Overcoming the Fear of Live Video: A Mompreneur's First Steps to Showing Up Unmuted

Let me paint a picture you probably know all too well, sis.

It's 9:47 PM. The kids are finally asleep. You've got your ring light positioned just right, your talking points scribbled on a sticky note, and you've changed your shirt three times because nothing feels "professional enough." Your finger hovers over that "Go Live" button... and then your toddler cries out from the bedroom. Or your husband walks through the background. Or you suddenly convince yourself that nobody wants to hear what you have to say anyway.

So you close the app. Again.

If this sounds like your Tuesday night (or Wednesday, or every single day this month), I want you to know something: You are not alone. And you are absolutely not broken.

I've been exactly where you are. As a mom of six—including twin boys—I understand the chaos. As someone who was bullied growing up and spent years questioning whether my voice even mattered, I understand the fear. And as a woman who finally learned to show up anyway, I'm here to tell you that the other side of that fear is everything you've been dreaming about for your business.

Live video feels like a giant leap when you're an introverted mompreneur. But here's the truth: showing up on live video is one of the clearest, fastest paths to growing your brand—and you don't have to be a natural performer to do it.

Stick around, sis. I'm about to share your first steps to overcoming that fear and finally being seen on your own terms.

Understanding Your Live Video Fears (Because Naming Them Takes Away Their Power)

Before we can overcome something, we have to understand it. And when it comes to live video, the fears running through your mind are more common than you think.

The Fears That Keep Introverted Mompreneurs Stuck

When I talk to women in my community, the same concerns come up again and again:

"What if I forget what to say?" This is the number one fear I hear. The idea of going blank while people are watching feels absolutely terrifying.

"What if people judge me?" Maybe it's judgment about how you look, how your house looks in the background, or whether you sound "smart enough." That inner critic gets LOUD when a camera is involved.

"What if nobody shows up?" There's something uniquely vulnerable about talking to what feels like an empty room.

"What if my kids interrupt?" Real talk—they probably will at some point. And that's actually okay (more on this later).

"What if I'm not ready?" This one keeps so many brilliant women waiting on the sidelines indefinitely. Spoiler: you'll never feel 100% ready, and that's not actually a requirement.

Here's what I need you to understand: these fears are normal. They don't mean you're not cut out for visibility. They mean you're human.

The Real Root: Fear of Being Truly Seen

If we dig a little deeper, most live video fears come down to one thing: the fear of being truly seen.

Visibility feels like exposure. When you go live, there's nowhere to hide. No editing. No filters. No take-backs. It's just you, showing up as you are in that moment.

And for many of us—especially those of us who've experienced rejection, criticism, or feeling invisible in the past—that level of exposure feels genuinely dangerous to our nervous system.

But here's the reframe that changed everything for me: Visibility isn't about performance. It's about connection.

The women watching your lives aren't looking for perfection. They're looking for someone who gets them. Someone who's a few steps ahead on a journey they want to take. Someone who makes them feel less alone.

That someone is you—exactly as you are right now.

Building Confidence with Small, Strategic Steps

Confidence doesn't arrive overnight like a package on your doorstep. It builds with each small, brave action you take. And the beautiful thing is, you get to start smaller than you think.

Start Behind the Scenes

Before you go live publicly, practice privately. Here's a simple progression:

Week 1: Record yourself talking to your phone camera for 60 seconds about something you're passionate about. Don't post it. Just watch it back and notice what you like. (Yes, there will be things you like—look for them.)

Week 2: Record 2-3 minute videos sharing a quick tip related to your business. Still private. Get comfortable with your voice, your mannerisms, your energy.

Week 3: Share a pre-recorded video to your Stories. This is your first semi-public step, and Stories disappear in 24 hours, which takes some pressure off.

Week 4: Go live in a small, supportive space—like a Facebook group where you feel safe—for just 3-5 minutes.

"You don't have to go from zero to viral. You just have to go from hiding to showing up. Start where you are."

The 3-Minute Confidence Ritual

Before every single live I do, I practice a simple ritual that shifts my energy from anxious to grounded:

Minute 1 — Breathe: Take 5 deep breaths. In through your nose for 4 counts, hold for 4, out through your mouth for 6. This activates your parasympathetic nervous system and tells your body you're safe.

Minute 2 — Affirm: Speak truth over yourself. I say things like: "My voice matters. Someone needs to hear this today. I am equipped for this moment. God didn't give me this message to keep it to myself."

Minute 3 — Visualize: Picture ONE woman watching your live. She's tired. She's juggling everything. And what you're about to say is going to be the encouragement she desperately needs today. You're not talking to "an audience." You're talking to her.

This ritual works because it gets you out of your head and into your heart. That's where authentic connection lives.

Practical Steps to Actually Show Up

Okay, sis—let's get tactical. Here's exactly how to prepare for your first (or next) live video in a way that sets you up for success.

