Danielle Hatfield

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Adventures in Branding : The Journey of Building Brand You

October 5, 2012 By Danielle Hatfield 4 Comments

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photography by Stacey Van Berkel

We all have our story to tell.

Each of us has traveled many long and hard roads to get where we are today, and our experiences have shaped and changed us.

Our personal brand is a reflection of each adventure, misstep, triumph, and heartache.

Discovering and building your personal brand is a journey. One that will never truly end until you reach your final destination.

It’s one journey that can be difficult to pack for, often has delays is full of inspiration and ultimately defines the person you become in the process.

Recently, I was invited by friend and client, Sherry Martz, to present at Bloggy Conference about Being the CEO of You : Building Your Personal Professional Brand. . . it was an honor to learn more from those amazing women that I feel like I was able to share.

This adventure inspired me to share the story of my journey of building my personal brand.

Often you don’t realize that building your personal brand is the foundation for all other endeavors you undertake. Regardless of the businesses you own, sell, work for or with, you will always be YOU.

Danielle Hatifeld : The Journey of Building Brand YOU

Photography by Stacey Van Berkel

Your personal brand is a beacon. For your family,  friends, clients and especially yourself.

Though I have been interviewed numerous times and often am asked to speak on personal branding, I never considered sharing what inspired my brand and style . . . that is until I met international award winning photographer, Stacey Van Berkel.

Stacey and I met thanks to WithIt in the Spring of 2012.  I was instantly smitten with her kind and generous spirit.

Danielle Hatfield : The Journey of Building Brand YOU

Photography by Stacey Van Berkel

It was an honor for her to be one of my sponsors to Bloggy Conference. Discovering her talent for telling a story with one photograph was a true gift that I am determined to share. When you spend some time looking through her portfolio, you begin to see the ease in which she captures a moment and transforms it into a web of details.

The idea of telling my personal brand story evolved over a cup of coffee/tea and a trip to downtown Greensboro’s Old Southern Railway Depot.

Stacey encouraged me to share what has shaped the woman I have become so that I could help other women on the same journey, of building a personal brand, tell their story.

So here is a taste of what inspired me . . .

Danielle Hatfield : The Journey of Building Brand YOU

Photography by Stacey Van Berkel

My Father was a WWII vet. Though he rarely spoke of his experience, his depression era values still resonate with me today.

I am a lover of reclaimed objects, a die hard DIYer and am constantly torn between my blue jeans and boots and my high heels and dresses.

Danielle hatfield : The Journey of Building Brand YOU

Photography by Stacey Van Berkel

I believe every woman should have a place where she can prepare herself both mentally and physically for the day. Often that place is in the compact that is passed down from generation to generation and wrapped in a hand-stitched handkerchief.

My love of the fashion and makeup from the 40’s and 50’s comes from my Father’s love of watching old black and white movies.

Danielle Hatfield : The Journey of Building Brand YOU

Photography by Stacey Van Berkel

As a young woman, I was in awe of the manner and dress in which the women carried themselves. I still watch old movies at the end of a long day or as I work on my DIY projects not just for entertainment, mind you, but for inspiration.

Over the years I have purchased furniture and clothing that represents my generational style. Some of my favorite antiques and vintage finds have come from thrift shops like Goodwill and PTA – but the best have come from family and friends.

Danielle Hatfield : The Journey of Building Brand YOU

Photography by Stacey Van Berkel

For me, the 40’s and 50’s were a magical era where women wore gloves and hats and always had a hankie. Where their hair was rarely out of place, and they never left the house without their pearls on.

The women of the silver screen had dresses and gowns that celebrated natural feminine curves. I love each hat and glove. To this day, I swear I will have my closet full of quality, vintage inspired, hand sewn clothing even if I have to sew them all myself! Though I will still leave the finer details to Victoria’s Secret.

Danielle Hatfield : The Journey of Building Brand YOU

Photography by Stacey Van Berkel

These women are all beautiful to me, but the one who stands out is Grace Kelly. Her classic style is timeless and one that continues to inspire me today.

It’s not unusual to incorporate what has shaped us into our personal brand.

We all look to outside influences for inspiration, but it is our thoughts and actions that truly shape the person we become.

Thinking of yourself as a brand is often difficult, but when you consider of all the stops along the way that make up ‘Brand YOU’ you begin to see the potential of telling your story.

