Have you ever wondered where the line is between being “real” online and being fake?
Today I’m joined by the iconic Sarah Kleist — Showit web designer, Broadway actor, unapologetic musical theatre nerd, and multi-hyphenate brand queen — for a deep and wildly validating convo on the blurry (and often misunderstood) space between authenticity and performance.
We dive into what it really means to “show up online,” especially when you’re the face of your brand, and why the word “performance” gets a bad rap in the online business world.
Sarah also shares her hot takes on website templates vs. custom design, why minimalist branding can be totally okay, and how creative business owners can stop shrinking themselves to fit someone else’s idea of what “legit” looks like.
SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS
✦ The messy middle of branding when you’re multi-passionate
✦ Why performance and authenticity aren’t opposites
✦ The real difference between manipulation and storytelling
✦ DIY websites vs. custom design and how to know what you need
✦ The biggest mistake most people make when designing their website
TAKE THE STAGE
Open your notes app or journal and reflect on this: What version of yourself are you performing when you show up online? Is it a version you like? Does it feel real, even if it’s curated?
——
Mentioned in this episode:
✦ Sarah’s episode in Point of the Story
✦ Tonic Site Shop - Showit Templates
Follow & Connect with Sarah Kleist:
✦ Website
Follow & Connect with Eva:
✦ Website
✦ Get my Uncaged emails
This episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.
——
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Welcome to the Freak Show
00:23 Meet Sarah Kleist
03:11 Sarah’s Freak Show Audition
08:48 Can You Be Authentic Online AND Put On a Show?
16:32 Website Templates vs. Custom
40:34 Stop Designing Only for You
44:42 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps
