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.
Sonia Jimenez
Yes one hundred percent! I always say the only way someone will succeed is to stay humble and real. There is nothing greater than to love others. I hope that when everyone shops at my boutique they feel the positive energy. Read more>>
Christina Bjenning
Yes, as someone wisely said; “Be yourself, everyone else is already taken”. Read more>>
Lorenze LaNier
Yes. What you see in public is who I really am — but it’s not all of me. The CEO version is the disciplined, strategic, and visionary side. Behind closed doors, I’m also the friend who prays with you, the brother who cracks jokes, and the guy who will stay up all night testing formulas in the kitchen. The difference is scale, not authenticity.” Read more>>
El Santo Del Valle
Yes, it is. If anything, I’m more amplified in public because we’re only born once, and my face carries generational weight — so I keep representing my people and culture with pride. Read more>>
Lucia Shuhaibar
Not entirely. What you see online is maybe 30% of me, filtered through lighting, captions, and just enough cuteness to avoid scaring people off. Sure, you might see pretty pictures or polished posts, but in real life… I’m ridiculously silly. I make sound effects when I talk. I dance terribly on purpose. I joke a lot. Read more>>
Luke Judy
We’ve always believed in authenticity. As siblings, Luke and I naturally let our goofy, fun sides shine through in the band. Even though we might look cool and composed on stage, we love being ourselves in between songs, on social media, and when connecting with fans. Read more>>
Lela Luster
I am very much a ‘what you see is what you get’ person, no question about it. So yes, the public Lela is the real life Lela. I see it easier for both of those sides to be equal. I wouldn’t have the mental capacity to switch between ‘public Lela’ and ‘private Lela.’ That seems like a lot of trouble! Read more>>
Christopher Castillo
This has two answers, depending on who you ask. Because I work in politics, I often operate in two personas. Publicly, I’m friendly, confident, and charismatic—but very private when it comes to my personal life. If you ask my closest friends in politics, they’ll tell you I’m outspoken and unapologetically myself. Read more>>
Darren Fishman
I think the public version is the real me as I have what many people refer to as ‘no filter’! So you will always get the genuine article, and maybe sometimes it means I am TOO honest, which can get you into trouble on occasion. Read more>>
Michaella Lee Bloom
You know what yes. It wasn’t always. Sure the public version is a tiny bit more curated at times – like I am not necessarily posting content of my shirt I spilled a Diet Coke all over in feed but I also would if it felt right. I’m not hiding who I am publicly or professionally. Read more>>
Chilam X
The extra nails, the shine, the magic—that’s all me. No apologies. The version you see out there? That’s pretty much the real deal — elusive, mysterious, a little wild, and definitely extra. I don’t show my face much because I like to keep some of that mystery alive. I’m a hermit in real life, and honestly, I’m the same online — same vibe, different audience. Read more>>
Gabriel Gonzalez
I’m always striving to be the best version of myself. When I’m on stage, teaching, or working, I feel fully immersed and alive. I tap into my inner strength to deliver my absolute best, unfiltered and authentic. While I rarely revisit past performances or recordings, I’m proud of the energy and passion I bring to every experience. Read more>>
Sonia Barba Herranz
Yes, I’m the same person both at work and outside of it. I think that’s exactly why my clients trust me. If something doesn’t feel right, I tell them honestly; if I don’t agree with an idea or think there’s a better way to do it, I make sure to share my thoughts. I never hide anything, and I’m always open about what I think. Read more>>
Samuel Kinsella
Over ten years ago, I had it in my head that I wanted to be a writer. Resolutely decided that was where my path led. One issue was that I wanted to be a filmmaker, and I had to learn the hard way that it’s near impossible to make a film by yourself with no budget. Read more>>