Preparing Without Overthinking

Preparation is your best friend, but perfectionism is your enemy. Here's the difference:

Helpful preparation: Writing 3-5 bullet points of what you want to cover. Knowing your opening sentence. Having a clear call to action at the end.

Perfectionism in disguise: Writing a full script and trying to memorize it. Practicing 27 times until it sounds "natural." Waiting until you have professional lighting, a perfect backdrop, and your hair appointment is fresh.

Your outline should be simple. I use this framework:

Hook: What's the question or problem that will make someone stop scrolling? ("Ever feel like you're invisible online even though you're posting consistently?")

Heart: 2-3 main points with examples or stories. This is the value.

Help: What should they do next? (Comment, join your community, download your freebie, etc.)

That's it. Hook, heart, help. You don't need more than that.

Creating Your Comfort Zone Setup

Your environment affects your confidence more than you realize. But "perfect setup" doesn't mean expensive or Instagram-worthy. It means comfortable for YOU.

Here's my simple setup checklist:

Lighting: Face a window with natural light, or invest in a simple ring light (you can find good ones for under $30). Good lighting makes you look and feel better on camera.

Background: Choose a spot that's reasonably tidy, but don't stress about perfect. A bookshelf, a plant, a plain wall—all work great. Real life is more relatable than a staged set anyway.

Comfort items: Have your favorite mug of coffee or tea nearby. Wear something that makes you feel confident (yes, even if it's just from the waist up). I keep a small sign next to my phone that says "Breathe. Smile. You've got this."

Tech check: Test your internet connection. Check your audio. Position your phone or laptop at eye level (stack some books underneath if needed). These small details prevent tech-related panic.

Engaging Even When It Feels Awkward

Here's a secret: everyone feels awkward at first. The difference between people who push through and people who quit is simply deciding the awkward phase is worth it.

Tips for genuine engagement:

Welcome people by name: When someone joins, acknowledge them! "Hey Sarah! So glad you're here, sis!" This makes your live feel personal and builds loyalty.

Ask simple questions: "Where are you tuning in from today?" or "Drop a 🙋‍♀️ if you've ever felt this way!" Questions invite participation and make the silence less intimidating.

Speak to the replay: Most of your views will come from the replay, not the live audience. So talk to those women too: "If you're watching the replay, comment below and let me know what resonated!"

Embrace the interruptions: If your kid walks in, introduce them! "And this is my why right here!" Your audience is full of moms who get it. Those real moments build connection.

Embracing Your Support System

Here's something I wish I'd understood sooner: you don't have to build your confidence in isolation. In fact, trying to do it alone makes everything harder.

Why Visibility Coaching Changes Everything

Working with a visibility coach (or joining a coaching program) can accelerate your progress dramatically. Not because you can't do it yourself, but because:

A coach helps you identify your specific blocks—the ones you can't see because you're too close to them. She holds up a mirror and helps you see your brilliance, not just your fears.

A coach provides accountability. It's much harder to hide when someone is lovingly asking, "So, did you do that live we talked about?"

A coach gives you personalized strategies that fit YOUR life—not generic advice that assumes you have 4 hours a day to create content.

The Power of Sisterhood and Community

Beyond coaching, being part of a community of women on similar journeys is transformational. When you're surrounded by other mompreneurs who understand your struggles and celebrate your wins, showing up becomes easier.

In my communities, I watch women go from lurking silently to going live regularly—not because they suddenly became different people, but because they found their people.

They found sisters who comment on their first live with heart emojis and "You're doing amazing!" They found accountability partners who check in and say, "I saw your post today and it made me tear up." They found a safe space to be imperfect and still be celebrated.

That kind of support changes everything.

Your Invitation to Be Seen

Sis, I want to leave you with this truth: The longer you wait to be visible, the longer you delay the impact you're meant to have.

There is a woman out there right now who needs exactly what you have to offer. She's scrolling through social media during her lunch break or after the kids go to bed, looking for someone who understands. Someone who can help her believe that balancing motherhood and business isn't just possible—it's worth fighting for.

That someone is you.

You don't need another strategy. You don't need to wait until you lose 10 pounds or get a ring light or figure out the algorithm. You just need permission to be visible on your terms.

Consider this your permission.

"You don't need another strategy. You need permission to be visible on your terms."

Your Next Step

If you're ready to stop hiding and start showing up with the support of women who get it, I want to invite you to join the Unmuted & SEEN Membership. Inside, you'll find:

Visibility training designed specifically for introverted mompreneurs. Live coaching calls where you can ask questions and get real-time support. A community of sisters cheering you on every step of the way. Accountability that's loving, not pushy. Practical tools that work with your real life, not against it.

Because you weren't meant to stay muted, sis. You were meant to be seen.

Ready to take your first step? Join the Unmuted & SEEN Membership today and get the support you deserve.

Can't wait to see you inside!

With love and a whole lot of faith,

Tammy

Founder, The Unmuted CEO