Founding a business often means you become the face of your brand. We chat with Hong Kong entrepreneurs to see where they draw the line to prevent identity crisis.
Putting yourself forward to headhunters is one thing, having yourself represent an entire brand is an another. Whether you’re an entrepreneur building a start-up, or a freelancer developing your own portfolio, personal and business branding is more than attaining just work-life balance. Where and how should we draw the boundary between representing our private and professional selves? Here are some tips to deal with an identity crisis, as three entrepreneurs in Hong Kong share with us their experience and solutions.
How to cope with an identity crisis when you’re the face of your brand
1. Set clear boundaries to ensure time for self-care
Balancing personal identity and business branding is something I hold dear. It begins with designating specific times for work and private life. Even on hectic days with looming deadlines, I always carve out moments for self-hypnosis or a short walk. Self-care is essential to staying grounded and energised, as it enables me to bring my best self to every endeavour. Regular self-care sharpens my focus, a key ingredient for success and brand integrity. By adhering to these strategies, I ensure that both my personal and professional selves thrive in harmony.
– Christine Deschemin, Founder of Renewed Edge Counselling & Hypnotherapy Centre
2. Do what you love
During the process of creating MiliMilu, I’ve come to increasingly realise how my brand aligns with my personal values. My brand is a great reflection of my life and what’s important to me: family, friends, and my love for nature and adventure. I believe it’s important to do what you love and what is close to heart in order to stay motivated and enjoy presenting your business to others.
– Linda Morrison, Founder and Creative Director of MiliMilu
3. Overcome imposter syndrome and start showcasing yourself!
When I started my first business, I suffered from severe imposter syndrome. I overcame this fear through education, journaling, and surrounding myself with a support squad of smart, positive people who were a few years ahead of me in the entrepreneurial journey. As a consumer, I love learning about founders and their lives, so I understand the benefits in sharing what happens behind the scenes, the ups and downs, and the whole self. That’s why today, I use my personal self to showcase my media business (Honeycombers) and my business community (Launchpad). In fact, I have my personal Instagram account highlighted in all my business accounts, because I believe that people buy from people.
– Chris Edwards, Founder of Honeycombers and Launchpad
