Shaw Chen’s Advice For Others With Imposter Syndrome
“I wasn’t feeling creatively fulfilled. My dream was slowly falling apart in front of me, and I didn’t know what to do.”
Shaw Chen is a Creative Events Manager.
What was the Lightbulb Moment that inspired you to fully dive into what you do?
My first dream career was to work in international marketing in the beauty industry. I was laser-focused on achieving this dream and worked in beauty for almost seven years. In the sixth year I started to question if my “dream” career was what I actually wanted. I wasn’t happy, and I wasn’t feeling creatively fulfilled. My dream was slowly falling apart in front of me, and I didn’t know what to do. I started to find myself drawn to event design and the creativity of experiential marketing. This wasn’t really a big part of my then job so I kept these passions in the back of my mind.
The lightbulb moment was when my last beauty company terminated my position. I had been with the company for the years so it was of course, a shock. I allowed myself some time to process and reevaluate my options. I was at a crossroads, and I was forced to make a decision on what I wanted to do next with my career. I felt safe and comfortable in the beauty industry. I knew what my career path would probably look like, but I had no idea what that would look like in the events industry. I would be starting at the bottom in the events industry and that is scary.
I decided to channel all my efforts into working events. I was unemployed, so I spent my time stalking and DM-ing the people I admired. At this point, I thought the only way I could get into the events industry was through weddings. My fiance asked if I would be interested in working on premieres because he knew an entertainment event producer. I, of course, jumped at this opportunity.
I met with the contact for coffee. There was no guarantee of a job, but I wanted to take the opportunity to connect with someone in the industry. It was an instant connection, and she offered to let me assist at some upcoming events. I assisted and interviewed with the team for over two months. I was starting to feel more emotionally and creatively fulfilled. At times, it was strange to feel like I wasn't an expert anymore. But for the first time in a very long time, I was starting to feel creatively fulfilled. I was able to combine my detail oriented skills and creativity into one perfect position.
What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve learned in your current career?
The most unexpected thing I’ve had to learn is to trust my creative instincts. I struggle with imposter syndrome, so this is something I still am continuing to work on. In my previous roles, anything creative was confined to what was right for each brand. For me, it was easier to be creative and innovate within a specific aesthetic. Now, I have to think creatively for all different types of clients. There is also really no time to question my instincts.
What often sparks your creativity or gets you into the creative zone?
Working out is the best way for me to get in a creative zone. While I workout, my brain just spins and thinks of different creative ideas. Some of my best ideas have come when I was walking, running, and working up a sweat. I finish my workout feeling rejuvenated and inspired. It’s just like Elle Woods said in Legally Blonde, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands — they just don't!”
What is your unfiltered advice for anyone looking to break into your industry?
Don’t be intimated that you aren’t creative or good enough (I need to take this advice, too!). Just grow your creativity and taste level. Work as many events as you can and just try to learn and be a sponge. Your point of view and taste is also important.
Dec 31, 2020
By Ashley Tibbits