From Imposter Syndrome to Influencer of the Year: A Journey of Gratitude and Growth
- Kai Scates
- Nov 24, 2024
- 2 min read
It’s with immense gratitude and pride that I share this milestone: I was awarded Female Influencer of the Year 2024 at COSIGN’s 7th Annual Top Gun Gala! This recognition feels surreal, especially as someone who has faced moments of doubt and battled imposter syndrome throughout my journey as a full-time entrepreneur, content creator, and influencer.
Being in this field is a dream come true, but it’s not without its challenges. I constantly find myself questioning my work—wondering if my content is good enough, if my lighting could be better, or if I need a better camera to truly elevate my production quality. I am my toughest critic, always striving for improvement, and that drive, while motivating, can sometimes overshadow the progress I’ve made.

But this award serves as a powerful reminder: someone sees me. Someone recognizes the late nights spent filming, the hours of editing, the careful negotiation of contracts, and the endless creativity that goes into crafting engaging content. Someone thought I was not only deserving of a nomination but worthy enough to win. That validation means more than words can express.
Reflecting on my journey, I think back to where it all started. I didn’t wake up one day and decide to become a content creator. It was a gradual evolution, fueled by a love for fashion, storytelling, and connecting with others. From blogging on Tumblr to experimenting with thrifted fashion and sharing my outfits online, my path to influencing was built one post, one picture, and one connection at a time. What began as a passion for inspiring women to embrace their curves has grown into a thriving career where I now partner with incredible brands, attend unforgettable events, and connect with audiences locally and globally.
Despite the highlights, this journey hasn’t been without its struggles. The pressures of being an entrepreneur, the unpredictability of income, and the constant demand for fresh ideas can feel overwhelming. Imposter syndrome creeps in often, whispering that I’m not doing enough, that I could be better. But moments like this remind me to pause, reflect, and appreciate how far I’ve come.

I owe this recognition to the incredible community that surrounds me—my lovers and friends. You are the reason I’ve been able to grow, learn, and continue doing what I love. Your votes, your likes, your comments, and your unwavering support remind me why I started this journey in the first place. You see my work, you engage with it, and you inspire me to keep creating.
To whoever nominated me and to the COSIGN team for celebrating creators like me—thank you. To my community—thank you for believing in me, even when I struggled to believe in myself. This award isn’t just a reflection of my efforts; it’s a testament to the power of connection, authenticity, and perseverance.
Winning Female Influencer of the Year is more than a title—it’s a reminder that I am on the right path. And while I still strive to be better every day, I am learning to celebrate the wins, big and small, and to embrace the joy of this journey.
Here’s to more creativity, more growth, and more moments that remind us all to keep going. Thank you for being part of this incredible chapter in my life.

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