It's Ok to Change Your Image
It occurred to me recently that I might be confusing my clients, friends, and followers because I frequently change up my image and persona depending on what situation I am in. I like to display different images and personas in my personal and professional life and also when I post on social media. My explanation for doing so goes something like this:
According to Dr. Eric S. Jannazzo, Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Seattle, “the word persona has its roots in the Etruscan word phersu, which means, literally, “mask.” We all have different masks we wear for the world – some are for our work environments, and others for our various social and personal relationships. At the end of the day, it really comes down to successfully employing the right mask at the right time.”
As president of Jennifer Grant International, I coach, mentor and speak to many clients on the importance of presenting themselves with a positive, polished and professional image. In these settings, I make a point of presenting 'myself' in a very positive, polished and professional manner. I have a great interest and aptitude for helping my clients to solve any self-image problems or obstacles they may have. I take great care and pride in my appearance as I want my image to reflect what I think a knowledgeable and successful professional image consultant should emulate.
As the owner of another company - Okanagan Mermaids, I have made appearances as a mermaid at different events in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. I started Okanagan Mermaids with a vision to promote diversity in our community and to advocate for women of all ages, sizes, personalities, social, economic, cultural and educational backgrounds. I have several other mermaids that I work with and they have enriched my life in so many ways.
The Okanagan Mermaids don’t just show up at an event, we spend hours of preparation to become our mermaid selves and we present our individual mermaid characters in a very thoughtful and intentional way. The feedback and reactions we have experienced have been very positive and rewarding. Donning my mermaid ‘persona’ does as much to empower me as it does the people that we meet.
I hope my blog will encourage you to try on some different images and personas. We are more than the sum of our parts. I would also like to encourage you to think about working with Jennifer Grant International. There is no problem too big or too small that I can’t help you with.
Photo credit: Bonnie Donovan from Bonne Belle Photography