Confidence is rarely built in perfect conditions.
What happens when everything goes sideways? When the timeline you carefully mapped out gets wrecked by something beyond your control, and you’re still on the hook to deliver?
That question became very real for me during a recent project: the design of Shy to Shining by Emma Wood. It’s a book about building confidence in women, full of raw, honest stories and paired with thoughtful workbook sections. I love working with Emma. This project is the kind of meaningful work I love doing: creative, empowering, and deeply human.
But then, life threw me a curveball.
In the middle of production, a fire at my home completely upended my life. While dealing with the aftermath, I also had this incredible project in front of me. It was something I’d already committed to and deeply believed in. Cancelling wasn’t an option. And yet, for the first time in my 14-year career, I missed the internal deadline.
That was tough to admit. I take pride in delivering on time, in being reliable, and in building trust with my clients. So, facing the reality that I couldn’t meet my expected schedule was a blow. But then something beautiful happened.
Instead of pressure or disappointment, Emma met me with understanding and grace. We became a stronger team. As Simon Sinek shared on The Diary of a CEO podcast, “Experience removes fear.” This became one of those moments where a challenging experience forged connection, collaboration, and ultimately more confidence.
I poured long, focused hours into this project. And we got it done. The book made it to the printer. The launch date held strong. Emma wrote online:
“After so much heart, hustle, and healing poured into every page…SHY TO SHINING is officially out of my hands and almost in YOURS. This isn’t just a book. It’s a movement.”
That message mirrored exactly what I felt in our process. As Emma said in one of her video updates:
“Amanda Wall brought my vision to life.”
Design, for me, has always been about more than aesthetics. It’s about communication, transformation, and shared vision. Shy to Shining challenged me to stretch my resilience and reminded me why I do this work. Confidence is rarely built in perfect conditions. It’s forged in fire, shaped by challenges, and strengthened in collaboration.
This project served as a reminder that the hardest moments often reveal our strongest selves.
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🌟 Want to learn more about Shy to Shining or get your own copy?
Visit Emma online to explore the movement, meet the contributors, and start your own journey from quiet to confident.
✨ And if you’re an author or creative with a powerful message and need a designer who can help bring it to life, through thick and thin, reach out anytime at amandawall.ca. I’d love to collaborate.
