PODCAST EP:11 “How to be Authentically You”

Welcome back everyone!!  Today I'll be sharing a special conversation I had with my dear friend, Greyson. As a hair extension specialist based in Los Angeles, Greyson has an incredible story of transformation and growth. We discussed our shared experiences, creative endeavors, and the immense significance of authenticity in our personal and professional lives.

Let me start by reflecting on the beginning of my journey with Greyson. It all started when he was one of my students. Over time, we became friends, collaborators, and eventually, the best of friends. Our connection is so strong that we often joke about sharing one single brain cell.

While Greyson is widely recognized for his expertise in hair extensions, he is also a multi-talented individual who loves all creative things. Lately, he has been exploring various artistic outlets, such as sketching on his iPad, sewing, and even legos. I've noticed a remarkable shift in Greyson's journey from merely following instructions, like building Lego sets, to pursuing his own creative projects, such as sewing and drawing. It represents his growth as an individual in the realm of creativity.

One of the key topics that Greyson and I delved into was authenticity—its importance in both our personal lives and professional endeavors. Greyson, with his unique style, including face, neck, and knuckle tattoos, wholeheartedly embraces his personal brand. I admire his authenticity, his distinctive style serves as a genuine reflection of his true self.

During our conversation, we also tackled the societal pressure to conform and fit in. Greyson and I shared similar experiences of feeling the need to change aspects of ourselves in order to belong. However, we soon realized that altering who we were did not lead to lasting happiness. Instead, we found true hasppiness and success by fully embracing our authentic selves and expressing our individuality.

Now, let's talk about the challenge of building a professional brand while remaining true to oneself. Greyson and I firmly believe that there's no need to separate our personalities from our professionalism. Greyson shared his personal journey of relocating from Texas to California and how he initially felt compelled to adjust his style to fit in. However, upon arriving in California, he discovered that he could be his genuine self and still thrive in his career.

I resonated with Greyson's story, as I've built a successful brand despite my “loud” personality and unconventional style. It's essential to recognize that being "a lot" or "too much" is often a projection of other people's insecurities, not a reflection of our own worth or potential for success. By embracing our uniqueness and expressing ourselves authentically, we attract like-minded individuals and pave the way for our personal and professional triumphs.

To conclude our inspiring conversation, Greyson and I want to emphasize the immense power of authenticity in every aspect of life. We encourage everyone to embrace their true selves, celebrate their individual styles, and remember that authenticity is a magnet for success. We challenge the notion that conformity to societal norms is necessary for fitting in or achieving greatness. Instead, we wholeheartedly believe in the tremendous influence of individuality and self-expression.

Thank you for joining me on this journey of authenticity and personal growth. May you find the courage to be your authentic self and embrace all that makes you unique.

xo, Ani