The First Trip That Changed Everything: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

When Joyasol was just an idea, our founder, Christina Bullock, never imagined that the first big step would take her all the way to Portugal.

Joyasol Joyasol Founder & Creative Director, Christina Bullock, in Porto in 2022

And yet, there she was—passport in hand, suitcase packed, heart pounding.

She almost didn’t go.

The doubts were loud:

“You’re not qualified.”
“You didn’t study fashion.” 
“You don’t even speak Portuguese.”

There was no roadmap. No guarantee. Just a vision—and a whole lot of fear.

But something inside her said *go anyway.* And so she did.

Landing in Portugal, she felt like an imposter walking into those heritage factories—places where shoes had been crafted for generations. She questioned whether she belonged in those rooms, whether her ideas were worth listening to. But she showed up. She asked questions. She made mistakes. She kept learning.

And slowly, something began to shift.

The trip that felt overwhelming became the foundation of everything Joyasol would become. Not just in terms of production and design—but in confidence, purpose, and resilience.

Because here’s the truth:  
Sometimes the dream begins the moment you stop waiting to feel ready.

Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re not capable—it means you’re stepping into something bigger than your comfort zone. And that’s exactly where growth lives.

So if you’re sitting on an idea or a dream, waiting for the perfect moment or some magic sign that you’re “qualified”… this is it.

Go. Begin. Be brave even when you’re unsure.  
Because the scariest steps often become the ones that shape you the most.

Want to walk in your purpose (and do it in style)?
Discover the shoes that started it all—sustainably made in Portugal, designed with heart and intention. Shop our sustainable shoes for women here. 

Booking a trip to Portugal? Check out our travel guides for Lisbon here and Porto here.