

Whether or not you're strategic about it, you have a personal brand. It's how you make a living or pursue your passion, your social media posts, the way people describe you, and even the vibe you give off when you walk into a room. Your entire being makes up your personal brand.
Personal branding has been a buzzword over the last few years, and there are many articles about why you need to define yours and use it to your advantage. But it isn't clear HOW to build an authentic personal brand that resonates on and offline.
There's so many gems that we can learn from rapper Cardi B about personal branding. Since her rise to fame, she's shown the world her authentic personality. If I had to guess, I'd say that Cardi B is an ESFP (Extravert, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving), according to the 16 Personalities Test and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.
She's someone who treats the entire world like a stage. She describes herself as a comedian at heart -- it's clear that's true every time she's in public or on social media. Cardi's strengths includes being bold, original, and artistic.
Her authenticity is electric because she unapologetically lets her personality shine.
Like Cardi, you can build a personal brand based on your personality. Although I'm sure you already have a grasp of who you are, you can learn a lot about yourself by taking a personality test.
Take THIS free test and then answer the seven questions below to build a genuine personal brand like Cardi B.
What are five strengths and values from your personality test results?
This describes who you are at your core and what's most important to you. Those strengths and values should be shown through everything you do and say in person or online.
ESFPs have excellent people skills. Cardi effectively communicates in her unique and comedic way that makes her hard to dislike as a person, even if you aren't a fan of her music. In her interviews and social media posts, it's clear that she values honesty, her loved ones, and her desire to create music that makes her feel good.
What do you want to be known for?
Your legacy isn't something you should think about when you get old - it should continuously be built on. The results from your personality test, particularly in the career section, can help reveal the answer to this question. Write a few sentences describing how you want to be perceived and the impression that you'd like to leave on people.
According to the 16 Personalities Test, ESFP's have "plenty of creative energy, and many build fulfilling careers in music, fashion, photography, and interior design.... They need freedom, novelty, and above all, human contact. "
That's Cardi for you. Her witty one-liners in songs, affordable mixed with high-end fashion statements, and creative catchphrases shows that she wants to be known as a unique artist who keeps it real at all times.
What's your content focus?
You don't have to be a lifestyle blogger or business coach to build your brand. Just by posting on social media, you, too, are a content creator. Use the first two questions, along with where you are in your life, to help guide your content and create a few subject pillars that you're going to focus on.
On Cardi's Instagram, you'll see posts about her music, Fashion Nova endorsement, engagement, unfiltered sexuality, and her glamorous yet ratchet lifestyle.
What platforms will you focus on?
While you may be active on multiple platforms, think about where you can make the most impact and be consistent and relevant. LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter are some of the best brand-building channels because you can showcase your work, personality, and creativity.
With more than 20MM followers, Instagram is Cardi's primary channel. She's on Facebook and Twitter as well, but she focused on IG to build her fanbase even before she was on Love & Hip Hop.
Who's your target audience?
You can't be everything to everyone. Don't change who you are to reach people.
Use your personality type to draw them in.
As a potential ESFP, Cardi's personality is entertaining. She's goofy, loud, in your face and honest. She didn't need to be everyone's cup of tea for her debut album "Invasion of Privacy" to break records. Cardi knows who she's creating music for, and if you don't like her songs then you aren't her target audience.
What's your writing style and tone of voice?
This is how you can really let your personality shine through your personal brand. Fun, relatable, professional, serious, witty and inspirational are just a few ways you can communicate online. Look at your personality test results to find keywords that can describe your tone of voice.
Cardi takes a funny and casual approach in her writing - she uses a lot of emojis and all caps showing that she's just as social and loud AF online as she is in person.
What's your personal brand statement?
Last but not least, bundle your personal brand into a memorable, punchy 2-3 sentence statement about who you are, what you do, and the unique value that you add to your target audience.
Cardi B is an animated and unapologetic global superstar on the rise. From her music to her partnerships, she's making major money moves and giving fans permission to let their true personality shine.
How are you building an authentic personal brand? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured image by Shutterstock
- Personal Branding: What's Your Personality Type? | SocialTalent ›
- How to Define Your Personal Brand in 5 Simple Steps ›
- Defining your personal brand, part 2: your personality and desired ... ›
- Six types of a personal brand. Which one are you? | ›
- Brand Personality Quiz – Discover your brand archetype ›
- The Seven Types of Highly Effective Personal Brands | Jin Lee | Pulse ›
- 12 Brand Personality Types To Consider For Revved-Up Retention ... ›
- How to Fascinate | Personality Test ›
Teyonna Lanez is a brand strategist and producer with a love for doing the inner and outer work -- mindset shifting and marketing. The Atlanta native is passionate about social media storytelling and sharing positive affirmations to help people maintain inner peace despite external chaos. Connect with on Instagram @TeyonnaLanez or on her site TeyonnaLanez.com.
Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney & Jill Marie Jones On 'Games Women Play' & Dating Over 40
What do you get when you mix unfiltered truths, high-stakes romance, and a few well-timed one-liners? You get Games Women Play—the sizzling new stage play by Je’Caryous Johnson that’s part relationship rollercoaster, part grown-woman group chat.
With a powerhouse cast that includes Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney, Jill Marie Jones, Carl Payne, Chico Bean, and Brian J. White, the play dives headfirst into the messy, hilarious, and heart-wrenching games people play for love, power, and peace of mind. And the women leading this story? They’re bringing their whole selves to the stage—and leaving nothing behind.
From Script to Spotlight
The road to Games Women Play started over 20 years ago—literally.
“This script was written 20 years ago,” Jill Marie Jones said with a smile. “It was originally called Men, Money & Gold Diggers, and I was in the film version. So when Je’Caryous called me to bring it to the stage, I was like, ‘Let’s go.’” Now reimagined for 2025, the play is updated with sharp dialogue and modern relationship dynamics that feel all too real.
Demetria McKinney, no stranger to Je’Caryous Johnson’s productions, jumped at the opportunity to join the cast once again. “This is my third time working with him,” she shared. “It was an opportunity to stretch. I’d never been directed by Carl Payne before, and the chance to work with talent I admire—Jill, Claudia, Chico—it was a no-brainer.”
Claudia Jordan joked that she originally saw the role as just another check. “I didn’t take it that seriously at first,” she admitted. “But this is my first full-on tour—and now I’ve got a whole new respect for how hard people work in theater. This ain’t easy.”
Modern Love, Stage Left
The play doesn’t hold back when it comes to the messier parts of love. One jaw-dropping moment comes when a live podcast proposal flips into a prenup bombshell—leaving the audience (and the characters) gasping.
Demetria broke it down with honesty. “People don’t ask the real questions when they date. Like, ‘Do you want kids? How do you feel about money?’ These convos aren’t happening, and then everyone’s confused. That moment in the play—it’s real. That happens all the time.”
Jill chimed in, noting how the play speaks to emotional disconnect. “We’re giving each other different tokens of love. Men might offer security and money. Women, we’re giving our hearts. But there’s a disconnect—and that’s where things fall apart.”
And then Claudia, of course, took it all the way there. “These men don’t even want to sign our prenups now!” she laughed. “They want to live the soft life, too. Wearing units, gloss, getting their brows done. We can’t have nothing! Y’all want to be like us? Then get a damn period and go through menopause.”
Dating Over 40: “You Better Come Correct”
When the conversation turned to real-life relationships, all three women lit up. Their experiences dating in their 40s and 50s have given them both clarity—and zero tolerance for games.
“I feel sexier than I’ve ever felt,” said Jill, who proudly turned 50 in January. “I say what I want. I mean what I say. I’m inside my woman, and I’m not apologizing for it.”
Demetria added that dating now comes with deeper self-awareness. “Anybody in my life is there because I want them there. I’ve worked hard to need nobody. But I’m open to love—as long as you keep doing what got me there in the first place.”
For Claudia, the bar is high—and the peace is priceless. “I’ve worked hard for my peace,” she said. “I’m not dating for food. I’m dating because I want to spend time with you. And honestly, if being with you isn’t better than being alone with my candles and fountains and cats? Then no thanks.”
Channeling Strength & Icon Status
Each actress brings something different to the play—but all of them deliver.
“I actually wish I could be messier on stage,” Claudia joked. “But I think about my grandmother—she was born in 1929, couldn’t even vote or buy a house without a man, and didn’t give a damn. She was fearless. That’s where my strength comes from.”
For Jill, the comparisons to her iconic Girlfriends character Toni Childs aren’t far off—but this role gave her a chance to dig deeper. “If you really understood Toni, you’d see how layered she was. And Paisley is the same—misunderstood, but strong. There’s more to her than people see at first glance.”
Demetria, who juggles singing and acting seamlessly, shared that live theater pushes her in a new way. “Every moment on stage counts. You can’t redo anything. It’s a different kind of love and discipline. You have to give the performance away—live, in the moment—and trust that it lands.”
Laughter, Lessons & Black Girl Gems
The show has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments—and the cast isn’t shy about who steals scenes.
“Chico Bean gets a lot of gasps and laughs,” Claudia said. “And Naomi Booker? Every scene she’s in—she’s hilarious.”
But the play isn’t just about humor. It leaves space for reflection—especially for Black women.
“I hope we get back to the foundation of love and communication,” said Demetria. “A lot of us are in protector mode. But that’s turned into survival mode. We’ve lost softness. We’ve lost connection.”
Claudia agreed. “We’re doing it all—but it’s not because we want to be strong all the time. It’s because we have to be. And I just want women to know: You can have peace, you can be soft. But stop bringing your old pain into new love. Don’t let past heartbreak build walls so high that the right person can’t climb over.”
