Should You Be a Part of Your Branding
Understanding When to Include Your Essence and When to Keep It Separate
As a creative, coach, service-based business owner, or thought leader, your work is deeply connected to who you are. You may have felt that pull to put more of you into your brand—whether it’s showing your face more, sharing your energy, or making your essence the core of your brand. But then, there’s that lingering question that keeps popping up: Should I be a part of my branding?
Maybe you’ve thought to yourself, “Should I show my face on social media more? Is my business truly just me in another form? How much of my personal essence should be tied to my brand?” It’s a struggle I see so many of you facing—the tension between wanting to stay true to yourself and trying to figure out what it means to build a business that feels aligned.
You’re not alone in this. The question of whether to weave yourself into your brand or keep it separate can feel confusing, especially when your work is so deeply intertwined with your soul’s mission. But here’s the truth: your brand is a reflection of you—your energy, your essence, and your unique perspective on the world. And when your brand is aligned with your true self, it becomes magnetic, effortlessly attracting the people who are meant to find you.
But how do you know if your brand should include more of you—or if it’s time to shift gears and focus on something bigger? Let’s break it down.
When Your Essence Should Be A Part Of Your Brand
If your business is rooted in your personal services, your story, or your unique method, then it makes sense for your essence to shine through. As a coach, creative, or service-based business owner, your energy and presence are often the very thing that sets you apart. Your clients come to you because of you—they’re not just looking for a service; they’re looking for the transformation that only you can provide.
When your essence is the core of your brand, it creates a natural magnetism. Your messaging, visuals, and even your energy radiate in a way that attracts those who resonate with your mission and values. It’s not just about “putting your face out there”—it’s about sharing your soul, your energy, and your unique perspective with the world. This is where your brand becomes a true reflection of who you are and what you stand for.
When To Keep Your Essence Separate From Your Brand
While personal branding is powerful, it’s not always necessary to make your essence the focal point of your brand. For some businesses, it may be strategically advantageous to keep your personal identity separate from your brand, depending on your business type and goals.
Here are a few examples where your essence may not need to be the center of your brand:
• Product-Based Businesses: For businesses that focus on products rather than services (e.g., physical goods or consumer goods), the emphasis is often on the quality, functionality, and customer experience of the product itself rather than the founder’s personal brand.
• Tech Startups: In industries like technology or software, the product’s innovation and utility often take precedence over the individual behind it.
• B2B Businesses: If you’re offering services to other businesses (e.g., B2B consulting, enterprise software, or equipment), the focus is typically on the business value and professionalism, not the personality of the business owner.
• Service-Based Operations: For franchises or businesses with standardized offerings (e.g., cleaning services, spas, logistics), the brand is often more about the service consistency and customer trust than the individual behind the business.
Now, where it gets nuanced is in coaching or consulting businesses—particularly those that have evolved into digital products (like online courses or templates). These businesses might benefit from emphasizing expertise and results over personal branding because the product or service may not rely as heavily on the founder’s face or personality. However, if you’re a coach or consultant who directly works with clients, especially one-on-one or in small groups, the human connection and personal essence often play a significant role in your branding.
In cases where your business revolves around standardized offerings (e.g., a course or digital download that doesn’t rely on ongoing personal interaction), you may choose to separate your personal essence from your brand to make room for the value and transformation your product brings.
But for coaches and consultants who thrive on relationship-driven work or personal transformation, your personal brand can be the heartbeat of your business, as the energy you bring will influence how clients perceive the service you provide.
Is It Fear Or Alignment?
For those of you who are service-based, creative, or personal brand-focused, you might find yourself sitting on the fence wondering if you should include yourself in your branding. The question of “Should I show my face?” or “Is this really about me?” often stems from a deeper fear.
Fear shows up when we’re on the brink of something big—when we’re about to step into the next phase of our business. It’s that voice asking, “If I show up, will people accept me? Will they reject me? Am I ‘too much’?” This fear can make you hesitate, keeping you stuck in a cycle of hiding, even though your soul is calling you to show up and shine.
But here’s the thing: fear isn’t a sign to hide. It’s a sign you’re stepping into a new level of leadership and visibility. That fear is only keeping you from fully aligning with your essence and stepping into your truth.
When that fear shows up, ask yourself: What’s on the other side of this fear? Is it really about being judged, or is it the discomfort of stepping into a more powerful version of yourself? The truth is, fear can be the very thing that unlocks your next evolution if you choose to embrace it.
So, is it fear, or is it your essence trying to come through? Are you allowing fear to keep you invisible, or are you ready to align with your brand and step into your fullest potential?
If you’re feeling unsure about the alignment of your brand or would like my eyes on your brand to get personalized feedback, consider booking a Brand Audit. It’s the perfect way to get clear on what’s working and what needs recalibration.
Embracing Your Brand’s Evolution:
ALIGN WITH YOUR ESSENCE
Aligning your brand with your essence isn’t a one-time task—it’s a continual, evolving process. As you grow, so does your brand. If you’ve been questioning how much of yourself to include or how to show up more authentically, the real question is whether your brand reflects your true mission, values, and soul.
Your brand doesn’t need to be perfect—it needs to be genuine. It’s not about trying to fit into an external mold or create something that isn’t you. It’s about embracing your unique essence and letting that shine through every part of your brand. When you show up as yourself, your brand naturally becomes magnetic.
If you’re feeling called to evolve your brand to better reflect where you are now, listen to that call. The doubts and fears are just a part of the journey. You’re not meant to stay hidden or play small. Your purpose, your message, and your brand are meant to expand with you.
When your brand aligns with your truth, it doesn’t just attract people—it magnetizes them. It draws in those who resonate with your vision, energy, and essence. And this isn’t about forcing visibility; it’s about letting your energy speak for itself.
Ready to start aligning your brand with your soul’s essence? Download my free Purpose-Driven Brand Blueprint (AI Powered Prompt) to get clarity on how to align your brand with your true mission. This guide will help you create a brand that feels authentic, magnetic, and aligned with your purpose—so you can attract the right people with ease.
Your brand, like you, is always evolving. Embrace the journey of alignment and let your essence shine through every aspect of your business.
To your alignment,
