When I started Marie Gems, I didn’t have a grand business plan or a massive marketing budget. But what I did have was a passion for creativity, a desire to connect with others, and six little ones running around, keeping me grounded in reality. Building a personal brand was never the plan, but it grew naturally as I shared my life, struggles, and wins.

Here’s how I turned those moments into the foundation of Marie Gems and how you can do the same.

Starting with What You Know: Building a Personal Brand from Experience

Marie Gems began in a small 2-bedroom apartment, surrounded by the chaos that comes with raising six kids. It wasn’t just about making products; it was about finding a way to make things work. I shared snippets of my life on social media, from cooking dinner for my big family to crafting late into the night.

People didn’t just see a business — they saw a mom doing her best to juggle it all. That connection was the spark that turned my personal experiences into a relatable personal brand. And here we are, still in that same 2-bedroom apartment, still making things work, and still working towards being able to afford our forever home.

It’s a journey, and I’m grateful for every step, every challenge, and every moment of connection that has brought us closer to our goals.

Tip #1: Start with what you know.
Whether you’re a parent, a student, or someone with a unique hobby, lean into your experiences to shape your personal brand. People connect with authenticity, and your story is what sets you apart.

Sharing the Journey: The Key to Authentic Personal Branding

I’ve always believed that transparency is key. From the early days of experimenting with tumbler designs to the challenges of building a website, I shared it all. The good, the bad, and the downright messy moments became part of my brand’s story.

By being open about my journey, I invited others to join me on this wild ride, and they did. The support I received wasn’t just for the products I was selling — it was for the person behind them. Storytelling is a powerful way to build a brand narrative. Check out our blog post on The Power of Storytelling in Branding: How to Create a Compelling Brand Narrative to dive deeper into how you can use storytelling to connect with your audience.

Tip #2: Don’t be afraid to share your journey.
Your audience wants to see the real you. The struggles, the triumphs, and everything in between are what make your personal brand relatable and human.

Building Trust through Consistency

As a mom of six, consistency isn’t always easy, but I made it a priority for my brand. I committed to showing up, whether it was posting a new design, sending out weekly email updates, or simply sharing a piece of my day.

Over time, people knew they could count on Marie Gems for more than just quality products — they knew they could rely on me. Being consistent is a major element of personal branding. Whether it’s in your posting schedule or the quality of your products, your audience will trust your personal brand when they see your reliability.

Tip #3: Be consistent.
Whether it’s in your posting schedule, the quality of your products, or how you communicate with your audience, consistency builds trust. It shows that you’re reliable, which is essential for any brand.

Embracing the Mom Life

Let’s face it — being a mom is a full-time job in itself. But instead of trying to separate my personal life from my business, I embraced it. My kids became part of the brand, whether it was through the inspiration behind a new product or the reality of balancing work with family life.

Marie Gems isn’t just a business; it’s a reflection of who I am as a mom, and that’s something my audience resonates with. Whether I’m designing a new tumbler or handling a tantrum, it’s all part of the experience that makes Marie Gems a unique personal brand.

Tip #4: Embrace who you are.
Your personal brand should be a reflection of you. Whether you’re a parent, a pet lover, or a traveler, let those aspects of your life shine through in your brand.

Offering Value to Others

As Marie Gems grew, I realized that my journey could help others who were trying to build their own brands. That’s why I started offering tips, tools, and resources through my blog and social media.

By sharing what I’ve learned — often the hard way — I’ve been able to support others on their entrepreneurial journeys. This not only adds value to my audience but also strengthens my brand’s reputation.

Tip #5: Give back.
Share your knowledge, offer advice, and provide value to your audience. Helping others not only feels good but also positions you as a trusted resource in your niche.

Conclusion: Your Personal Brand, Your Story

Building Marie Gems from scratch has been a journey of growth, learning, and connection. It wasn’t just about creating a business — it was about building a personal brand that’s as real as the person behind it.

Remember, your brand is more than just a logo or a product; it’s a story, and you’re the author. Embrace your journey, share it with the world, and watch your brand flourish.

So, whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, remember that your personal brand is powerful. It’s your unique story, your experiences, and your authenticity that will make all the difference.

And if I can do it with six kids in tow, trust me — you can too.

For more insights and to explore how you can bring your personal brand to life, visit Marie Gems. Whether it’s custom products or branding services, we’re here to help you along the way.