For as long as I can remember, I’ve been told some version of the same thing: “You need to smile more.” Apparently, my face has been having a career of its own. But somewhere along the way, I stopped worrying about whether I looked approachable enough for everyone else. Because the older I get, the more I realize that a smile tells you very little about a person. Some smiles are genuine. Some are polite. Some are practiced. And some, over time, simply fade. Maybe the real l

n Marca Mujer: You Are the Brand Before the Title, we explore how personal branding begins long before a title or promotion. Through her experience in corporate leadership and fashion, she reflects on influencing teams without formal authority and the pressure of separating identities across industries. This journal entry highlights the power of consistency, presence, and values-driven leadership, showing that true credibility comes from being the same person in every room.