Liking Myself Back: An Influencer's Journey from Self-Doubt to Self-Acceptance

by Jacey Duprie

Entrepreneur and lifestyle influencer Jacey Duprie shares her inspiring journey of going from farm girl to fashion icon and her lessons about personal growth and self-made success.

With millions of followers and a thriving lifestyle brand, Damsel in Dior, Jacey Duprie is one of today’s top fashion influencers. Her beautiful Instagram photos capture a life of glamour, luxury and elegance. But Jacey’s life offline has been far from perfect.

In this candid memoir, Jacey reveals that behind her gorgeously curated photos was a woman struggling with deep insecurities. She shares intimate details of a difficult childhood growing up in rural Texas with an alcoholic father and her own battles with PTSD and mental health. Through resilience, hard work and self-reflection, Jacey eventually triumphed to become the strong, empowered woman she is today.

In Liking Myself Back, Jacey takes readers behind the scenes into the seductive world of fashion and influencing, and reveals how she overcame hardship to achieve her dreams. With raw emotional honesty, Jacey shows that conquering self-doubt and embracing your imperfect, authentic self is not only possible, but is the true key to happiness.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Self Help, Biography Memoir, Audiobook, Biography

304 pages, Hardcover

First published June 7, 2022

Reviews

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book so much. I've been a fan of Jacey since her early Damsel in Dior days and it was so interesting to hear her revisit these moments. Deeply personal, raw and vulnerable - I appreciate her transparency and the peak behind the curtain.

Full review to follow.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an early copy of this wonderful book in exchange for my honest review.

I gotta be honest - I didn’t know who Jacey Duprie was until last year. And I’m so glad I found her online and got this book.

This influencer’s amazing adventure of self healing, emotional growth and love is one of the best books I’ve ever read.

Jacey vulnerably shares her struggles and triumphs. She shares heartbreak and hope.

I love learning from others. This story was a great with a very powerful lesson in being able to turn struggle to strength, loving yourself, healing & magnificent clothes (seriously, I had to look up most of what she talked about and was so impressed with how beautiful they were).

This is also an epic love story. Not just a romantic love story - but love of making your life better, loving yourself to pursue your dreams, loving yourself enough to set healthy boundaries, love of fashion, love of making the world better for others, family love, love for pets, love of adventure.

Liking myself back is a wonderful book that’s good for the soul.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a weird business reviewing a memoir. So take this with a grain of salt. I applaud her moments of vulnerability, overcoming obstacles and her persistence as a woman in the space of social media. The rest of it felt contrived. It felt like this aspiration of what one "should" have, and how much one "should" make and how one "should" do it, no matter the steep emotional or mental toll. By she's wildly successful. She should be! She clearly works hard. And ... there were moments in the book that showed big blindspots of privilege that can be tricky to point out without trying to shame another woman. It certainly makes me reflect on my own contradictions as a woman.

I'll just say this last thing: it's a memoir of an influencer and it reads like one. Could be a good beachy read.

[Jacy Thoman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up because of some things Jacey had shared about what would be in the book, that resonated with me as a Jacy who also grew up in agriculture, raising cattle instead of cotton, and with some familiar family struggles. I was curious about her background and navigating some rocky years to where she is today. I really appreciated and enjoyed the vulnerability in the book about her relationship with her dad, self-esteem, and marriage. Jacey being an influencer there were also many moments that were far from relatable, but I felt that she recognizes some of that and was likely trying to balance sharing about her personal life for a broader, curious, reader audience, and the reader that is hoping this is just the inspiration they need to be able to make a career in influencing.

[Kimberly Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, which I will round up to 4 overall.

I feel like I start a lot of my reviews with "I have no idea who this person is; I got the book on sale". I am afraid, this is another one of those books. I follow people on Instagram and on Youtube but I have never heard of Jacey. I picked up her book because of what the info about the book said.

I review a lot of autobiographies. It is really the main type of book I like to read because I like to learn about people, and learn from their experiences. It is no different with this book. Jacey describes going from a cotton farmer's daughter in Texas, to Chicago for school and getting into fashion, and then LA. She describes going from a college graduate without a clear plan with what she wanted to do, to creating her own blog and becoming an influencer.

