Is the public version of you the real you?

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.

Crystal Evans

Absolutely. What you see is what you get with me. The public version of me is the real me, it’s just the polished, purpose-driven version that shows up to serve others. But the heart, the energy, and the passion? That’s all real. I don’t believe in creating a brand that feels separate from who I am. Read more>>

Sumiko Nolton

The public version of me shows the wins — the boutique, the beauty brand, the confidence. But the real me? She’s fought battles no one clapped for, cried tears no one saw, and still showed up. So yes, she’s real — just not the whole story. Read more>>

Karyna Perahudava

I try to always live by the motto: don’t seem – be. I think that in the era of social media it’s so easy to put on a mask, filter and pretend like you’re someone you’re actually not. Read more>>

Dante’ Fambro

Yes, I love making people laugh and I love putting a smile on people’s faces. It just something about making someone laugh or the feeling of thinking I probably made their day a little better that makes me feel amazing Read more>>

Gem Marc Collins

Absolutely! I love who I AM. It’s raw and I do not have to push it. It started being like that once I told myself I do not care to do what everyone else is doing. I am drawn to people who are original and raw. It’s a fewer than more out there. I am here to create a new system. Freedom. Read more>>

I AM DJ Squirt

Yes, the public version of me is real, but it’s a carefully shaped real. I show up with the parts of me that I want to be seen—my values, how I want to contribute, the roles I’m stepping into in different spaces. It’s not fake or hollow; it’s authentic in its own way, crafted for the audience, the moment, and the purpose at hand. Read more>>