The Importance of Personal Branding
- Innasya Mackenzie
- 19 hours ago
- 3 min read
Competence breeds confidence. If you’ve spent your life studying medicine, and suddenly you're put in a room full of philosophers — expected to give a speech on philosophy — would you be confident giving that presentation? The same goes for identity. If you don’t know who you are, how can you be confident?
Learn who you are, unlearn who they told you to be.
The importance of personal branding goes far beyond how others perceive you. While a personal brand does build credibility and trust it’s not just your resume. If someone asked you who you are — without mentioning your job title and the things you do — would you be able to answer them?
A personal brand is rooted in authenticity and is maintained through consistency. Built off of your morals and beliefs, your thoughts and opinions, your personal brand is who you are without influence. It guides the decisions you make, your career path, and leadership style.
In a world of social media that has taught us to conform, follow trends, and “fit in”, living as your authentic self is the most courageous act of all.
The coolest people are the ones who don’t care. Who create their life, their aesthetic, and their aura, not based on what others think is chic but what brings joy to their life. Think of every ‘it-girl’ you admire, what do they all have in common? A personal brand unique to them.
Let's play a little game: Who is the first person that comes to mind when you see…
1. Who do you think of?
Chanel Oberlin
Blair Waldorf
Fallon Carrington
Cheryl Blossom
2. Who do you think of?
Carrie Bradshaw
Sabrina Fairchild
Holly Golightly
Lorelai Lee
Where fashion meets philosophy, where outward expression mirrors the inner journey.
A place to inspire you to dress with intention, express yourself fully, and cultivate confidence from the inside out.
Who do you think of?
Priscilla Presley
Lux Lisbon
Catherine “Kitty” Covey
Penny Lane
Who do you think of?
Effy Stonem
Maddy Perez
Marissa Cooper
Serena van der Woodsen
Who do you think of?
Anna Delvey
Amy Dunne
Becky Sharp
Regina George
Who do you think of?
Serena van der Woodsen
Daisy Buchanan
Betty Draper
Satine
Who do you think of?
Rory Gilmore
Betty Cooper
Aria Montgomery
Jenny Humphrey
Who do you think of?
Cher Horowitz
Elle Woods
Regina George
Sharpay Evans
Who do you think of?
Cruella de Vil
Miranda Priestly
Catherine Tramell
Anna Delvey
If you don’t create your personal brand, others will create it for you. Being unsure of yourself allows others agency over your individuality. After dealing with scrutiny, nitpicking, and hate for the last few years, my self-esteem and self-assurance went out the window. I was constantly worried about other people's perception of me. My fear of criticism for living authentically, consumed me to the point that I allowed others to define who I was. I started to believe the comments telling me I was “dumb”, “stupid”, "self-centered", “a train-wreck”, and I had truly never been more miserable in my life.
I was second guessing everything that I said, did, and posted. My life became not my own but a performance to please people I was gaslit into believing I was hurting.
I’m proud to say that I currently have the strongest “I don’t give a fuck” attitude. I know I'm smart, hard working, motivated, and successful. I know I'm kind, my intentions are pure, and I lead with a heart full of empathy and compassion. Finally, I can say that I know myself, and I don’t care what people who’ve never met me have to say about me because they’re wrong. It’s comical at this point how “right” they think they are.
At the same time I look at their actions with emotional understanding because someone so sure of themselves has no reason to tear another down.
A personal brand rooted in authenticity is a powerful compass. It makes you magnetic, memorable, and creates a sense of confidence others long for. If you want to learn how to create a personal brand read: Chic Autonomy: The Art of Being Yourself.
Love,
Innasya x
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