When I first started my home bakery in Lucknow, I thought confidence meant knowing everything and doing everything perfectly. Spoiler: it doesn’t.

I quickly realized there’s a thin line between confidence and ego. Confidence is quiet, steady, and curious. Ego is loud, defensive, and isolating.

Confidence Lets You Learn

Confidence means admitting you don’t have all the answers—and being willing to learn. I joined a community of bakers and entrepreneurs, including Infiniti Connects, to exchange ideas. My ego protested at first—admitting someone might have better techniques felt… uncomfortable. But leaning into confidence allowed me to actually grow. My bakery business improved, my ideas expanded, and I learned more than I could have alone.

Ego Keeps You Stuck

Ego whispers things like: “I don’t need anyone’s advice” or “I know better than everyone else.” I’ve seen small business owners struggle because ego prevented them from collaborating. I’ve been there too. But stepping back, checking the ego at the door, and leaning into curiosity—everything changed. Doors opened. Mentors, collaborations, and inspiration followed.

Community Amplifies Confidence

When you surround yourself with supportive people, your confidence grows naturally. Ego doesn’t. Sharing struggles—baking flops, social media fails, marketing experiments—without fear of judgment is freeing. That kind of support lets you try new cake flavors, experiment with promotions, and take risks you might never take alone.

Collaboration Over Competition

True confidence celebrates others’ wins. Ego feels threatened. I’ve caught myself thinking: “Why not me?” when fellow bakers succeed. But confidence reminds me: learning from them, collaborating, sharing knowledge—that’s what really helps everyone grow.

Build Your Tribe

Whether it’s bakers, solopreneurs, or local business owners, the people around you matter. A strong community gives advice, encouragement, and shared experiences that ego alone can’t offer.

Confidence is quiet. Ego is loud. Confidence lets you learn, collaborate, and grow. Ego wants to prove itself. For a home bakery, a small business, or any personal venture, leaning into confidence—and building a community around you—turns isolation into connection, challenges into opportunities, and individual growth into shared success.