Brand Building: Living The Whole Picture with Jama Pantel
Brand Building: Living the Whole Picture is the go-to podcast for ambitious women ready to elevate their visibility, build authentic confidence, and become the face of their brand.
Hosted by luxury portrait photographer, author, educator, and former influencer Jama Pantel, this podcast delivers actionable strategies on personal branding, photography, and business growth—so you can step into the spotlight with clarity and purpose.
If you've ever felt unseen in your industry, struggled with confidence on camera, or hesitated to show up boldly, this is your roadmap to build a powerful presence that gets you noticed and respected.
Join Jama as she helps you build a brand that stands out, master your presence in photos and video, and turn your expertise into a magnetic business.
It’s time to stop playing small and start showing up like the leader you were meant to be.
Brand Building: Living The Whole Picture with Jama Pantel
The Introvert Advantage: Building Authentic Brands with Jama Pantel
What if being an introvert could be your greatest asset in building a successful brand? Join me, Jama Pantel, as I share my own entrepreneurial journey and reveal how introverted traits can transform the way you approach personal and business branding. Our preference for thoughtful, deep connections isn't a hindrance—it's a superpower. In this episode of Living the Whole Picture, I share personal stories of overcoming the chaos of extroverted networking environments and finding pathways that honor who we truly are. You'll learn how qualities like authenticity, reflection, and intentionality can serve as a foundation for creating meaningful relationships with clients and followers.
Forget the myths that introversion means shyness or being antisocial. Here, we spotlight the introvert advantage, demonstrating how staying true to oneself can lead to impactful success. By focusing on quality over quantity, introverts can harness their inherent strengths to craft brands that genuinely reflect their identities. Whether you're looking to build a brand or simply show up authentically in life, there's inspiration to be found in our conversation. Don't miss the chance to hear diverse voices and stories that emphasize the power of embracing your natural inclinations. Subscribe, rate, and review to help others discover the value of living fully as introverts.
Hey y'all, welcome back to Living the Whole Picture, the podcast where photography, business and inspiration collide. I'm your host, Jama Pantel, a luxury portrait photographer turned educator, author, influencer and dream chaser. Each week, we'll dive into topics that help you shine in front of the camera, build confidence in your brand and take bold steps towards your biggest goals. Whether you're here to improve your photography skills, grow your business or find the courage to show up authentically in life, you're in the right place. Let's get started as we work on living the whole picture together. Today, we're diving into a topic that I feel deeply connected to building a business or personal brand as an introvert. This one's for all my fellow introverts out there, those of us who dream big but sometimes feel overwhelmed by the noise of the world, those of us who need time and space to ourselves, those of us who perform better in small groups. You are my people, and this one's for you. I know it's possible, I do it and I'm here for you. Being an introvert myself, I know how challenging it can be to put yourself out there, especially in a world of entrepreneurship, where it can feel like you need to be loud, bold and constantly present to succeed. But I'm here to tell you introverts have a lot of other things to offer in business, in life and in personal branding. It's about leaning into your strengths, finding your own way and staying true to who you are. So let's get going with this Understanding the introvert advantage. Before we dive into strategies. Let's talk about what it really means to be an introvert and how it can be an advantage in building your business, your brand or in life in general.
Jama Pantel:A lot of people think introverts it means being shy or antisocial. I've been called a snob more times in my life than I care to admit, but that's not necessarily the case. Introverts recharge by spending time alone or in low stimulation environments, and they often prefer deeper conversations and connections over surface level interactions. That is absolutely me, and guess what? Those qualities can be a huge asset when it comes to building a meaningful or authentic brand. I've found that being an introvert allows me to connect with my clients on a deeper level. One of the biggest compliments I got after hosting a gala for a bunch of my clients was you know, she's a good person when every person in the room says I wish I was her best friend. That's probably one of the most touching things I've ever had anybody say to me I listen carefully to all my clients, I'm thoughtful in my approach and I genuinely care about the people I work with. I'm not interested in shouting over the noise or being the loudest. I want to create something real, something lasting and something that speaks to people, and that's a strength that many introverts share. It's not about being the loudest, it's about creating something that resonates. So let's share a bit about my journey as an introvert entrepreneur.
