In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, one powerful shift has become impossible to ignore: personal branding is the new currency, especially for small and growing businesses. As a jewellery brand owner, I'm not just selling earrings, rings, or necklaces—I’m selling style, identity, and trust. And in 2025, trust is built through connection. That’s where showing my face comes in.

When I first started Monica. B, I genuinely believed the jewellery should speak for itself.

I was focused on design, product quality, and keeping the brand visually polished. I’d post reels of our pieces styled beautifully, close-ups of texture and shine, and product shots I was proud of. But for the most part, I stayed behind the scenes.

Not because I didn’t want to connect with the audience, but because I wasn’t sure if people wanted to see me.

But things have changed. And honestly, so have I.

I’ve recently started appearing more in your content, whether in Instagram reels, stories, or product showcases, and I have unlocked one of the most effective strategies in modern branding. Here’s what I've learned...

1. People Connect with People, Not Just Products

It sounds simple, but it took me a while to fully understand this.
When I started posting more content with me in it—styling the pieces myself, talking to the camera, or even just sharing daily looks—the response was completely different. Suddenly, engagement felt real. I wasn’t just posting—I was connecting.

Customers and followers weren’t just commenting on the jewellery, they were asking, learning about the brand directly from me,  where I got my inspiration, how I style things, etc.

That kind of connection is hard to build with product shots alone or through the face of a model.

2. I Became My Own Influencer (Without Meaning To)

I was a part-time content creator before starting my brand, helping other brands grow by tapping into my audience and influence. It made sense to channel the same energy into my brand. Don't get me wrong, I would still love to do more collaborations with others to grow the brand, but something interesting happened when I started showing up more: I became my own content creator. And people responded really well to that.

Seeing me wear the pieces, style them with real outfits, or talk through design choices helped people trust the brand more—and made styling feel more accessible.

And the bonus? It saved time, money, and helped me stay more aligned with the brand voice.

3. Content Became Easier (and More Enjoyable)

When I stopped overthinking how “perfect” things had to look and just started creating more personal content, everything felt easier.

Ideas came faster. I had more fun filming. And honestly, the pressure dropped. It didn’t have to be high-production every time. Sometimes, a mirror selfie in good lighting with a great pair of earrings and a quick styling tip performs better than a polished shoot.

Showing my face helped the brand feel less curated and more connected.

4. It Helped Me Reconnect With Why I Started This Brand

This one’s a bit personal, but it’s true: showing up more reminded me of the why behind Monica. B. It brought me back to the spark that made me want to start a jewellery brand in the first place.

It reminded me that I love creating pieces that feel effortless but special. That jewellery can transform an outfit—and a mood. That the way we express ourselves matters.

And the more I share that story, the more people seem to feel it, too.

5. I Built More Trust Without “Selling” Hard

I didn’t start showing up to sell harder, I started showing up to be more present. But interestingly, it’s helped the brand grow in a really organic way. I want real community and real connections!

People buy from brands they trust. And trust grows faster when they know who’s behind the brand—what they believe in, how they design, how they style, and what matters to them.

There are potential challenges to this, which I'm still navigating

  • Feeling Vulnerable and Exposed
    Putting yourself front and centre can feel scary. It’s natural to worry about judgment or criticism, especially when you’re used to staying behind the scenes. That vulnerability can be uncomfortable, and I'm still trying to get used to it.

  • More Time and Energy Required
    Creating personal content—filming yourself, styling, and engaging in comments—can be more time-consuming and emotionally draining than just posting product shots or curated visuals.

  • Privacy and Boundaries
    Showing your face means sharing parts of your life publicly, which can blur lines between personal and professional. Maintaining boundaries and protecting your privacy takes conscious effort.

  • Pressure to Maintain Consistency
    Once your audience starts expecting to see you, it can feel like pressure to show up regularly, even when you’re not inspired or don’t feel “camera ready.” That can lead to burnout if not managed carefully.

  • Not Everyone Will Relate or Like It
    Personal branding is a powerful tool, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. Some people prefer to engage only with product-focused content, and some followers might prefer anonymity or more polished, less personal branding.

  • Risk of Overshadowing the Product
    There’s a delicate balance between showing up and letting your product shine. If the focus shifts too heavily on you, some customers might lose sight of the product’s value.

How I Manage These Challenges

  • I remind myself that vulnerability is part of the growth.

  • I schedule “offline” days to protect my energy.

  • I keep boundaries around what I share—what feels authentic, not oversharing.

  • I listen to my audience but stay true to my creative vision.

  • I balance personal content with product shots to keep the spotlight on the jewellery, too.

So, here are my final thoughts: I'm Letting My Face Be My Brand’s Superpower.

If you're a growing jewellery brand like me, showing your face isn’t just a nice touch; consider it a smart strategy. In an industry that thrives on emotion, meaning, and beauty, the most impactful thing you can do is show up as yourself.

So keep posting. Keep sharing. Keep connecting. The more you build your presence as the founder and face of your brand, the more your audience will buy into your story—and your product.

Love,

Banke x