Sonia M. Rompoti, MSc, Bsc

Let’s face it, in a world where your choice of coffee brand can result in a social media circus and your selection of eco-friendly water bottle can brand you an ambassador of global salvation, the question of which brands I associate with is tantamount to public self-definition.

The Brainy Bunch: Apple, Google, and Tesla

For starters, I’ve a confession to make—I’m a bit of a tech nerd. No, I don’t attend hacker conventions wearing anti-blue light glasses and a hoodie (though the thought has crossed my mind). But there’s something irresistible about the enigmatic allure of Apple, the omniscient Google, and the ever-revolutionary Tesla.

Apple’s charm lies in its aesthetically pleasing and seamless ecosystem that seems almost intuitive. If Steve Jobs were a gardener, the Apple Orchard would be a utopia of integrated branches—iPhones, iPads, iMacs, and iCan’t-Keep-Up-With-All-The-Updates.

Google is the Mr. Know-It-All in my life, and I mean that in the most affectionate way. When I’ve a burning question at 3 a.m., from the philosophical to the absurd, Google’s always there, like a loyal friend who never sleeps.

As for Tesla, it’s the promise of a future where technology and sustainability can sit in the front seat together, listening to Spotify through mind-blowing speakers, while the car drives itself.

Pen and Paper: Moleskine and Pilot

If high-tech brands are the flashy showmen of my brand associations, then Moleskine and Pilot pens are the sturdy, dependable crew backstage. Moleskine, with its leather-bound elegance and ivory pages, makes jotting down random thoughts feel like scribing sacred text.

And Pilot pens? Ah, the sweet sensation of a Pilot pen gliding across a page is a tactile joy akin to stepping on a crunchy leaf in autumn. The duo creates a union that has turned my ceaseless note-taking from an OCD quirk into an art form.

The Masters of Convenience: Amazon and Uber

Last but not least, we have Amazon and Uber, the “Impulse Buy Enablers” of my world. In a society where time is of the essence, the appeal of these brands is in their convenient instant gratification. One-click ordering and rides at your fingertips? Yes, please! They’re the genies of the digital age—your wish is just an app away.

In Conclusion: More Than Just Logos

At the end of the day, the brands I associate with reflect facets of my personality, aspirations, and occasionally, guilty pleasures. They’re more than just logos or clever marketing; they’re extensions of my identity and values. They say you can tell a lot about a person by the company they keep. In the digital age, perhaps you can tell just as much by the brands they keep.

So, tell me—what brands do you associate with?