Jama Pantel:I've always loved photography, but in the beginning I was terrified of putting myself out there. I loved capturing moments behind the camera. I was confident in my photography skills, but the idea of networking, promoting myself or showing up in front of the camera it was really overwhelming. I remember attending my first photography conference and while everyone else was mingling or chatting effortlessly, I felt like I was drowning in a sea of extroverts. As usual, I ended up hiding in a corner sipping on coffee and feeling like maybe I just wasn't cut out for this. But over time I realized that I didn't have to do things the same way as everyone else. I could build my business on my own terms in a way that felt true to me. I didn't have to be the center of attention, and events didn't have to be the loudest. Instead, I focused on creating genuine one-on-one connections. I didn't have to post flashy content all the time. Instead, I slowly started to share my story authentically in a way that resonated with my audience and that has made all the difference. I continued this way when I became an online run influencer as well. It was hard trying to be seen or to stand out with so many extrovert personalities, but, as usual, introverts find their way and they're grateful for those extrovert friends who get them out of their comfort zone. I admit I danced for online reels, something I swore I'd never do, but I did it as awkward and as ridiculous as I felt, and it just took me a little bit longer to recharge. After doing something like that Telling you, putting yourself out there and taking the baby steps it really changes you, even though it's not something that you are going to do over and over again. So, embracing your introvert superpowers.
Jama Pantel:The first step in building a business or brand as an introvert is to embrace your strengths. You don't have to pretend to be someone you're not. Instead, lean into the qualities that make you who you are Thoughtfulness and authenticity. That's where it's at. Introverts tend to be really thoughtful, reflective and intentional. Those qualities are invaluable when building a brand. You can take the time to craft a message that really speaks to your audience, to create products or services that truly solve their problems, and to build relationships that are meaningful rather than superficial.
Jama Pantel:When I started my photography business, I knew I wanted my clients to feel seen really seen and that intention became the foundation of everything I did. Whether I was photographing high school seniors or families, business professionals or professional brands, I wanted them to walk away feeling confident and valued, and that authenticity shines through so deep connections. This is something that introverts excel at. You don't have to have a huge audience to build a successful brand. You just need the right audience. Focus on building genuine relationships with your clients, with your followers, with your people and your community. I've always preferred quality over quantity. I think I say that in a lot of my client meetings too. I might not have a million followers, and again I block more followers than I let in, because if you're not real, I'm not interested in having you on board Again. That's so weird to me, but the connections I do have are real and they're what keep my business thriving when I was an influencer for that running brand. It wasn't about the numbers. For me, it was about connecting with people who shared my passion and who related to my journey and whose journey I could relate to as well.
Jama Pantel:Listening and understanding. One of the biggest advantages of being an introvert is the ability to listen. In a world that's constantly shouting for attention, the power of listening is often overlooked. When you take the time to really listen to your audience, to understand their struggles, their needs and their dreams, you can create a brand that serves them in a meaningful way. When I work with clients, I'm not just there to take photos. I'm there to understand their story, to capture who they are and to make them feel seen. I make them forget their insecurities, because I know we all have them. That's what sets my work apart, and it's something that comes naturally to me as an introvert. So, now that we've talked about the strengths you bring to the table as an introvert, so that now that we've talked about the strengths you bring to the table as an introvert, let's dive into some practical strategies for building your business or personal brand.
Jama Pantel:Number one find your comfort zone, then expand it. One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that growth happens just outside your comfort zone. As an introvert, it's important to find that balance between honoring who you are and challenging yourself to grow. You don't have to dive in headfirst to every opportunity that scares you, jump on every trend or anything like that, but take small steps outside your comfort zone because that can lead to bigger changes over time.
Jama Pantel:For me, it all started with slowly showing my face online and I did it kind of as a challenge, like I just assumed people wanted to see pretty pictures and not me. But I said you know what, let me put my face out there. I'd spent years comfortably behind the camera, but I knew that if I wanted to build a personal brand or expand my business, I needed to let people see me. So I started small. I posted pictures here and there of me, shared a little bit of my story and slowly got more comfortable being visible and, honestly, it made a difference. I wanted to prove myself wrong, that I didn't have to be seen, but guess what? It worked. Over time those small steps added up and now I'm hosting this podcast, putting myself out there in ways I never thought I could, and sometimes it's still awkward and uncomfortable, but I'm doing it, and doing it messy y'all.
