WHO NEEDS A PERSONAL BRAND? EVERYONE, DARLING!

Let’s be honest: the days of resumes and tidy portfolios tucked into leather folders are long gone. These days, your next client, employer, or opportunity is probably Googling you—right now. And if there’s nothing there? Not mysterious. Just… invisible. (And maybe a little creepy?)

Why It Matters Now

Back in 2016, I had a moment. Personal branding wasn’t just a trend—it was the new resume, the new reputation, the new currency. And it still is.

At first, it was the creatives who caught on: photographers, stylists, lifestyle influencers. The ones turning gritty alleys into aspirational shoots. They used Instagram like a modern-day calling card—and it worked. Their aesthetic, their story, their presence became their portfolio.

Now, this applies to everyone.

Your Hobbies Aren’t Random. They’re Strategy.

Remember that little “Hobbies & Interests” section we used to throw at the bottom of a resume? Turns out, those quirky passions are what make people remember you.

Whether it’s your love of vintage typewriters or your obsession with soil science (more on that in a sec), those details are what give your brand depth. People want to know the full human—what you care about, what you’re curious about, how you move through the world.

But let’s be clear: this isn’t about oversharing. It’s about curating. Sparkle, don’t splatter.

The Visibility Myth

Not everyone wants to be a content creator. I get that. But if you're building something—anything—you need to be findable. I’ve worked with artists, professors, even luxury skincare founders who were missing out on major opportunities simply because they were hard to find online.

Today’s gatekeepers—gallery owners, publishers, even fashion retailers—aren’t just looking for talent. They’re looking for traction. Numbers. A reason to believe you’re already captivating an audience.

It’s not always fair. But it is the game. And once you know the rules, you can play them your way.

Social Proof Is the New Trust

Having an audience doesn’t mean you have to dance on TikTok. It means showing up in a way that feels true to you—and building trust by doing so consistently.

Take @plantkween. What started as a passion for plants turned into partnerships with Kimpton Hotels, Mrs. Meyers, and 1-800-Flowers. That’s the power of showing up online in a way that’s you, consistently.

Or take Dr. Koo. She’s not just selling luxury skincare—she’s sharing 30 years of medical expertise with the warmth of your favorite aunt. That’s her edge. That’s her brand. That’s why her patients become superfans.

Where to Start

Start small, but start smart:

• Define your stage (Gallery? Substack? Instagram? LinkedIn?)

• Decide how you want to be known.

• Share content that reflects both your depth and your taste.

• And most of all, stay consistent. A personal brand isn’t a viral post—it’s a body of work.

Because in a world of noise, style stands out. And trust me, your story—with its quirks, expertise, and je ne sais quoi—is what sets you apart.

Want Help Bringing Yours to Life?

At jSQ Creative, we help founders and creatives translate their brilliance into something magnetic. Like we did with a soil scientist who became HOUSE OF SOIL—an eco-fashion thought leader with a brand rooted in both the earth and elegance.

Let’s make sure your digital presence reflects who you really are.

Book a 15-minute call with us at JSQ Creative Agency to see if we're the right fit to help chart your path to success.

THROUGH BRAND STRATEGY, WE BUILD CREDIBILITY FOR BUSINESSES WITH DISCERNING CUSTOMERS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Tell your friends! :)