The thing I liked about this book was the honesty. Jacey does not appear to hold back with her accounts of her childhood with a parent who was living with substance use, and her parent's relationship. This follows her through school, and into her career as an influencer. You get the good and the ugly in this, even times where Jacey admits that she was a spoiled brat with those around her, especially her assistant and husband, once she started to be recognized as an influencer. I think that is important to say. It is important to grow as an individual, and look back to see when you were not the perfect person. I also liked that Jacey went through what it takes to be an influencer. I think some people would think it was easy, take a few pictures, move on. Jacey makes it very clear what it takes to get the right picture, and the feedback that comes back with being in this line of work. She is also candid about the toll it took on her marriage, and her experiences with therapy to grow as a person.

The parts I did not enjoy were the times when Jacey was a little like "poor me". There are a few times when Jacey was like, my life is too hard, work is too hard, I have to pay taxes on my "business", and my husband does not meet me at the door as soon as I walk in with a smile and a kiss. It was a little self-absorbed during times, which made me role my eyes. Maybe the life as an influencer is about being self-absorbed because it is all about you and your life but, at times, I really wanted to throw this book in the donation pile because I could not handle it all. I will say though that a lot of that was before Jacey went to therapy and started to work on herself as a person. Once that happened, Jacey seemed to even out and realize that life does not revolve around her.

Because of that, and because she offers some good relationship and personal tips, I am doing the 3.5, rounded up to 4 stars.

[Brooke Constance White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been following Jacey on IG for years and have always loved her authenticity and vulnerability. This book is no different - but it offers a deeper look into her emotional struggles stemming from growing up with an alcoholic father, struggles within her marriage, learning to like herself through therapy and tough emotional work, figuring out how to navigate and prioritize work and life and love. She has more to say than most…and I think what she has to say is well worth listening to.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light read about an influencers struggles with self-esteem. The one part I enjoyed was when she talked about going to therapy and how it helped her. The one take-away for any business owner is that it isn't possible to do it all, and trying to will wear you down.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before reading this Memoir I had no idea who the author was. I liked to read about people’s lives that are very different from mine. Duprie has made her career in social media. It was interesting to read about her career, but honestly I kept asking myself was it all worth it. She was constantly on the go and obsessed with getting the right shot or blogging about this or that. It took an immense toll on herself and her marriage.
She grapples with a lot and reveals much in the book. It’s a good lesson to remember: social media isn’t always real life. Thanks to HTP and Netgalley for the early read.

[Jessica Akemon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book at an event where Jacey was a keynote speaker. As someone who already followed Jacey on social media for a few years, and has now personally dipped my toes into the world of social media marketing, I was really looking forward to learning all the behind the scenes of her story and this industry. This book is extremely vulnerable, and even though some pieces weren’t as relatable to me personally — it was a beautiful memoir of self introspection, grit, determination, and entrepreneurship.

[TheBerryBookReport · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really open, raw and honest book that I went in with absolutely zero expectations and finished it feeling so happy I read it.

I have followed Jacey for a few years both on her blog and her Instagram account Damsel in Dior. I never really felt invested in her account, although I loved her style and aesthetic. However after reading her book and i can genuinely say I have a new found appreciation for her account, what she chooses to share and her life journey. She really embraced being vulnerable, sharing dark stories from her past and opening herself up to even more critique and opinions from strangers.

I applaud her vulnerability and her willingness to share even more of herself with strangers. If you go into this with an open mind, I truly think you will take a lot away from it. I know I have!

Congratulations Jacey on your book launch and overcoming a lot, and sharing it with the masses.

[Melanie Knopke · Rating 1 out of 5]

I preordered this book, because I have been a followe of Jacey for over a decade. I wanted to love it, but I’ll be honest, I was completely shocked this went to print. As someone who as invested in Jacey; reading her blog and Instagram for over a decade I was so disappointed. While her writing was very honest, Instead of inspiring and interesting this entire book felt ungrateful and privileged. While this may have been a way to rehabilitate from her past, it was hard to read that most of her feed was “fake” for many years, and the things she did to get to the top are pretty unbelievable. I would hate for aspiring influencers to read this. On this platform of social media it’s more important to be real, and focused on what is important in life (our families, mental health, and wellness) than sacrificing everything to make a million dollars.

[Laila-Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I pre-ordered this book the moment that I could and I was not disappointed! As someone who has followed Jacey for years it was fascinating to hear the full story behind the glimpses we see. For example, the full situation regarding her dog Polly (I won't spoil it for anyone who hasn't read the book yet). I must say that I am horrified by how brands seem to drop influencers as soon as they announce their pregnancies and how difficult it is to win them back postpartum!! Jacey is one of my favourite online content creators and this incredibly raw and honest account of her life and what the job really entails has only made me like her even more. If you're a fan of Jacey's this is a must!! If you're not a fan yet well... you might be after reading this book.