Jama Pantel:So number two is leveraging those one-on-one connections. Networking is really intimidating, especially if you're not the type to work a room full of strangers. Trust me, that's not me, but the good news is you don't have to. Instead of trying to connect with everyone, focus on building meaningful one-on-one connections. Reach out to people individually, whether it's through a direct message, an email or a coffee chat. These smaller, deeper interactions can be incredibly powerful and can lead to long-lasting relationships. Some of the best opportunities in my business came from quiet, one-on-one conversations. I didn't need to be the most outgoing person in the room, I just needed to be authentic and present conversations and be present in the conversations I was having.
Jama Pantel:Number three create content that feels true to you. While building a personal brand, content creation is key, but, as an introvert, the idea of constantly posting on social media or creating videos can feel draining. I never wanted to be clickbait and I'm not. The key is to create content that feels true to you. You don't have to post every day. You don't have to follow every trend. Instead, focus on sharing content that is meaningful to you and your audience. For me, that meant creating an ebook. That was something I was passionate about. Rather than trying to create flashy content just for the sake of staying visible, it meant sharing the ups and downs of my journey in a way that felt authentic rather than curated or forced. It's okay to take breaks when you need them, to step back, to recharge, to reevaluate. Your audience will appreciate the authenticity and they'll connect with you even more because of it.
Jama Pantel:Number four use your energy wisely. As introverts, our energy is precious. We don't get energized by constant interaction. In fact, it can be quite the opposite. That's why it's so important to use your energy wisely. Focus on the activities that have the most impact and don't be afraid to say no to things that drain you. Focus on the activities that have the most impact and don't be afraid to say no to things that drain you. When I was balancing my photography business, my influencer role, caring for my mom, all the things I had to get really intentional about where I put my energy. I couldn't do it all, and that was okay. I learned to focus on what truly mattered connecting with my clients, sharing my story authentically and taking care of myself and my family. It's about prioritizing what aligns with your values and just letting go of the rest.
Jama Pantel:Building confidence as an introvert can be tricky, especially when it comes to putting yourself out there in a public way. But building a brand or business requires a lot of confidence, not necessarily the loud, extroverted look at me kind of confidence, but a quiet confidence that comes from knowing who you are and what you have to offer. I've said it often you have to know where you come from, to know where you're going, and that's so true in this. So own your story. Your story is your superpower. Embrace it, the good, the bad and everything in between. When I started sharing more of my story my journey as a photographer, my experience caring for my parents through their battles with cancer, my love for running I found that people related to me in ways I never expected. They weren't looking for perfection, they were looking for something real, and owning my story gave me that confidence to show up more authentically every time, even when it felt vulnerable and feel like you're not making any progress, when you feel so many others are more successful all around you.
Jama Pantel:But every small step forward is worth celebrating, whether it's posting your first piece of content, landing a new first client or simply putting yourself out there in a new way. Celebrate it. Those small wins build momentum and over time they add up to something incredible. And don't forget to lean on your community. You don't have to do this alone. Find a community of like-minded people who support you and uplift you. Trust me, I am grateful for the extroverts who reached out to me and supported me in a time where I needed it most. I kind of depend on them a lot, but that could be a group of fellow entrepreneurs, a mentor or even just a friend who understands what you're going through.
Jama Pantel:As introverts. We might not need a huge network, but having a few people in your corner can make all the difference. When I was struggling to balance all the things, it was my community, my friends, that kept me going. I was the. It was the quiet encouragement from them, the genuine support from my clients because I had some who were constantly reaching out to check on me and I am forever grateful for that and the understanding from fellow entrepreneurs and people who'd been there before. Don't be afraid to ask for help, to lean on others and to let them be part of your journey. I know that's something I've struggled with and I talked about it before and I'm sure I'll talk about this again.
Jama Pantel:You can't do everything alone, even if you want to.
Jama Pantel:So building a business or personal brand as an introvert might look different than it does for extroverts, but that doesn't make it any less powerful. In fact, it's your unique qualities, your thoughtfulness, your ability to connect deeply, your authenticity that sets you apart and make your brand or you, truly special. Remember, you don't have to be the loudest voice in the room to make an impact. You just have to be. You Lean into your strengths, honor who you are and take those small steps forward, one at a time. The world needs your voice, your story and your unique perspective, so don't be afraid to share it. Thank you again so much for joining me on this episode of Living the Whole Picture. I hope today's conversation has inspired you to embrace your introvert strengths and use them to build a business, life or brand that feels true to you. If you enjoyed today's episode, please consider subscribing, rating and leaving a review. It helps more people like you find the podcast and join us along on this journey. Until next time, keep chasing those big dreams and living the whole picture.