Final Act: Pack the House
If there’s one thing this cast agrees on, it’s that this play isn’t just entertainment—it’s necessary.
“Atlanta is the Black entertainment hub,” Claudia said. “We need y’all to show up for this play. Support the arts. Support each other. Because when we pack the house, we make space for more stories like this.”
Games Women Play is more than a play—it’s a mirror. You’ll see yourself, your friends, your exes, and maybe even your next chapter. So get ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe even heal—because the games are on.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image courtesy
It’s officially Miss Keri, Baby season again—and if you ask us, it’s been a long time coming. After 15 years away from the music scene, Keri Hilson has returned not only with a brand-new album, but also a captivating new role in Lifetime’s Fame—the latest installment in The Temptations film franchise.
Between the album We Need to Talk: Love and her leading role in Fame, this isn’t just a comeback—it’s a rebirth. The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter turned actress is letting us into her world like never before, unpacking themes of vulnerability, healing, and inner strength with grace, grit, and raw artistry.
Now streaming on Lifetime, Fame follows two superstar sisters—played by Keri and singer/actress Keshia Chanté—as they navigate the cost of stardom, sibling rivalry, and the dark side of desire. The film also stars Romeo Miller, Ecstasia Sanders, Nathan Witte, and Sophie Carriere, and is executive produced by Derrick Williams and Adriane Hopper Williams of the Seven Deadly Sins franchise.
As for the music? We Need to Talk: Love is a three-part album (Love, Drama, Redemption) that tells the story of a woman who’s been through it—and has risen from the ashes. “It was time to speak for myself,” Keri says.
We sat down with Keri to talk about her return to music, her passion for acting, the emotional depth of Fame, and how she’s learning to care for herself amidst the chaos.
From R&B Queen to Drama Star: Keri Gets Into Character
“Even though she’s famous—as am I—it was really her humanity that I wanted to portray.”
Keri plays Cherish, one half of a superstar sibling duo who must confront their fractured relationship in the wake of a traumatic robbery. For Keri, the role was more than a character—it was a psychological study.
“I enjoy departures from reality. That’s why I love acting,” she shares. “Psychology is one of my favorite things in life. I became a writer because I’m an observer of human nature, emotion, and behavior. I think I did a good job showing her humanity.”
The Fame Isn’t Always Worth the Price
“Keep the main thing the main thing.”
Keri doesn’t sugarcoat the industry. When asked about what Fame reveals about the dark side of celebrity culture, her answer is clear:
“It’s a cautionary tale. It reminds you to keep your family close and not allow anything to come between them—especially in pursuit of success. Keep the main thing the main thing. For me, that’s family, love, spirituality, and values.”
Three Chapters, One Story: Love. Drama. Redemption.
“I’ve shed the fear. It was time to tell my own story.”
Released April 18th, We Need to Talk: Love is Keri’s first album in 15 years—and a deeply personal one at that. The three-part project (Love, Drama, Redemption) represents a timeline of healing and growth.
“I’m finally in a place where I’m able and willing to open up more,” she says. “For a while, I became really guarded—shell-shocked, even—after making mistakes in the public eye. Whether it’s all your fault or not, the scrutiny takes its toll. But now, I’ve shed that fear. It’s time to tell my story.”
Cooking, Walks, and Recalibrating in the Chaos
“I’m not doing the best job—but I’m doing what I can.”
Between eight-hour rehearsals, press runs, and music releases, Hilson admits she hasn’t quite figured out the balance yet—but she’s trying. For her, the key is carving out small rituals of normalcy.
“I enjoy cooking. That’s my sanctity,” she says. “I’ll go home, take my makeup off, put on my rehearsal clothes, and cook a meal. I take walks. I run. These little things help me feel like myself again.”
Art Imitates Life (and Album Tracklists)
“Cherish goes from Love… to Drama… to Redemption.”
Asked which album chapter her Fame character would fall into, Keri doesn’t hesitate. “She fits into all three,” she says. “You see her go from love, to drama, to redemption. That arc mirrors the journey of so many women who’ve had to navigate pain and find their way back to themselves.”
No Pressure, Just Art: Keri Wants You to Feel Something
“Just enjoy the art. That’s it.”
After all the time, patience, and healing, Keri isn’t asking for much. She just wants fans to press play—and feel something.
“I just want people to enjoy what they’re seeing and hearing. Enjoy me on screen. Enjoy me through their ears. People have waited, and I feel blessed by that. That helps me keep it all pure and simple.”
As Keri Hilson steps boldly back into the spotlight, it’s clear this era is all about alignment, artistry, and authenticity. With Fame airing on Lifetime and the first chapter of We Need to Talk: Love setting the tone, we’re more than excited to see what’s next.
As she continues to unfold the album’s next two chapters—Drama and Redemption—one thing’s for sure: this isn’t just a comeback. It’s a reintroduction. And we’ll be watching, listening, and cheering her on every step of the way.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by AFF-USA/Shutterstock