We all think we’re being real—whether in public or in private—but the deeper challenge is questioning whether we truly know our real selves at all. In any case, even when we know ourselves we might face various pressures that push us to fit in or not cause trouble – so even the most well-intentioned person might struggle to always be 100% real in public. Sometimes the simplest questions are actually the most complex. Thankfully, we have some wonderful members of the community who offered to share their thoughts on this challenging question.
Mallory Duncan
Authenticity to me is important, and I like to think of myself as an extroverted introvert. The public version is the real version of me, but I do take some time to recharge my social battery. It is not uncommon to see me talking in my stories and connecting with my audience, and then take a few days where I just show photos. Read more >>>
David T. Stevens
1,000,000% In the wellness space there is a lot of talk about ‘masking’ and that is something I just have never done. I have always been me regardless of if I was accepted or well liked by everyone. Read more >>>
Kranay Jones
When people scroll through my social media, see my collaborations, or interact with my brand, they often assume they know exactly who I am. The public version of me looks polished, ambitious, and put together. I’ve even developed a reputation for being the “perfect girl,” the one who juggles school, business, and content creation with ease. Read more >>>
Fernando Ortega
Yes, quite a lot. Although, like everyone, I have some facets that are more public and others more private, but basically, I’m the same person. In public, I’ve always been straightforward; I enjoy speaking in front of people, sharing my opinions, and being honest—I’m not two-faced. When I’m working, I’m very professional. If I don’t like something, I either walk away or lose interest. Read more >>>
Esmeralda Anderson
It depends who you ask. People see me in different lights – some think I’m a wild extrovert, socialite , while others make assumptions about my life based off social media. Both are okay, because my feelings are real and what you meet is what you get, I can’t get any more real than that. Read more >>>
Ellie Burck
It really, really is (for better or worse 🤣). What you see IS what you get! The only way that I’m different is that in private life I’m pretty quiet (and I’m much more introverted than I probably appear on YouTube, in my blog posts, etc.). Read more >>>
Robyn Pallotta
This is a great question. I’m not really sure what the public version of me even is. I’m sure there’s some stereotype of what a tattoo artist should be, but I couldn’t be further from it. I often tell people that being a tattoo artist is my occupation, not my identity. Read more >>>
Renee St Pierre
Yes, 100%! I truly believe authenticity is what makes your business—and you—stand out. The version of me the public sees is the real me: a mom, a baker, and someone carrying on a family tradition of creating with care and intention. Sharing my true self through my baking allows people to connect with what I do. Read more >>>
Kelly Shaw
I think so, at this point. I tried really hard to make Ms. Kelly a role I occupy, not a character I play. Kids can smell phony from a mile away; no one gives them credit for that. That’s why the TV hosts with staying power are people like Mr. Rogers, LeVar Burton, Steve Irwin. Read more >>>
allison coleman
LOL—mostly! The public version of me is very real, but in private I definitely curse a lot more. What you see is rooted in truth, though. My core values—especially around ethics, boundaries, and showing up with integrity—guide me in both my personal and professional life. Read more >>>
