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Hey Reader!

Before we begin: Mother’s Day hits everyone differently. It can bring up joy, pride, grief, complexity all at once. If this season feels tender, I’m sending love and space your way.

Now let’s talk about the one line that’s quietly shaped my life and business more than almost anything else:

“Just be yourself.”

Simple. Classic. Very mom.

The first time she said it, I was 12 years old, trying to impress a group of girls who clearly didn’t get me (and made sure I knew it).

I wanted to shrink. Blend in. Be someone easier to like.

She didn’t let me.

She repeated it at college drop-off. She said it anytime I doubted myself.

And now, as a business owner building something from scratch, I still hear it in my head, especially when I start overthinking everything.

Because being yourself in business? It’s radical.

It’s tempting to study what everyone else is doing. Copy templates. Chase trends. Tweak yourself into someone more “palatable.”

But the truth is…

✨ Your quirks are your power.
✨ Your realness is your resonance.
✨ And people can’t connect with you if you’re buried under a filter you don’t even like.

So now when I write copy, coach a client, or create something new, I don’t start with “What will sell?”

I start with: What feels true?

And just like that, everything works better.

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So whether you're launching your first product or finally sending that email that’s been sitting in drafts…

Curly (yep, that’s Mom) would want you to remember:

• You don’t need the “right” voice. Use your voice.
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• Show up like you mean it. Not like you hope they’ll like you.
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• There’s room for you. Exactly as you are.

Sticky advice. Surprisingly useful.

Johnna

👉 P.S. What’s the best piece of advice a wise woman in your life ever gave you? Hit reply and share because I’d love to hear it (and possibly quote her in my next launch 😄).

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Wondering who the heck is sending you this email? Hey it's me, Johnna Kirk, founding Queen Bee - I help beginner digital creators turn ideas into profitable products and build systems for success - without the burnout. I'm also a mom, grandmother of 3, an avid reader, have a big sweet tooth and love to pour all my Scorpio energy into new projects. Check me out at johnnakirk.com.