog post, I thought, What do I even have to say?

But the truth is:
Your lived experience, your story, and your perspective all matter.

You don’t need to talk 24/7 or have a million ideas to be valuable.
Just speak from the heart. Share when you’re inspired.

I recently posted a one-minute video on Instagram about letting go of what no longer serves you. I was scared to hit publish (so many people I knew would see it), but I did it anyway.

And you know what? People messaged me to say it spoke to their hearts.
It reminded me of something that’s very important to remember: we aren’t doing anyone a favor by staying silent.

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Final Thoughts

You don’t need to become loud to be successful.
You don’t have to fake extroversion to build something powerful.
You don’t have to change who you are — you just have to start where you are.

Introverts can be brave — not because they stop being quiet, but because they dare to show up despite the fear.

So take the step. Hit the post button. Speak your truth.

You are allowed to take up space in this world❤️

This blog post is taken from an episode on my podcast listen to it HERE

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