At Reformation Brewery, authenticity is more than just a core value—it’s the foundation of everything we do. From the way we craft our beer to how we foster a welcoming space for our team and community, we believe in showing up as our true selves. We’re proud to create an environment where individuality is celebrated and people feel free to connect, create, and enjoy without pretense.
In her thoughtful article, Stephanie dives deeper into what it truly means to live authentically and the transformative impact it can have. Her journey of self-discovery and embracing vulnerability reflects the same spirit we aim to cultivate here at Reformation. Keep reading to explore how authenticity can inspire more meaningful connections and personal freedom.
What does it mean to be authentic? For me, it’s been an ongoing process of unlearning and rediscovery. Being authentic means staying true to your values and beliefs, and making sure your thoughts and actions align with who you truly are, despite external pressures.
There’s a Charles Bukowski quote that often sticks with me: “Can you remember who you were before the world told you who you should be?” It’s a question that still causes me to pause and reflect. Like many people, I’ve had moments where I found myself slipping into roles that others expected of me but weren’t true to who I am.
To be our authentic selves, we must not only love who we are but also be willing to disappoint those around us. It’s hard to let go of the need for approval. Growing up, I was often the “good kid” who followed the rules and did what was expected. And while that brought external validation, it didn’t always make me happy. Over time, I learned that constantly trying to meet everyone else’s expectations was a recipe for dissatisfaction.
Imagine living your entire life satisfying everyone around you but never truly pleasing yourself. That realization hit me hard one day when I was reflecting on some of the decisions I’d made. I don’t want to live someone else’s life, I want to live mine.
But living authentically isn’t always easy. Depending on how far your current life deviates from the one you truly want, it can feel overwhelming to even start. I’ve had to face uncomfortable truths about how much I’d allowed others to shape my life and identity. And sometimes, embracing authenticity means stepping away from relationships that no longer serve you, which can be incredibly painful.
But the rewards of living authentically are immense. I can personally attest to the greater sense of peace that comes from living in alignment with my true self. You become more self-aware, confident, and resilient. You build deeper, more meaningful connections because the people around you appreciate you for who you genuinely are.
And while I’m still on this journey myself, I’ve experienced firsthand how liberating it is to let go of people-pleasing and perfectionism. Over the years, I’ve learned that it’s okay to say no. It’s okay to speak my truth even if it ruffles feathers. It’s okay to set boundaries, even if it makes others uncomfortable. In fact, setting those boundaries has become one of the most important parts of self-care in my life.
Living authentically is the greatest form of self-care because it connects you deeply to your wants, needs, and desires. Self-care is often sold as face masks and spa days, but for me, it’s more about those quiet moments when I reflect on whether the life I’m living feels right for me.
So, how do you start living more authentically? It begins with self-discovery. Journaling has been an invaluable tool for me. Capturing my thoughts helps me untangle the web of external expectations versus my own inner desires. It has helped me become more mindful of when I’m conforming to someone else’s narrative rather than following my own path.
Self-awareness is crucial in this process. I’ve learned to catch myself when I start to feel that familiar tug of wanting to please others, and I ask myself: Is this what I want, or am I just doing this to be liked?
Another vital piece is embracing vulnerability. I believe vulnerability is one of the greatest strengths we can have. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we invite genuine connections into our lives. It takes courage to show up as your true self, but the reward is creating deeper relationships with people who love and respect you for who you are.
One of the hardest parts of this journey has been learning to express my honest thoughts and feelings. I often remind myself that it’s okay to express disappointment, frustration, or disagreement as long as it’s done with respect and compassion.
Surrounding yourself with people who value authenticity can go a long way in helping you along your journey. I love that Reformation Brewery has authenticity as one of their core values. It’s a message to all of us who walk through their doors that we can show up as an authentic version of ourselves, and no matter who we are, we’re welcome. We could use more spaces like theirs that encourage us to let go of other’s expectations and show up as our true selves.
Ultimately, living authentically gives you permission to let go of perfectionism and people-pleasing, so you can focus on your own well-being. It’s an ongoing process—I’m still learning every day—but each step I take toward authenticity feels like a step toward freedom.
It won’t happen overnight, but you can take small steps every day to become more of who you truly are.
Stephanie, a James Beard-nominated writer based in Atlanta, has been immersed in the beer industry since 2018. Her writing has graced the pages of publications such as CraftBeer.com, Good Beer Hunting, and the New Brewer. In 2023, she founded The Share Community, an online platform dedicated to fostering support among Black and Brown women and non-binary individuals pursuing careers in craft beer. Stephanie also provides content strategy and creation services to companies in the food and beverage space, serving both B2B and B2C audiences.