The Power of Personal Branding

As part of Bynd Artisan’s “10 Years and Beyond” celebrations, our first panel conversation, held on October 19 at our Chip Bee Gardens Atelier, welcomed Love, Bonito's co-founder Rachel Lim, and our very own co-founder Winnie Chan who took on the role of moderator while sharing her personal stories as example in this inspiring exchange. Together, they offered insights on “The Power of Personal Branding”, diving into what it means to build an authentic and lasting identity. Below is a recap of key takeaways and reflections from Rachel in a discussion infused with wisdom and tips. Enjoy.

Nuggets of Wisdom from Rachel:

What is personal branding?
Personal branding goes beyond creating a professional image. It’s about aligning your actions, values and passions to reflect who you truly are. At its core, personal branding begins with awareness. Understanding your core values, identifying what matters most, and intentionally expressing them in what you set out to build.

Your values — whether it is authenticity, community, or lifelong learning — serve as a compass that will guide your decisions and relationships. Staying true and consistent to these values allows your brand to grow naturally, leaving a lasting impact on those around you.

Creating a personal brand
This requires intentionality and reflection. It’s about asking yourself:
- What do I stand for?
- What am I passionate about?
- How can I bring value to the world?

A strong personal brand integrates these elements with your skills, creating a unique identity that resonates with others. Over time, this alignment shapes perceptions, fosters trust, and builds meaningful connections.

This is just the starting point. Your personal branding isn’t static. It is a journey of growth. As you evolve, so does your personal branding, reflecting the ongoing pursuit of purpose and passion. It’s a lifelong journey of honing your purpose and living with authenticity.

What is authenticity, really?
Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we're supposed to be, and instead embracing who we are. It’s about being honest with yourself, and not being afraid to confront and own all that makes you, you — the good bits and the bits that are a work in progress.

How to overcome the jitters of starting?
Don’t be afraid to try. Over time, you’ll come to learn that it’s not all as scary as you think. You just need to take the first step. What is worse than trying and failing is the regret of not having tried at all. What’s the worst that could happen? If it doesn’t work out, at least you tried and learned something.

The conversation concluded with Rachel and Winnie sharing personal mottos they live by, aptly capturing the essence of the session.

Rachel: “Don’t die with your music still inside of you.”

This quote by Wayne Dyer has become a motto that has helped Rachel to stay focused on her journey. She believes that everyone has a unique and special gift and purpose in this world. Everyone is created to make a difference, and it is a privilege and our responsibility to hone that gift and serve the world. Instead of belittling herself or conforming, she is intent on listening to the music of her own heart, always looking inwards, always staying honest both with herself and those around her.

Winnie: “Carpe diem.”

Seize the day, live with intention, and leave no regrets.

Overcome fear or hesitation and embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Celebrate the now, knowing that time is fleeting and precious.

This philosophy reminds us to pursue what truly matters with urgency and gratitude, creating a life filled with passion and fulfillment.

In a nutshell, personal branding is not just about visibility or recognition. It’s about staying true to oneself, growing authentically, and creating a legacy that shines like a lighthouse, as a beacon for others seeking their own path.

Our heartfelt gratitude to Rachel for joining us on the panel and sharing invaluable insights, as well as to everyone who came and spent meaningful time with us. Until the next one, we wish you the very best on your endeavours, on your journey.