From Self-Doubt to Self-Trust: Why I Stopped Asking for Opinions and Started Backing Myself in Business

For those who don’t know me (most of you – hi!), I’m Bethany. I’m a 31-year-old mum of two, and I’m building my indie beauty brand from the ground up.

I’m using this space to document the journey — wins, lessons, doubts, breakthroughs — all of it. Today’s topic: showing up as yourself.

When you launch a product-based business, you naturally seek feedback. The success of your product feels tied to how others respond to it, right? But here’s the problem: everyone has a different opinion about what looks good, what feels premium, and what should be “improved.”

When I first created Bath of Eden, everyone agreed on one thing: the salts were amazing. They smelled beautiful, transformed the bath into a luxurious escape, and truly worked.

But then came the packaging opinions.

Some people loved my use of green, saying it felt fresh and reflected my brand identity. Others thought green was too bold and encouraged me to go for something more minimal or “classy.” Suddenly, I was second-guessing everything — the colours, fonts, containers — even the name.

So, I tried to follow the advice of people I assumed had the best taste, especially those familiar with high-end skincare. The result? It was okay. Just okay. But it didn’t feel like me. It didn’t feel like my brand.

Fast forward seven months — I’d made sales, I’d posted the product online, but deep down I wasn’t proud of it. The product was good, but the presentation wasn’t sitting right.

The only part I had been sure of? The name: Bath of Eden — rooted in my faith, with biblical undertones that speak to purity, beauty, and rest. Like the Garden of Eden, my salts contain no fillers or fluff — just oils and salts designed to offer a moment of peace.

To create sample sizes, I experimented with pouches instead of glass jars. I wasn’t thrilled at first (glass just feels luxe), but I reminded myself: they’re only samples.

And because I don’t do things by half, I bought a heat-sealer and designed new labels.

And I brought the green back.

As soon as I applied the new labels, I fell in love. They looked like something from a high-end department store. I didn’t care if it wasn’t “Jo Malone” or “Estée Lauder” enough — this was my idea of luxury.

That moment taught me something powerful:I have to be in love with what I’m selling.

Other people’s opinions are helpful — but not gospel.

The second I trusted my gut, everything clicked. I was obsessed. I was proud. I knew that even if it’s not to everyone’s taste, it’s to mine.

And honestly? That’s enough.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

✨ Show up as you.✨ Build a brand that feels like you.✨ Let people fall in love with what you’ve created — not just the aesthetic, but the energy behind it.

Too many opinions can block your vision. Trusting your gut is a skill — and a superpower.

Not everyone will get it. That’s okay. You’re building for your people, not all people.

The most luxurious thing about a product isn’t the gold — it’s how aligned it is with the person who made it.

Because those are the people who will become your biggest supporters.

So if you’re on a similar path — whether you’re a maker, a founder, or just trying to figure it all out — this is your permission slip:

Trust yourself. Back your weird and wonderful ideas. And show up as YOU.

The right people will get it. And those who don’t? They were never your customer anyway.

So here I am — weird, wacky, passionate, and proud. I’m building something beautiful, and I’m doing it my way.

💬 I’d love to know — have you ever gone against advice and followed your instinct? What did it teach you? Let’s talk about it in the comments.