Your brand is made up of a thousand thoughts that you wrangle into a cohesive story about who you are. Years ago, these thoughts would be kept in handwritten journals . . . today we have social media sites like Twitter and Facebook.

Being active on social sites is wonderful but regardless of where we have been or where we are going, we all need a place to call home. With your personal brand, it’s your website. It’s a place where we can keep the ‘journals’ of your adventures.

Danielle Hatfield : The Journey of Building Brand YOU

Photography by Stacey Van Berkel

If you haven’t already – buy your domain name. This means YOURNAME.COM or YOURFULLNAME.COM or both. Even if you’re not quite ready to launch your personal brand buying your domain name is the first stop on the journey of building brand YOU. (Don’t forget – If you have children, buy their domain names as well. It is an investment in their future.)

Think of your personal website as a destination for everyone you encounter. It’s where you can share your passions, talents and your journey as your grow into your authentic self.

The one question I get asked the most when it comes to personal branding is “where do I start?” . . . well, the journey of building brand YOU begins with the commitment to share your story.

Are you ready?

Danielle Hatfield : The Journey of Building Brand YOU

Photography by Stacey Van Berkel

—

Read more of my thoughts on how to build your Personal Professional Brand

Special thanks to:

Stacey – thank you for being so thoughtful and for encouraging and helping me share my story, your talent is breathtaking.

Maria – you are amazing, and I look forward to getting to know you better!

Jim – we are grateful to you and your staff at Southern Rail for your generous hospitality.

To the kind folks at the Greensboro Depot – thank you for your kind words and patience.

—

Danielle Hatfield : The Journey of Building Brand YOU

Photography by Stacey Van Berkel

Who has inspired you on your personal branding journey?

Are you creating a consistent brand experience? (business card, website/blog, personal style)

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Filed Under: Branding, Building Your Professional Personal Brand, Business, Lifestyle, Motivational, Personal Branding, Success, Uncategorized Tagged With: action plan for personal success, Bloggy Conference, Goodwill, Personal Branding, personal goals, PTA Thrift, Stacey Van Berkel, Stacey Van Berkel Photography, Withit

About Danielle Hatfield

Owner/Chief Dirt Digger at Experience Farm - DIYs, recipes and sharing my 2 cents on social media

« Networking Checklist : Do’s and Don’ts of Making Connections
Personal Branding: 11 Posts to Grow What You Know »

I love to share recipes, DIYs, and my two cents on social media.

I am also proud to be the Chief Dirt Digger at Experience Farm where I have worked with my partner and husband Brandon Pierce since 2009.

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I love #DIYs, #recipes, and sharing my 2 cents on social media.

daniellehatfield
I’ve cut and counted 429 4” fabric squares fro I’ve cut and counted 429 4” fabric squares from  #scrapfabric we bought a few years ago.

Fabric for my #handsewn projects is among my favorite #thriftstorefinds. ❤️

These squares will eventually become a snuggly #quilt for our single occupancy media room that was once a walk-in closet. 

It’s helpful having a small room to relax in and read or watch TV. This colorful fabric will be a warm reminder of the fun treasures @thebrandonpierce and I find when we go #thrifting. 

If #CottageLife has taught me anything, it’s to look at every square foot of space in a new way and I love how we are embracing #smallspaceliving. 

This #handsewing project may take a while - my goal is to have it finished by the fall so I can settle in with my knitting, a good movie or documentary and hot cup of coffee. 

.
#handsewing #handsew #cottagestyle #quiltingismytherapy #sewersgonnasew #sewingismytherapy #sewingproject #handsewnwithlove #thriftedhome #thriftstorefinds
A thoughtful gift from a former neighbor in Greenb A thoughtful gift from a former neighbor in Greenboro! 

She knows I love DIYs and shared a box full of @bertie_county_peanuts bags. 

I look forward to using these in a future DIY that will remind me of our sweet friendship. 🥜❤️

So far my top DIY contenders are: 

- stitch bags together and use them to reupholster a bench and other #burlapdecor 

- use bags as #upcycled shelf liner in our open kitchen cabinets 

- stitch #burlapbags together and make a couple of bolster pillows

🤔 What else could I make with a #burlapbag? Any suggestions are appreciated!
Inspired to paint today thanks to a photo by the i Inspired to paint today thanks to a photo by the incredibly talented Chef @wishartchris of @OldNorthStateWinery in #DowntownMountAiry. 

My #WatercolorPractice of this #DeliciousDessert is from his #ChefsTable and is ~ Grand Marnier-Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse with  Strawberry Soup and Vanilla Tuile. 

