How I Learned to Be My True, Authentic Self (And How You Can Too)

When I first started my small business, I was just another faceless brand. I hid behind logos and product photos, afraid to show my face, my personality, or my story. I thought that if I kept everything impersonal, I’d look “professional.”
But here’s the thing: being faceless didn’t make me professional—it made me invisible. My posts didn’t connect. My followers didn’t engage. I was blending in with everyone else selling the same products.
Then I made a choice. I started showing my face. I shared my story. I talked about my mental health struggles, my love for small cozy things, and the passion behind my brand. And something amazing happened: my confidence bloomed. So did my followers. My audience resonated with the real me, not a polished, faceless version of a business.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing, though. I made mistakes. I overextended myself, stressed over numbers, and sometimes got hurt by criticism. But that’s part of the journey—authenticity doesn’t mean perfect. It means showing up as you, flaws and all, and learning as you go.
Here’s what I’ve learned about being your true, authentic self, both in business and in life:

1. Start With Your Story
   Your experiences, your struggles, your triumphs—they’re all unique to you. Sharing them helps people connect with the person behind the brand. You don’t have to overshare, but opening a window into your life builds trust and relatability.
2. Show Up Even When It Feels Scary
   It’s scary to put yourself out there. Your confidence might waver. Your posts might flop. But showing up consistently is how people start to know and trust you. The more you show your real self, the more natural it becomes.
3. Accept That Not Everyone Will Understand You
   Some people won’t get your vibe. Some might even criticize or get offended. That’s okay. Authenticity isn’t about pleasing everyone—it’s about being true to yourself and attracting the people who do resonate with you.
4. Find What Works For You
   Don’t copy someone else’s strategy. Especially with SEO, marketing, or social media, what works for one creator won’t always work for you. Experiment, adapt, and find your unique flow.
5. Take Breaks and Prioritize Downtime
   Being authentic doesn’t mean burning yourself out. Your real-life experiences, passions, and rest inspire your work. Give yourself permission to step back, recharge, and let inspiration flow naturally.
6. Learn From Mistakes and Keep Rebuilding
   I messed up, yes. But every stumble is a lesson in disguise. Rebuilding is part of the journey, and it’s okay to pivot, refocus, and come back stronger. Authenticity isn’t a straight line—it’s a process.
   Your authenticity is your superpower. When you show up as yourself, you attract the people who truly belong in your corner—customers, friends, and supporters who value you as much as your products or ideas.
   So start today. Share a story, post that photo, speak your truth. Your confidence, your followers, and most importantly, your peace of mind, will thank you.