Words: Koralia Hume

Personal branding is one of those phrases that can make people slightly cringe — as if it’s all about selfies, slogans, and trying to be “known”. But in my experience, it’s nothing like that A personal brand is simply the reputation you build on purpose.

It’s what people associate with your name: your standards, your values, your taste, your expertise — and how you make them feel. And here’s the key: mine wasn’t accidental. It was intentional.

When I set up Quarrybank Boutique Bathrooms, I knew I didn’t just want to sell bathrooms. I wanted to share insights — with the industry and with the public — because I believe our sector is at its best when we raise standards together. So I started showing up consistently, with a clear message, using two distinct lenses.

For B2B, I became active on LinkedIn, sharing the real story behind building and running a business — the lessons, the leadership, the decisions. That’s where Diary of a Bathroom Designer was born, bringing our professional community together.

And for my B2C clients, the focus is excellence in practice — design thinking, attention to detail, service, and the standard of installation. I also don’t hide behind a logo. I show my face — not from vanity, but because trust forms faster when there’s a human behind the brand.

Recently, a lady in her 60s became a client and paid her deposit before we’d even had an initial meeting or survey. No lengthy explanation, no selling. Her daughter follows us on Instagram and told her, “Koralia is the person for you, mum.” That one moment proved something I’ve come to believe deeply: personal brand builds trust before the first conversation happens.

The part people get wrong is thinking personal brand means performing. In my experience, it works best when it’s rooted in truth — and that’s magnetic. People can sense when you’re trying too hard. But when you’re grounded in who you are — your values, your beliefs, your standards — you become recognisable. In a crowded market, recognisability is power.

Personal branding also creates opportunities. I was offered the role of Bathroom Champion at the KBSA. I’ve been asked to write for publications (this one included). When I reach out to prospective partners in the bathroom sector, the first meeting rarely feels “cold”. Often they already know who I am, what Quarrybank stands for, and what level of excellence I expect. It speeds up trust, shortens the path to meaningful partnerships, and sets a tone: quality matters here.

I’ve been invited to support companies I genuinely rate — for example, by creating a series of videos for TruBlue. Someone once said to me, “If you recommend it, it means it’s worth it.” That’s the weight of reputation.

Personal brand is not about ego. It’s not about being “liked by everyone” (although, who doesn’t enjoy being liked?). It’s about being clear — and aligned. I think that matters even more in the era of AI. When content is easy to generate, what stands out is the human layer: transparency, integrity, lived experience, and leadership.

I also believe 2026 will be a selection year for our industry. Just as the pandemic exposed who could adapt and who couldn’t, this year will reward businesses that define their niche and communicate clearly why they’re different. Those businesses will thrive. The ones who stay invisible or vague will struggle — not because they’re bad businesses, but because they haven’t positioned themselves.

That’s why developing a personal brand now isn’t a “nice to have”. It’s a strategic move. A way to stand out, to be remembered, and to build trust before the first conversation happens.

If you want to build a personal brand that genuinely drives growth, keep it simple: Decide what you want to be known for (your niche and your standard), show up consistently (not constantly). Share your thinking, not just your work and open the room for conversation. Match your presentation to your promise, and tell the truth professionally (authenticity beats performance every time)

Personal branding isn’t about being famous. It’s about being trusted — and trust is the most valuable currency there is.