By: Emma Traun (2025 Dot Ambassador)

Spaghetti by Beyonce opens with a line that says, “Genres… they’re a funny little concept, aren’t they? In theory, they have a simple definition that’s easy to understand, but in practice, well, some may feel confined”. 

Weirdly, this is what came to mind when asked how I balance personal and professional presentations of myself on social media. As a Financial Advisor, I have a role that never really turns off. It’s a line of work that almost becomes part of your personality; after all, business owners ARE their brand. 

We work relentlessly to be the first person that pops into your brain when you think, “I need a financial advisor… or a mortgage lender… or a relator… or a social media manager… or a hairstylist” – the list goes on. 

That means the line between work and personal life can soften, blending together like a brand new balayage. 

We are multifaceted but behind every business is a real human. A child, a parent, a sibling, a teammate, a friend, a lover, a boss, an employee, the list goes on. These roles feel like different genres to me, making up our greater bodies of work: our lives. People don’t just buy your product or your service; they are buying YOU!  

So, show people who you are – beyond your business. Post your agenda for the day, highlight your amazing clients, support other small businesses, tell us where you just got coffee, ask for support when you are struggling, and stand up for what you believe in. 

Maybe you repel some people along the way, but when you show up as your true self, you only bring yourself closer to your people. You don’t need to fit in a box. You don’t need to be the *fill in blank* for everyone. You just need to go to sleep at night knowing that you led with heart, integrity, and authenticity. 

Give yourself some grace. 

I’m proud of you. 

With love,

Your Financial Planning Princess,

Emma