This #WatercolorPainting is still a #WorkInProgress and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon. (Thank you for sharing your amazing creations Chris!) 

If you plan to #VisitNC be sure to put #OldNorthStateWinery on the top of your ‘must eat’ list. You won’t be disappointed.
The #hyacinth I transplanted last fall are bloomin The #hyacinth I transplanted last fall are blooming! 😍

It’s been slow going but our little #cottagegarden is coming together and I couldn’t be happier. ❤️

Today I’m looking around the old bee yard for more white #hyacinths to transplant before the rain sets in and our new bees arrive.

Each time I see these flowers I chuckle at the thought of #HyacinthBucket of #KeepingUpAppearances answering the phone... 😂 

“Helloooo the Bouquet residence, Lady of the house speaking.”
Excited to finish this piece thanks to my new @gel Excited to finish this piece thanks to my new @gellyrollph pens @thebrandonpierce ordered for me! 🙌🏻 

What began as a #watercolorpractice is now  officially #mixedmediaart.

This is a study inspired by an illustration by American illustrator #JamesMontgomeryFlagg (June 18, 1877 – May 27, 1960) better known for his ‘I Want You’ Uncle Sam recruitment illustration. 

This is still a #workinprogress and I’m glad I waited for my #gellyrollpens to arrive! They allow me to bring detail to my #watercolorpainting and I’m already making my wishlist of colors I don’t yet have. 

Every time I see this hanging in our kitchen it makes me want to throw on one of my vintage aprons and bake an apple pie. 🥧

I am constantly inspired by artists who came before me. Studying their work helps me to better learn techniques like shading, consistent color mixing and most importantly knowing when to stop. ❤️

#watercolorpainting #dailyart #artstagram #inthekitchen #vintagekitchen 
#ilovegellyrollph #diyart #inspiredby #americanillustrator #mixedmediaart #gelpenart  #watercolorart #watercolorartist #practicemakesprogress #vintageillustration #vintageillustrations
My pockets aren’t deep enough for my disappointm My pockets aren’t deep enough for my disappointment in my new @Dickies. 

When you buy a pair of bibs you *expect* to have pockets that can fit your whole hand. 

My most recent #handsewing project was adding REAL pockets to my Dickies. 

Thankfully my #fabricstash offered up enough to turn my 4” deep pockets to nearly 9” pockets that are actually functional. 🙌🏻

It’s no secret that #womenspockets are a joke.  Is it too much to ask for #pocketequality? 

#alterations #ithaspockets #pocketsewing #handsewn #womenspocketsareuseless #handsew #sewingismytherapy #dickies #womenspocketssuck #pocketsize
A #watercolor in progress inspired by a photo by @ A #watercolor in progress inspired by a photo by @bfullerfoto. 

I researched and found a mint 1959 #Dodge Custom Royal Lancer  hard top for color reference. 

It’s been fun working on this #watercolorpractice - I’m learning more and more about shadows and layering color.  The metal and reflective surfaces are challenging but worth the work. 

I love #classiccars and this is a #watercolorpainting I’m excited to finish. 

Thanks @bfullerfoto for the inspiration! Love your photos.
The #PatchWork #OvenMitts are finished! 🤓 I’ The #PatchWork #OvenMitts are finished! 🤓

I’m so happy that I was able to repurpose @thebrandonpierce Grandmother’s mitts with some of my #FabricStash. ❤️

#handsewnwithlove #handsewn #handsewing #patchworklovers #patchworkdesign #cottagelife #cottagekitchen #sewmuchlove #sewingismytherapy
🧵 My next #handsewn #sewingproject will be reju 🧵 My next #handsewn #sewingproject will be rejuvenating @thebrandonpierce grandmother’s #ovenmitts with a #patchworkquilt look using my #fabricstash. 

I love that they were passed down to us and can’t wait to have them hanging in our #cottagekitchen! 

I’ve never tried #handsewing patchwork on oven mitts before but I have a feeling this #sewingchallenge will be worth it. 🤓

Each time I use them I’ll remember all of the home cooked meals that they helped feed generations of Brandon’s family. ❤️

Sure we could buy new mitts - but I’d rather have these and enjoy the quiet hours spent sewing them remembering a remarkable woman. 

 #sewingismytherapy  #sewinglove #sewmuchlove #handsewnwithlove #handsew #amsewing #sewersgonnasew #sewingfun
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