No More Hiding: How Being the Face of Your Brand Builds Trust and Connection
In a previous chapter of my life, I had an Instagram page that was all about beautiful people, poetry and exotic cars. I was obsessed with capturing the perfect shot, pairing it with carefully crafted poetry, and curating an aesthetically pleasing grid. But here’s the catch: I rarely if ever showed my face. I thought of myself as the mysterious creative—someone whose work people knew, but whose identity remained unknown.
I didn’t mind it at all. In fact, I enjoyed it. There was something intriguing about remaining anonymous while my work spoke for itself. No one recognized me when I went to networking events and car events and I could have conversations with people who admired my page without them ever realizing they were talking to the person behind the lens.
But here’s where it gets interesting. Whenever I eventually met people in person and told them about my social media account, I would often get confused looks. They’d ask for my Instagram handle, and when I’d give it to them, their expressions would say it all: “Wait, you’re that guy?” One time, I even asked someone what they thought I looked like based on my work. The answer? "I don't know... a little Asian boy?"
That's a juxtaposition if there ever was one. I was never what they imagined me to be, and while that amused me back then, it also got me thinking.
Why Hiding Hurts: The Missed Opportunity of Staying Behind the Curtain
For a long time, I enjoyed being a creative enigma, but looking back, I realize how much I missed by not stepping into the spotlight. What I didn’t understand at the time was that people don’t just connect with what you do—they connect with who you are. In today’s world, your audience craves authenticity. They want to know the person behind the work, the story behind the art, the face behind the brand.
By staying hidden, I missed out on building a deeper connection with my audience. Sure, they admired my work, but they didn’t have any emotional investment in me. And while that was fun for my mysterious persona, it wasn’t doing my brand any favors.
The Human Connection: Why People Want to Know You
Here’s the truth: People connect with people, not just products, services, or content. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a creative, or a business professional, your audience wants to see the human side of your brand. It builds trust, relatability, and ultimately loyalty.
In my case, people appreciated my work, but it never fully resonated with them on a personal level because there was a missing piece—me. They had no idea who I was or what I stood for beyond the photos I posted. When you put a face to your brand, you give your audience something to relate to, a story to follow, and a personality to connect with.
Think about the difference between two types of restaurants: one is a cozy local café where you know the owner by name, and the other is a chain restaurant with a logo everyone recognizes but no personal connection. At the café, the owner might greet you with a smile, remember your favorite order, and even ask how your day’s been. You trust the quality of the food because you trust them. You feel a personal connection, so you’re more likely to return again and again, knowing there’s a human element behind the experience.
On the other hand, at the chain restaurant, the food might be consistent, but there’s no personal relationship. You may enjoy your meal, but you don’t have that same emotional attachment. It’s familiar, but it doesn’t inspire the same loyalty because there’s no personal connection.
The local café represents the power of putting a face to your brand—it’s about trust, loyalty, and connection. When people see and know who’s behind the brand, they feel more inclined to engage, trust, and keep coming back. Just like the café owner, when you show up and let people know who you are, you’re building something that goes beyond just the product or service—you’re building a relationship.
Breaking Down the Benefits: Why Your Face is Your Brand’s Best Asset
Here are a few reasons why stepping in front of the camera (or microphone) is one of the most important things you can do for your business:
Builds Trust: People do business with those they trust. When they see the face behind the brand, they feel like they know you, and that trust translates into loyalty.
Creates Emotional Connection: Humans are emotional beings. Seeing your face and hearing your voice makes your brand more relatable and helps people connect with your story on a deeper level.
Increases Engagement: Videos and photos that feature the person behind the brand typically get higher engagement. People want to interact with people, not faceless entities.
Adds Authenticity: Being real and vulnerable—showing the person behind the polished product—creates an authentic experience for your audience. This authenticity sets you apart from the competition.
Personalizes Your Brand: Your unique personality, story, and style make your brand different from anyone else’s. By showcasing yourself, you add a personal touch that no one can replicate.
Bringing It All Together: My Transition from Mysterious Creative to Personal Brand
At first, putting myself out there wasn’t easy. After years of hiding behind my work, stepping in front of the camera felt vulnerable. I was no longer “the mysterious creative”—I was Daniel Oni, a face, a name, and a story.
But once I made the leap, everything changed. People began to connect not just with my work, but with me. Clients felt like they knew me before we even met. Conversations were more personal, relationships were stronger, and trust was built faster. It was like flipping a switch—the moment I put my face behind my brand, I became not just a content creator, but a recognizable, relatable person that people wanted to work with.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Stepping Forward
So, if you’re like I was—hiding behind your work and avoiding the spotlight—I get it. It’s safe, it’s comfortable, and it can even be fun. But if you want to build a brand that resonates, that people remember, and that people trust, you need to show up.
You are the face of your brand, and your audience wants to see the real you. Whether it’s through videos, photos, or simply sharing your story, it’s time to step out from behind the camera and let people connect with the person behind the work.
Because at the end of the day, people buy from people they know—and they can’t know you if you’re hiding in the shadows.
