I’m an HSP and a Business Owner
When people hear "highly sensitive person" (HSP), they often picture someone who's hard to give feedback to or requires others to tread carefully around them. But being highly sensitive isn’t about weakness. It’s about experiencing the world with extraordinary depth, empathy, and awareness, a trait I’ve come to value deeply in both life and business.
Growing Up Sensitive
Growing up, sensitivity was often equated with weakness. The societal message was clear: to succeed, you needed to be confident, assertive, and outgoing. I remember my first resume for a job at Safeway. Under "personal qualities," I wrote "confident and outgoing," because that’s what employers wanted to hear. The reality? Those words couldn’t have been further from the truth.
It wasn’t until much later in life that I began to understand my sensitivity as a strength, not a flaw. For years, I struggled to fit into a world that seemed built for people who could brush off criticism, thrive in chaos, and keep moving without stopping to process.
What It Means to Be an HSP
Highly sensitive people experience the world on a deeper level. It’s estimated that around 20% of the population has this trait, so chances are, you know someone who is highly sensitive, even if they don’t realise it themselves.
HSPs tend to be deeply affected by external stimuli. Loud noises, bright lights, and chaotic environments can feel overwhelming. Many avoid violent or distressing content in movies or TV because it lingers in their minds far longer than it might for others.
For me, I didn’t even know "highly sensitive person" was a thing until about 3 years ago. After having my daughter, I was diagnosed with depression. But as I learned more about myself, I realised that what I’d labeled as depression was actually a deep sense of overwhelm, a hallmark of being an HSP.
When I stumbled across the term during a casual scroll through Instagram, it was a lightbulb moment. Suddenly, I had a name for the way I experienced the world. That discovery led me down a rabbit hole of research and self-reflection, and slowly, I started to see my sensitivity not as a burden, but as a unique and beautiful part of who I am.
How My Sensitivity Shapes My Business
In my younger days, I worked in corporate environments where I constantly compared myself to others. Thoughts like "Why am I so overwhelmed when everyone else seems fine?" or "How do they take on so many responsibilities without breaking a sweat?" ran through my mind. For me, the moment my workload felt unmanageable, I’d spiral into overwhelm, feelings of inadequacy and lack of worth. It was for this reason I never believed I was capable of running my own business.
Falling into freelancing after a redundancy was a blessing in disguise. Working for myself is the perfect fit for an HSP.
One of my HSP traits is being super conscientious. I pour that conscientiousness into my work, ensuring that communication with my clients is clear, open, and transparent. Before a project begins, I make sure my clients know exactly what’s included, what’s not, and what they can expect. I do everything I can to avoid misunderstandings or conflicts because I thrive on harmony and mutual respect. And if any kind of misunderstanding does arise, I learn from it and swiftly implement changes to avoid it happening again.
Deadlines are another area where my conscientiousness shines. I never promise a delivery date unless I’m 100% sure I can meet it. The idea of disappointing a client is something I can’t bear, so I go above and beyond to ensure I deliver on time and with the quality they deserve.
My sensitivity also gives me an eye for detail. I approach every project with care and thoughtfulness, ensuring that the final result is not only beautiful but also deeply aligned with my client’s needs.
Managing Overwhelm as an HSP
Of course, being highly sensitive comes with challenges, especially as a solo freelancer. Overwhelm is a constant companion if I don’t manage my workload carefully. A to-do list that feels too long or unachievable can quickly lead to paralysis.
That’s why I’ve structured my business in a way that gives me control over my schedule. By managing my workload and setting clear boundaries, I create space for myself to thrive and produce work I’m proud of. This balance allows me to give my clients the best of me while also protecting my energy.
The Beauty of Sensitivity
One of the most empowering things I’ve learned as an HSP is that sensitivity is not a weakness, it’s a strength. It allows me to connect deeply with my clients, approach my work with intention, and create designs that truly resonate.
If you’re an HSP or know someone who is, remember that this trait is a gift. While it comes with challenges, it’s also a source of incredible strength, empathy, and creativity.
To anyone navigating the world as an HSP: take the time to understand yourself and your unique needs. When you do, you’ll see how sensitivity can be a powerful asset, not just in life, but in business too.
