9 Ways Make Your Personal Brand Into an Art Form
Why not?!
When we think of someone just outstandingly chic in our lives they probably have some really noteworthy aspects—something they wear, or say, or how the decorate their home, or give advice. The way they present to the world that’s just so them. I have a friend’s mom who’s an interior designer and she had always done these joyful floral rooms, just layers of different floral patterns with overstuffed furniture and drapery. Her home still has this vibe and I love it, even though it’s not my personal style, it’s so her and whenever I see an English countryside house or something like it I think of her. That’s a personal brand. My own mom has made wedding cakes since I was about 7, the name of her business is Lady Fingers but wherever she goes she runs into people and they say ohmygosh, you’re the Cake Lady, and then they have a story about a cake she made or the day she made it for, or coming to her house to meet her and try the cakes. It’s not the cakes, it’s her warmth, and her humor, the ease she presents with (though her cakes are delicious). Whenever I see anything with lions or chinoiserie-inspired pieces I think of my grandma, and so does everyone else in my family—these were part of her personal brand. Your large vocabulary can be part of your brand, your love of greco-roman architecture, or being the one who always figures out the check.
So why am I talking about this? This Helena Bonham Carter quote sums it up so perfectly. There’s so much talk about personal branding for your business or social media presence, but it all really starts with being intentional about how you live your life. It is an art form. Below are some of the ways to polish yours right up, and get to the heart of your beautifully formed existence that has nothing to do with Instagram curation.
i. send handwritten thank you notes.
A little note expressing a special detail after attending an event or even a small dinner is so special and truly a lost art. Get some outstanding stationery like this from Pineider or something like this from Smythson. I went through a phase where I did a water color of people’s houses on the front of the card, alas it didn’t become a signature of my personal style.
ii. speaking of events, never show up empty handed to a party at someone’s home
My rule of thumb for hostess gifts is never to bring anything that they need to live with forever. Instead, bring the same flowers for each season always (already in a vase like this one), olive oil (I love this one from flamingo estate), or some homemade granola well-packaged for breakfast the next morning. (my sister has a nice recipe here.) But choose what feels like you and stick with it.
iii. embrace a signature wine or mocktail.
Either to serve or gift there’s something very chic about picking one that’s all yours and that people associate you with. For wine, that can mean that you choose a signature vineyard you always source from. I am loving the super special wines from Ovid Napa Valley, an organic vineyard. You can inquire about a subscription here, and they’ll answer any questions you have. How chic is the idea of giving a bottle for a wedding gift with beautiful glasses? The wine is both insanely good and the bottle is gorgeous—just like you.
If I say, vodka, soda, lemon squeezed, carcass out, do you know who I’m referring to? That’s a personal brand.
If you’re not into alc-maybe it’s as simple as a lavender lemonade you make yourself, or you always have a pretty bottle of Ghia on hand to bring with you.
iv. choose a “you” lip color.
Obviously ignore if this isn’t aligned, but I love the idea of a lip that people constantly ask you what the color is. I’ve tried a lot and there are many great shades but Nars lip crayon in Dragon Girl has become mine for ease of application, staying power and non-transferability. Here is a pic of me from 2020 wearing it to show the consistency!
v. same but different, nothing makes people associate something with you quite like scent
I’m new to the fragrance game, I’m currently into Vyrao Magnetic 70, it feels like me, a little mysterious, slightly masculine. But I also just got the new Nette lemon vanilla scent which is delightful for summer. I’d only wear clean fragrances personally and it’s fun to experiment while I find my go-to. It might even just be your shampoo or what you wash your clothing with. I’m into this clean Lavaree detergent in Forest.
vi. learn how to make one great dessert
There are some hostesses that balk at the idea of people bringing food when you’re invited, but if your hostess isn’t of that sort—or you’re the one hosting, a signature dessert is the height of chic (even if it’s the only one you know how to make). I went through a phase where I made gluten free madeleines often, but I’ve moved onto a simple chocolate mousse. Recipe here (and naturally gf!). I’m also into the idea of a pavlova with some sort of lemon curd and berries. But make it your favorite, it can even be cookies (also a great hostess gift).
Serve in this Louis Roe coup.
vii. a silhouette
Maybe it’s a well-tailored suit, maybe it’s a maxi skirt, or a vest, but if there’s one clothing item that you regularly gravitate towards, don’t fight it. This proves that your signature might be something you find a little later, because early in life you’re still really experimenting. I’d argue that people associated me often with platforms, which feels like a former me now (one who cared far more about appearing taller than I do now). I’d say that long skirts have now become a signature (I’m wearing one in the last 8 out of ten instagrams I’ve posted). It will make getting dressed feel less daunting if there’s something you know will make you feel so you.
viii. same but different, heirloom jewelry
A different grandma from the lion grandma loved pearl jewelry. She bought us each a piece when we were turned 8 and she always wore them for special occasions. Now we (her many granddaughters) always think of her when we see pearls or wear them, which is so lovely. I love signet rings but always lose them so I’m currently still in search of the jewelry piece that will truly represent me and that I’ll pass down to my daughter. Maybe I’d be extra careful with this Yvonne Léon piece though.
iv. a spiritual practice
The over/under on all of your signatures that create your personal brand is self-knowledge. People with a strong personal brand are unmitigatedly themselves. Having a strong spiritual practice helps us reach that point—morning meditation, journaling, prayer, breathwork, whatever speak to you, done on a consistent basis, is the key to awareness. Why not?