[Anastasia Abdoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best book I’ve read in a long time. I never heard of “Damsel In Distress” it Jacey before seeing her book at Barnes and Nobles. While reading this I loved how true Jacey was about her life growing up and the traumas she experienced as a child and how that made her adulthood difficult. She is honest about the struggles she experienced in her marriage and pregnancy and told about how exhausting and lonely it felt hiding behind a facade. It was exactly what I needed to read to help me in my own journey of discovery who I am.

[Diana Beckham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't have a lot of high hopes for this book because I am not into fashion, but this book pleasantly surprised me. Some parts were hard to relate with because she has such a glamorous life but she really ties it in when she starts to experience some things that any and most women can relate too. Very well written. She kept my attention from the beginning and I never got bored through the whole book. Read it!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was skeptical going into this because I have followed Jacey on and off for years, without ever feeling like I could truly get a read on who she is as a person. Wow, wow, wow was her book illuminating. As someone who is fascinated by content creation as a career, I was captivated by the way Jacey pulled the curtain alllll the way back on her personal life and professional choices. I only have respect and admiration for the life she has built!

[Luisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting insight into the women with that one Chanel bag or Louis Vuitton bag that can’t afford it but go for it because is “who you want to project” . Some interesting parts, tries to relatable ( the struggle of not being size cero for example) but overall lacks depth . The podcast episode of Maintenance Phase about Rachel Hollis is a good deconstruction if the new wave of influencer/ blogger books.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jacey’s story was very relatable and her honesty on topics about public perception and pressure were refreshing. Was it a story that absolutely had to be heard? No. But it was refreshing to see a fashion blogger use her recognition in a positive way bringing awareness to the facade of social media. It did feel a bit contradictory though considering the things she bashed about her work are still a huge part of what she does.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this book. I’ve followed Jacey for years and always noted “she’s my favorite blogger” but this story was raw and really pulled back the curtain. There were moments I related to jacey and others where I’ve learned from her. She’s not only my “favorite blogger” but perhaps my “favorite author” !

[Kim Cindle Rieger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve followed Jacey longer and more consistently than any other influencer, so I was already a fan. This memoir provides a deep, vulnerable account of events in her personal life. I’ve never enjoyed listening to audiobooks and have never managed to finish one. Listening to this book in the authors voice, however, was a delight!

[Laura Emerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this book on audiobook. I thought it was well written and Jaycee did a good job at being transparent. It’s a story I think we hear time and time again but it’s good to be reminded to be transparent and real in todays culture. I’ll be interested to see how her journey unfolds over the next decade in influencing.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed her brutally honest story, what it took for her to become a successful blogger, and the toll it took on herself, her relationships and family. She did not shy away from sharing the ugly, which made the beautiful, redemptive moments shine even more.

[Sharon Bryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. It was a quick and easy read. If you are a fan of Jacey and her social media feed, you will appreciate the details. But nothing I would recommend to others. I enjoyed it and liked learning more about her.

[Jessica Jang · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do think there was a fair amount of humble brag with this book. I've never heard of this lady, but the education was nice for someone who wants to be an influencer. I'm glad she ended the book by coming clean and recognizing what really matters in life.

Thank you so much to Netgalley for this advanced reader's copy for an honest review.

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't follow this influencer but I was intrigued by the title. I appreciate how raw and vulnerable she gets in the book talking about her childhood and things that have made her the way she is. It was a good fast read.

[Aurora · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book felt honest. Not the most beautiful writing/editing, however I appreciated the honesty, the revealing sides of this industry and hearing about the struggles of loving yourself, gaining confidence, growing through hardship with marriage and motherhood. All relatable struggles.

[Ellie Jarrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light-hearted read that gave insight into social media and how everything is not always as it seems. I appreciate her vulnerability to open up about her childhood with an alcoholic parent. I enjoyed this book and finished it fairly quickly.

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Giving a review for a memoir feels a little ick, but I'm gonna go ahead and say this book is proof that not everyone needs "to tell their story." The writing here was contrived and the entire book felt contrived, ungrateful and cluelessly privileged.

[HTP Books]

Categories
Inspiration & Personal Growth, Motivational Business & Economics, Personal Memoirs, Business Biographies & Autobiographies

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very honest and raw

[Carolyn Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good memoir about the influencer lifestyle. Listened on audiobook.