'Personal Branding and Authenticity', A Stylist Insights from a Panel Discussion

From Left to Right: Eleanor Coleman, Carmen Chiu, Liz Branford and Amanda L. Wong outside the Shanghai Tang store in Pacific Place, Hong Kong.

On the 25th June 2024, I had the pleasure of participating in an engaging panel discussion at the renowned Shanghai Tang store with Elenor Coleman from Financial Empowerment Group and Liz Bradford of Transform Perform.

The event was organised by the British Chamber of Commerce and hosted by the beautiful Carmen Chiu (Founder of Ennoble Consulting), a Cultural ambassador in Hong Kong, centred around the theme of "Personal Branding and Authenticity." As a personal stylist, I was interviewed to share my perspective on why personal branding is essential and how authenticity plays a crucial role in how we show up. The audience, a vibrant group of professional women were curious, and eager to delve into the nuances of personal branding.

Do I have a Personal Brand?

Yes! Everyone does!

A personal brand is essentially what you want people to say about you when you’re not in the room. It's the impression you leave, the values you communicate, and the trust you build with others. For me, personal branding is not just a superficial marketing ploy but a deeper reflection of who you are. It's about being consistent in how you present yourself, whether at a professional networking event or a casual coffee meeting. In its essence, it’s all about being SEEN, and what we wear is a big part of that!

During the discussion, I emphasized that everyone has a personal brand, whether they realize it or not. The key is awareness and intentionality in how you communicate it. I shared an anecdote about a client who, despite her initial reluctance, embraced the power of personal branding. By aligning her wardrobe with her desired image, she was able to seize unexpected opportunities that had previously slipped by unnoticed by her and the management team in leadership.

Audience of the British Cham Com Event on 25 June 2025 at the Shanghi Tang store in Admiralty, Hong Kong.

What is the Role of a Personal Stylist in Personal Branding?

As a personal stylist, my role is to help individuals visually communicate their personal brand. This involves more than just selecting stylish outfits; it's about understanding the client's values and ensuring those are reflected in their appearance. One of the most interesting challenges is addressing perception mismatches.

For example, a client may wish to appear approachable but inadvertently projects a more formal image through their attire. My job is to bridge that gap and align their external presentation with their internal values.

I told a story of a previous client who was an International Human Rights lawyer on maternity leave. She had been through a series of life changes during her time in Hong Kong. But her Personal Brand transformation was not merely about buying a new dress, but about overcoming the fear of not being good enough by not having anything suitable to wear. This shift in mindset opened doors she hadn't anticipated, including a job offer from a former colleague. It was a testament to the power of personal branding in action.

Stylist Tips for Enhancing Your Personal Brand

Improving your personal brand starts with identifying the three keywords you wish to be associated with. Whether it's "stylish," "elegant," or "trendy," , the list of descriptive words are endless. These 3 keywords than serve as a guide in curating your wardrobe and overall image. The goal is to ensure your outfit choices consistently reflect these attributes, boosting your confidence and authenticity.

I also touched upon the differences in fashion choices available to men and women. While fashion is what's offered in stores, style is what we choose! Women generally have more options, but for men, the details—such as the type of watch or shoe style—carry significant weight in personal branding.

Liz, El and Amanda during the panel discussion

Embracing Authenticity

Authenticity is the cornerstone of a successful personal brand. It’s about being true to yourself and allowing your unique qualities to shine through. During the panel, we discussed how embracing both masculine and feminine elements can enhance one's personal style, creating a balanced and genuine representation of who you are.

The Shanghai Tang store, with its emphasis on tailoring and the joy of life, provided the perfect backdrop for this discussion. Their commitment to quality and versatility in fashion aligns seamlessly with the principles of personal branding and authenticity. Such as their Tang suits, which was worn by Eleanor (in the above image). Which have they evolved into a modern from of a traditional style,and symbolism associated with It’s construction. As the Tang Suit incorporate the Chinese symbols Fu (福), meaning happiness, and Shou (寿), meaning longevity. It’s a popular way to express good fortune and is not limited to Chinese weddings.

In conclusion, personal branding is not just about appearances but about making meaningful connections and being remembered for the right reasons. Whether you’re embarking on an international work trip or attending a local event, how you show up matters. By being intentional and authentic, you can ensure your personal brand leaves a lasting impression.

Carmen Chiu at the Shanghi Tang store for the British Chamber of Commerce

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Amanda L Wong, founder of Amanda Leigh Style

About the Author: Amanda L. Wong

Amanda Leigh Style was launched in 2012, when Amanda transition from Designer to Stylist and started her own business to use fashion to help people. She moved the business to Hong Kong in 2016 and now has a global client portfolio. Amanda delivers a tailored service that warmly, expertly and practically educates and enables individuals to be their best selves.