Personal branding is so important in today’s business world. With an ever-increasing number of entrepreneurs vying for a share of the market, creating a statement with your personal brand is more important than ever before. I’ve done some digging and collated an ultimate list of 33 stunning personal branding examples for you to study and draw inspiration from.
I’ve selected these top 33 awesome entrepreneurs in particular because of the unique way they communicate their own style and tell a story through beautiful personal branding photography and images.
Personal branding is about conveying your personality and your unique brand message directly to your audience. Each person on this list has taken the time to develop their own personal style along with knowing and understanding the market they are speaking directly to.
So while you soak up the goodness, think about your own personal brand identity and what message you want to communicate to your audience.
Side Note: These stunning photography examples are the work of some amazingly talented photographers around the world. I am currently in process of sourcing and crediting each photographer, if you are the photographer or know who is for any of the people below, please say hello! I would love to hear from you.
33 Stunning Personal Branding Examples
Marie Forleo
Marie Forleo without a doubt sets the benchmark when it comes to exceptional personal branding. From her online photography to weekly videos, Marie’s online presence oozes with her quirky, fun and down-to-earth personality.
Why is Marie’s branding so effective? Because she knows exactly who her audience is and she effectively communicates her key message directly to them. Marie’s branding makes you feel as if you are right there with her sitting at a sidewalk cafe chatting over coffee. If you can make your audience feel like this, then you have nailed your branding.
Web: marieforleo.com
Denise Duffield-Thomas – Lucky Bitch
Denise Duffield-Thomas is another example of exceptional personal branding. Denise lives and breathes her brand which, clearly shows throughout her online presence.
Not many entrepreneurs can carry off ‘wearing’ their brand but Denise does and does it well. Her clothes and accessories often carry her unique ‘lucky bee’ pattern, along with her signature blue/green tones.
Denise uses these elements effectively throughout all her brand images, which leads to instant brand recognition. Denise’s personal brand is unmistakable regardless of which platform you find her on, and this is a key trait to personal branding done well.
Web: luckybitch.com
Emma & Carla Papas – The Merrymaker Sisters
Emma and Carla Papas are The Merrymaker Sisters and the hit of joy that you feel when you visit the online home of the ‘Merries’ is instant!
The Merrymaker Sisters have invested in high quality photos taken from various locations and the investment has paid off! The gorgeous images of these two fresh faced sisters show every single inch of their merriness.
Their joy, energy, youth and vibrancy shines through in every single photo. Stunning personal branding does not get much better than this!
Lisa Messenger – The Collective Hub
When looking at Lisa Messenger’s personal brand, straight away you get a sense of her style, passion and a woman who is not afraid to push boundaries. Lisa is a woman who knows her signature style, is confident within herself and is always on trend.
Her location shoots and the resulting photos are simply amazing! From her branding throughout The Collective Hub, to her books and her events, Lisa makes the most of each shoot repurposing the images across all platforms which results in a consistency like no other and a personal brand statement that sets her well apart from the rest.
Web: collectivehub.com/lisa-messenger
Sue Bryce
Sue Bryce is a phenomenal photographer and her own personal branding is absolutely stunning! Sue has dedicated 25 years to making women look and feel beautiful through photography and this shows not only in the portraits she takes, but through her own personal images.
Her branding features dark backgrounds which brings out her exquisite natural beauty. Sue has also created a sense of intrigue that makes you want to learn more about her. This is another example of personal branding done exceptionally well.
Web: suebryce.com
Melissa Ambrosini
Melissa Ambrosini is host of The Melissa Ambrosini Show, author of Mastering Your Mean Girl and owner of outstanding personal branding. Her signature image creates instant impact and communicates her brand message completely.
Melissa’s brand photography is very minimal. She uses no props and a neutral background, but WOW! They definitely create impact through unique poses and her unique style. This is one woman who has definitely found her superpowers.
