The Story Behind My Brand Journey

If someone had told me a few years ago that I’d end up as a brand strategist, building a community to help others find balance in their personal and professional lives, I probably would have laughed it off.

I didn’t set out with a clear vision of what I wanted to do, let alone know the first thing about “branding.” But, like most journeys worth taking, mine began with uncertainty, grew through challenges, and was guided by a few surprising moments of clarity along the way.

When I first started, I was in a rough spot—I had big dreams but hardly any resources to make them happen. I needed a job, an income, some way to contribute and support myself, but it felt like every opportunity I tried fell short.

I was frustrated and, quite honestly, a little lost. Then I stumbled across LinkedIn. At that point, I was simply looking for ways to make money. LinkedIn looked like a networking platform, but the potential there wasn’t obvious to me right away.

I spent months just figuring out what it was really about. It took about six months of trial and error, reading, engaging, and learning, before I started to see LinkedIn for what it could be—a place where I could build something unique, something mine.

As I learned more about personal branding, the idea of becoming a “brand” didn’t come naturally. I didn’t wake up and think, “I’m going to be a brand strategist.” In fact, it felt like the opposite; branding felt so far from where I’d begun. I was just a writer.

But writing taught me to listen, to tune into what people were searching for and what questions they needed answers to.

And in doing that, I discovered something valuable: words have power, and they can connect people in a very real way. I saw how a well-crafted story could shape perceptions and build trust.

For the first time, I began to see branding as an avenue that wasn’t just about images and slogans. It was about building trust, creating a sense of identity, and connecting with people on a level that mattered.

I started small. My first role was as an SEO writer. At the time, I thought SEO would be my main focus, but I realized quickly that I wanted to create more than just content that ranked well on Google.

I wanted to help brands communicate their purpose, share their mission, and connect authentically with their audience.

After SEO, I explored social media, first as a ghostwriter, then as a manager, and eventually, as a strategist. In each role, I realized that branding went beyond just writing or managing—it was about crafting an entire experience.

And that’s when I started focusing on brand strategy. I wanted to be someone who could look at a brand, understand its values and vision, and shape it in a way that spoke to the right audience.

Then, there was LinkedIn. By sharing my journey, my insights, and my learnings, I started connecting with people who resonated with my message. They wanted to learn about branding, and in sharing my knowledge, I found my community.

Over time, I gained followers, made meaningful connections, and, perhaps most importantly, learned from the people who reached out to me.

It was these connections that made me realize the value of community—not just a group of people following a page but a space where ideas, experiences, and advice could be exchanged openly.

Fast forward to today, and I’ve been fortunate enough to build a following of over 26,000 people on LinkedIn. I’ve earned a six-figure income, gained confidence in myself and my abilities, spoken at events, and even founded my own community— Zein .

However with every milestone, there’s still a part of me that wants to keep growing, learning, and moving forward.

I think that’s why I resonate so much with the concept of branding—it’s a journey, not a destination. And I believe that no matter how much you’ve achieved, there’s always room for growth.

Creating Zein has been one of the most rewarding projects of my career. The idea behind it came from my experiences and from recognizing the gap that exists between personal and professional growth.

Too often, we focus solely on our careers, chasing titles and success while neglecting our personal lives. But I firmly believe that the energy you cultivate within yourself is the same energy you bring to your work. If we’re exhausted, stressed, or unfulfilled in our personal lives, that translates into our professional lives.

Zein is my way of bridging that gap—a community designed to help people grow at their own pace, surrounded by support, without the pressure of constant comparison. It’s a space for reflection, learning, and balance, all aimed at helping members thrive both personally and professionally.

One of the lessons I learned along the way is that personal branding is about authenticity. You can’t fake who you are, not in the long run. People connect with stories, with shared values, with the feeling that someone understands them. And that’s what I try to bring into my work as a brand strategist.

Every brand, whether it’s an individual or a company, has a story. My role is to help people tell it in a way that’s true to who they are.

For anyone who’s just starting on their branding journey, my advice is simple: take it slow. Branding is a process. It’s about understanding who you are, what you want to represent, and how you want others to see you.

Don’t rush it. Focus on building a foundation based on your values and let your brand evolve naturally. It might feel slow at times, but trust me, the results are worth it.

As I reflect on my journey, I’m incredibly grateful. I never imagined that I’d be here today, not only as a brand strategist but also as a founder, a community builder, and someone who can inspire others to pursue their own paths.

My story isn’t over; it’s just beginning. And if I’ve learned anything, it’s that growth doesn’t stop. I still have fears, still take risks, and still wonder what’s next. But each step forward is a reminder that I’m doing something that matters, not just for myself but for others.

Building Zein and nurturing my own brand has been an incredible experience, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me. For those who want to build their own brand, know that it’s okay to start small, to feel unsure, and to take things one day at a time.

Authenticity, patience, and a willingness to learn are the foundation of every great brand.

Thank you for joining me on this journey.

Here’s to creating, connecting, and building something meaningful—together.

Faizat Hussein

Founder,

Zein.