The Birth of Very Berry Pai

During my first week of college, I threw myself into every opportunity to meet new faces and connect with different voices. One, in particular, stood out to me as pivotal in my journey toward self-discovery: “Hey, you’re Very Berry Pai, right?”—a simple phrase that shifted my perspective and, perhaps even more dramatically, the course of my life as someone who had never before thought of themselves as anything but ordinary.

Growing up, all I ever wanted was to be ordinary. I would stare at my reflection in the mirror, searching for all the ways I was different, hoping no one would notice the seamless transition from a larger-than-life personality that warmed the room with glowing sunlight to one that released unsaid words into the air, like clouds hanging overhead. I wasn’t special, and I questioned those who thought they were. Being special, to me, meant being entitled—believing you were somehow more important or more deserving of attention than everyone else. There were moments when I reveled in my ability to shrink into the background, to become the wallflower of every room. But there was also a part of me that yearned for someone to prove me wrong—to tell me I did possess memorable qualities worthy of recognition.

Funnily enough, sometime in high school—though I can’t quite recall when—I began using my fascination with wordplay to come up with catchy titles that would set me apart in the subtlest ways. While I erased parts of myself to conform, I also shaped what remained to appear more exciting and facey—and thus, Very Berry Pai was born.

Initially, the title meant nothing. It was simply a way to leave my common first name out of the handle that defined me in the world of online perception. For the next few years, I forgot about it, never appreciating the brand I was unknowingly creating for my future self. It wasn’t until I entered a world crowded with countless identities that I began to realize the power of perception and how a small title like that could transform my relationships with virtual strangers. Once it struck me, Very Berry Pai was no longer just a name; it took on an unshakeable personality and a distinct set of standards.

What would Very Berry Pai do? Each time I muster the courage to try something new or face situations I once avoided, I ask myself this simple question. It’s not that I lack role models or real-life personas to emulate; rather, I strive to be a collage of the best parts of those who inspire me. So, who is Very Berry Pai? She is the voice of those closest to me, reminding me that I am creative, strong, confident, and worthy—qualities that make me truly special. She is the girl reflected in my vibrant Instagram posts, witty banter, and bold lipstick choices. Very Berry Pai is also the reason I wear a strawberry ring on my finger: a personal promise to always channel the part of myself that knows she is deserving of love and admiration.

Knowing you’re special doesn’t mean believing you’re better. You can shine brightly without overshadowing others. Everyone has a unique brand hidden within them, waiting to be discovered. Sometimes, it takes the right people to help reveal the parts of ourselves we may have overlooked. So, what do you love most about yourself? And how can you embrace those qualities to present yourself confidently, standing out while making space for others to do the same? Your personal brand doesn’t need to be a public persona like Very Berry Pai. It could be a playful alter ego, a set of guiding values, or even a signature style. The person you choose to be is entirely up to you.

For me, it’s about knowing that while I may be just another Ria, there is only one Very Berry Pai.

Happy Living

“If you don’t give the market the story to talk about, they’ll define your brand’s story for you.” – David Brier