Web: melissaambrosini.com
Yvonne Hilsz
Yvonne Hilsz’s personal branding is fabulously eclectic! Yvonne uses a selection of vibrant colours and styles that draws out her natural beauty and sets her apart from her competition.
With each professional image, Yvonne’s personality shines through. She uses power poses better than anyone I know and the result is a brand statement that is confident and luminous.
Web: yvonnehilsz.com
Michelle Bridges – 12WBT
Michelle Bridges has built a strong personal brand identity both online and offline. And it probably goes without saying… No one does personal branding while wearing active wear quite like the queen of fitness herself!
Michelle’s personal brand is a great example that shows why your brand images should always align with your brand message. Michelle is not afraid to show what she stands for through her brand images, and neither should you.
Web: www.12wbt.com
Jasmine Star
Jasmine Star is a photographer and marketing entrepreneur who has nailed her online personal brand. Voted as one of the world’s top 5 most influential photographers, Jasmine’s work speaks for itself. As too does the powerful brand she has created for herself.
If you consider your images as the opportunity to convey your personal brand without text… Jasmine Star is the absolute expert in creating imagery that tells a story without a single word.
Web: jasminestar.com
Majella McMahon – The Stylery Co
When it comes to style, confidence and looking good through personal branding… You can’t go past the beautiful Majella from The Stylery Co.
As a fashion stylist and image consultant, Majella has a knack for style and an eye for detail like no other.
And let’s face it, great personal images are not only about the right angle and good lighting, they’re about finding your individual look, your best style and presenting that to the world in all it’s glory.
Majella provides a perfect personal brand example that illustrates her unique styling talents. She looks absolutely fabulous in all her imagery and certainly commands a place on this list.
Web: thestyleryco.com
Dan Norris – WP Curve / 7 Day Startup / Black Hops Brewery
There is no denying that when it comes to entrepreneurs, Dan Norris is a name that springs to mind almost instantly! Dan is without a doubt a serial entrepreneur and to date has created numerous businesses, including: WP Curve, The 7 Day Startup, Black Hops Brewery and Create or Hate.
What makes Dan Norris’ personal branding so exceptional is how he has adapted his brand images to perfectly tie into each of his business ventures yet still maintains his own laid back natural style in each and every photo. I particularly love Dan’s Black Hops branding and cannot wait to see what he comes out with next.
Web: dannorris.me
Natalie MacNeil – She Takes on the World
Natalie MacNeil’s personal brand shows an entrepreneur who knows her target audience very well and speaks directly to them through her branding. Natalie MacNeil is the driving force behind She takes on the World, where she teaches women how to build a thriving and influential business and brand. She certainly walks her talk.
Natalie’s personal brand photography is first class. Her images are bright, cheerful and her message is clear. Plus nobody pulls off the professional look barefoot quite like Natalie MacNeil.
Kylie Patchett
Kylie Patchett describes herself as “a barefoot, crazy curly haired mama”. A mindset coach for women, Kylie’s personal brand is bright and playful and bursting with confidence and pizzazz. Kylie’s personal brand image ties in perfectly with her key message and her brand photography ties in well with the overall look and feel to her online presence.
Web: kyliepatchett.com
Sarah Wilson – I Quit Sugar
Sarah Wilson radiates every ounce of what she stands for throughout her personal branding. Founder of the I Quit Sugar movement, Sarah has built her personal brand identity around her life and journey. Her images are all location shots that showcase her perfectly in everyday life.
A genuine and effective personal brand not only portrays a person’s character and personality, but it also allows the audience into elements of your life. Sarah Wilson pulls this off in a simple yet effective way.
Web: sarahwilson.com
Melanie Duncan
A strong personal brand should convey yourself and your personal message within second of the audience viewing it. Melanie Duncan’s personal brand does this and does it exceptionally well.
When looking at Melanie’s personal branding you feel not only style and class, but also opulence and confidence. All appealing qualities to any aspiring entrepreneur.
Melanie ties her images in nicely with the overall feel of her online presence, mixing a classy blend of black, white and gold. If Melanie is selling confidence, then consider me sold!
Web: melanieduncan.com
Nat Kringoudis
Without a doubt, Nat Kringoudis takes a beautiful photo. All her brand images present a calm and confident presence, which is what you would want to feel from an expert who makes your “hormones happier than a Pharrell Williams song”.
Nat comes across as very relatable and her brand images tie in perfectly with the products and services she offers. Nat’s personal brand statement also shows that online branding does not need to be over the top to be effective.
Web: natkringoudis.com
Hilary Rushford – Dean Street Society
As a personal stylist and brand mentor at Dean Street Society, Hilary Rushford showcases her talents perfectly through her brand identity. Every image is styled to perfection.
Through the outfits she wears, locations she chooses and the accessories she carefully selects, Hilary Rushford definitely has her personal style and personal branding down pat.
Bri Emery – Design Love Fest
Bri Emery has created a gorgeous example of a personal brand. She illustrates her love of fashion and design clearly throughout her website – Design Love Fest. Her images are unique, quirky and playful. And of course showcases her style perfectly.
The tones used in her brand photography tie in perfectly with her brand colours used throughout her online presence. This creates a beautiful consistency that makes Bri’s brand recognisable and memorable.
Web: designlovefest.com
Kate McKibbin – Secret Bloggers’ Business
Kate McKibbin’s motto is “No Fluff, No BS, Just the real strategies, steps and secrets”. Founder of Secret Bloggers’ Business, Kate’s personal branding images showcase her motto perfectly.
With the use of monochrome tones and pops of turquoise, Kate’s branding makes a unique brand statement. If you were looking to brand yourself in way that sets you apart from the crowd, Kate McKibbin’s would be an example to follow.
Web: secretbloggersbusiness.com
Nikki Elledge Brown – The Communication Stylist
Another classic example of someone wearing their personal brand effectively is Nikki Elledge Brown.
Nikki is a communication stylist and what better way to showcase this to her audience than by literally wearing words in her brand images. In fact, Nikki’s brand photos are a great example of thinking outside the square and creating a personal brand that is playful, cheeky and definitely memorable.
Nikki has also been very clever with her use of colour throughout her branding, keeping her portrait colours neutral and using colour on her website to make her brand really stand out.
Emily London Miller
Emily London Miller is a renowned photographer that shows beautifully the power of gorgeous photos for both personal branding and a boost in your self-esteem.
Browsing through Emily’s gallery of same day transformations is enough to show the impact personal portraitures can make when done exceptionally well. If you truly think you cannot look amazingly beautiful whilst still being true to yourself, then you need to visit Emily’s website pronto.
When Emily says she knows what beautiful looks like… she’s not kidding!
Rachel Corbett – TV & Radio Presenter, Podcaster, Coach
Rachel Corbett is a self confessed ‘Media Swinger’. Rachel has exceptional personal branding that conveys warmth and authenticity that is often missing from personal brand images in the media field.
Straight away Rachel’s personality shines out through all her brand photography. A great example of bucking the trends of your industry to brand yourself individually to really stand out from the pack.
Web: rachelcorbett.com.au
Emma Isaacs – Business Chicks
Emma Isaacs is another great example of an entrepreneur who could easily take the corporate route with her personal branding, but instead she has chosen a more laid back attitude to her styling that only makes her more endearing to her audience.
Emma not only conveys her personality and style through her brand images, but she allows her audience into her personal world that shows glimpses of her family, her passion and her big heart.
If you think that business branding and personal branding have to be two different things, Emma Isaacs branding just proved this is not the case.
Web: emmaisaacs.com
Kris Carr
I’m just going to come out and say it… Kris Carr’s personal branding is cool! From the vintage green pickup truck right through to the fun shots under the tree. Kris Carr’s personal branding tells a story and after viewing her profile it’s clear she has quite a story to tell.
