We all think we’re being real—whether in public or in private—but the deeper challenge is questioning whether we truly know our real selves at all. In any case, even when we know ourselves we might face various pressures that push us to fit in or not cause trouble – so even the most well-intentioned person might struggle to always be 100% real in public. Sometimes the simplest questions are actually the most complex. Thankfully, we have some wonderful members of the community who offered to share their thoughts on this challenging question.
Geechie Poet
Yes, the public vision of me is the real me. And I receive thst a lot whenever people meet me on a one on one perspective… Lately I haven’t shared much behind the scenes footage but I’ll be back to it real soon. So be sure to follow me on Instagram, &Facebook. Read more>>
Caitlin McCarthy
I try to be authentic and direct. You either love me or don’t, and if you’re indifferent, you probably don’t really know me (ha!). As a Leo, I’m energetic, live for the razzle-dazzle, and treat leopard print as a neutral. But behind the spotlight, I need quiet time to recharge. People might be surprised at how sensitive I am. Read more>>
SHANNON BALENCIAGA
What people see publicly is very much who I am: confident, outspoken, stylish, creative, nurturing, a leader, a visionary. That part is real. That’s not a performance, that’s my spirit. But like anyone with a public life, there are layers people don’t always see. The public sees the strength, the glam, the accomplishments, the leadership. Read more>>
Nicole Farr
Yes, the public version of me is the real me. I work hard to stay authentic in every space I show up in: on social media, with my clients, in friendships, and at home behind closed doors. What you see in my business is the same woman my closest people see, someone who cares deeply, leads with honesty, and is committed to her own growth. Read more>>
Twila McGee
100%. I can only be true to myself; I cannot pretend to be someone else. I am the same smiling cheerful, fun-loving, honest, and creative, animal lover in public as I am in the comfort of my own home. Read more>>
Viktor Drago
The public version of me is real—but it’s not the whole story. What people see is my discipline, my intensity, my work ethic, the parts of me that are built for performance and pressure. That side is true, it’s just amplified. But the deeper version of me—the one who reflects, who questions everything, who works on presence and awareness—that part isn’t always on display. Read more>>
Ali Waks Adams
The public version of me is very outgoing and sociable, she flits and floats like butterfly, she chatters abd gabs and gossips. She can’t remember your name but she’ll remember your favorite cheese or that you own a cockatiel or that you hate mustard. She’s fashionable and flashy, opinionated and self assured. Read more>>
Juanita Wilson- Rodgers
The public version of me is real — but it’s not the whole story. What people see is the confident producer, the businesswoman, the woman who gets things done. That’s absolutely a part of who I am. But the deeper parts of me — the vulnerability, the struggles, the moments of doubt, the healing — those pieces are more private. Read more>>
Steven Celi
It’s MORE me. When I’m performing or rapping, I don’t have time to overthink anything, I’m just fully present. The energy moves through me and I feel the most like myself. Off-camera is where the doubts and thoughts show up. On-camera or on-stage, I’m actually the most free, the most expressed, and the most connected to who I really am. Read more>>
Tessa Tide
I would say so. I don’t have an alter ego that I switch to when I perform on stage. At least yet, maybe when the audience becomes bigger I will. Read more>>
Carli Brinkman
I am a pretty outspoken person, and I have a hard time keeping my feelings to myself. I wear my heart on my sleeve, and that carries over in every area of my life. Read more>>
Sophie Green
The public version of me is definitely a facet of me. I think most people can intuitively smell when someone isn’t being authentically themselves, so I’ve always tried to bring my own personality to my work. This hasn’t always necessarily served me well in arty ‘networky’ scenarios, but I think has definitely helped me to grow a wonderful community of people who enjoy my work. Read more>>
Debbie Walker
Absolutely — without a doubt, yes. Maybe to a fault! I’m authentic, raw, and real — always. What you see is truly who I am, with all my goofs, oopsies, and unpolished moments. I don’t chase perfection or heavy editing. I show up as myself — genuine, imperfect, and full of heart — because that’s what real creativity looks like to me. Read more>>
