Just in the nick of time to celebrate my 41st birthday, ‘The Image Mentor’ blog celebrates its own milestone:  this is its 100th post.  Writing this, as I sit in my studio overlooking downtown San Jose, I am reflective of the journey that brought me to this point and connects us.

Several years ago I had a lunch meeting with Steve Palopoli, editor of Metro Silicon Valley.  It came about because he posed this question in a spring fashion spread, “Where’s the [fashion] leadership here [in Silicon Valley]?” I brought him the answer:  me.  Soon I was writing the paper’s ‘Style’ column.  It was atypical for a fashion-oriented column; it was intellectual.  When the paper made an economic decision to take the column back in-house, I took my brand of writing and created this blog.

Growing up, I was not like the other kids.  As an image consultant, I’m not like all the others, either.  From a childhood laden in abuse and insecurity, I’ve grown to own my gifts and individuality.  The pathos of my childhood has been the driving force for not just improving my life, but for finding happiness and being able to help improve yours today.  Deep down, this is what has driven so much of my blog writing.  This is the place where image intersects fashion.

I never wanted to be the resource for how to look good for fifty bucks.  Plenty of others cover that topic.  Not everyone is interested in wearing cargo shorts; so I don’t want to tell you how to wear them in a blog.  Being different from everyone else, I want to take you to a deeper place.  Whether or not you work with me, if you read the blog, there is a deeper value to its content.  I want to get you thinking, and producing results.

The posts that have generated the greatest discussion, both in comments and privately sent emails all have one thing in common.  They’re all intensely personal.  When I wrote about achieving my personal “recession,” I shared why and how I lost 27 pounds [at that point].  Staying on track, to keep fit, my weight is down a total of 36 pounds and I’ve never felt better.

Earlier this year, I posted a blog about “A Steinway, a piano technician, and your personal image.” I likened my mom’s gorgeous, inherited baby grand piano with personal image and the importance of maintaining and tuning up both.  We all want to hold onto what’s ours for as long as we can with dignity.

Another post that generated a lot of private emails was my post, “Baring it All on Bullying.” Most often image consultants put up such a front about how superior we are.  Yet behind our façades is plenty of pain.  Most of us would rather paint on faces that project perfection.  But I’m one who has dealt a dose of reality with integrity.  Helping people not be victims of bullying is something I feel very passionate about.

I’ve also enjoyed sharing my travel experiences, especially to Paris.  Not only is it an extraordinary fashion capital and source of inspiration, but it’s fun giving tips of things to experience and places to go, should you be heading that way.  In five more weeks, I’ll be sharing more adventures when we head back.

I’m looking forward to writing the next 100 posts, and am happy to have you along for the journey.

Joseph Rosenfeld helps high-profile individuals revitalize, manage, and be secure in their personal visual brand. Visit JosephRosenfeld.com for details.