From the seriousness of Cancer to her path to wellness, Kris maintains an upbeat positive attitude that is captured extremely well in all her brand photos.
Great personal branding builds a following and Kris Carr’s is definitely one to follow.
Web: kriscarr.com
Danielle LaPorte
Danielle LaPorte’s personal brand is impressive and definitely creates impact, in the best way of course!
Up close and personal would be the first impression you get when visiting Danielle LaPorte’s website and up close and personal is exactly what Danielle aims to achieve through her work as a speaker, poet, painter, writer and giver of #Truthbombs.
Danielle LaPorte’s brand represents a woman who is not afraid to live life on her terms. What do you want your personal brand to represent?
Web: daniellelaporte.com
Ben Angel
I can’t quite work out how to describe Ben Angels branding… Cool, Calm, Collected… Smooth, Suave, Soulful. Or all of the above!
Ben has captured his personal essence perfectly in his branding through complementary tones, dark backdrops and perfect lighting used skilfully throughout his photography.
Ben Angel is a personal brand I won’t forget in a hurry.
Web: benangel.co
Leandra Brady Walker – The Cosmopolitan Hippy
I wonder how you would brand a Cosmopolitan Hippy. Actually there is no need to wonder, Dr Leandra Brady Walker… AKA The Cosmopolitan Hippy shows how perfectly. Her personal brand is a delightful mix of fun, playful, classy and elegant.
Who says you have to place yourself in a stereotypical box. Leandra Brady Walker’s personal branding is an excellent example of having a great presence without having to conform to one individual style.
Web: cosmohippy.com.au
Katrina Hillard
Confidence, energy and a great personal style. These are all statements that are made by Katrina Hillard’s personal branding. Katrina has used a mixture of simple portraits along with location shots to tell her brand story. Her images are bright and appeal directly to her target market. Well worth a spot on the top personal branding examples list.
Web: katrinahillard.com
Christina Guidotti
Christina Guidotti shows how effective it is to add bold colours to your branding images to relax the stuffiness that comes with corporate images. Choosing the right colours for your personal tones really increases the benefits and impact your images have.
Christina has provided a perfect example of how a relaxed corporate personal brand can be done this exceptionally well.
Natasha Vanzetti
Natasha Vanzetti creates a stunning personal brand statement. Natasha has mixed up her photography throughout her website to show both her professional side and a little bit of flair. Natasha shows that you shouldn’t be afraid to try different poses to show your authentic self through your personal brand images.
Web: natashavanzetti.com
Margie Warrell
Margie Warrell presents a beautiful calming presence through her brand photography. Her photos are a perfect example of connecting directly with your audience at their level. Her images have a calming effect, almost like she is speaking directly to you.
Personal branding gives you the power to convey yourself in a clear, honest and authentic way and Margie Warrell’s branding has achieved all this.
Web: margiewarrell.com
Naomi Simson – Red Balloon
Naomi Simson is another example of an entrepreneur who wears their personal style well. Just like Denise Duffield Thomas, Naomi is rarely seen without her signature red colour being worn elegantly and with class.
Adding a touch of red makes Naomi’s brand recognisable both online and offline and sets herself apart from the stock standard corporate identity. She has maintained professional image but has added a hint of playfulness.
Web: naomisimson.com
Bree James – Pakmag / MOB Magazine
Bree James’ personal brand could be described as understated and gentle with calming qualities. Bree’s personality shines through as a quiet, subtle confidence. She is one to let her work and achievements speak for themselves, and they sure do!
Web: breejames.com
There you have it. 33 Stunning Personal Branding examples. Each unique and gorgeous in their own way. I have no doubt you will be able to draw inspiration from each and every one.
The most effective personal brand examples hold 3 key qualities… They speak directly to their target audience, they communicate the message of the brand holder clearly and they are recognisable and memorable.
If these 33 examples show us anything, it’s that personal branding is just that… Personal.
