The Day I Realised She Was the Brand — And Why It Changed Everything
Introduction
When I started Aunty Sadie Reads, we hid behind the character.
She was warm, playful, and instantly recognisable — but the face wasn’t real. Even if the voice was.
I thought that was the safest, most professional way to build a brand.
After all, people were here for the stories, not the person telling them… right?
Turns out, I was wrong.
The Moment It Clicked
One day, I posted a photo of the real “Aunty Sadie” — in Vienna’s National Library, surrounded by towering shelves and marble statues.
It was the first time the audience saw the actual face behind the voice.
The response was immediate: more likes, more comments, and more shares than anything we’d posted before.
People weren’t just connecting with the stories.
They were connecting with her.
Why Personal Branding Matters
Logos, fonts, and colour palettes are important — but they don’t build trust the way a face does.
- People buy from people — Seeing the person behind the work makes the connection feel real.
- It creates trust — You’re no longer a faceless brand, you’re a human with values and personality.
- It deepens loyalty — When people feel they know you, they stick around longer.
3 Wins I Saw Immediately
1. Higher Engagement
Posts featuring the real Aunty Sadie (even in small ways) got significantly more interaction than product-only posts.
2. Stronger Community Connection
Viewers began messaging, commenting, just engaging as if talking to a friend, not a channel.
3. Easier Storytelling
Suddenly, I could share behind-the-scenes moments, creative struggles, and wins — all of which kept the audience engaged between story uploads.
Closing Thoughts
That one photo taught me a simple truth:
Your brand isn’t your logo. It’s you.
You can still have a polished, consistent brand identity — but don’t be afraid to step in front of the camera. People connect with people, and that connection is what builds lasting loyalty.
CTA: What’s one way you’ve made your brand more personal?
That Jamie Bloke Author of the genre bending ONE EPIC YEAR 
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