2016 was my most challenging year. It was a crossroad between giving up a worldly compromising life and moving forward to a place I am not certain and just left of holding only to my faith. I came to a struggling stage of no confidence and courage. I felt broken and lost.
I kept on reading on inspirational blogs on how to move on—until I stumbled upon the website of AICI. Their vision struck a chord in my heart: “A world where all individuals and organizations have the opportunity to develop confidence and charisma for growth.” That is exactly what I have been doing since college. Only, I’ve been doing it on my own because I didn’t know people who had the same heart as I did.
I found myself reading every single page of AICI. As soon as I learned how I can be part of the organization, I immediately signed up. Soon after, I enrolled in the ImageAsia program in Singapore as my first step to become a certified image consultant.
The program impacted me so much that I went through my own personal transformation inside and out! My perception on beauty and style completely changed. It has moved me to enjoy being me and developed a burning desire in me to inspire people to live meaningfully and purposefully.
I’ve discovered that 9 out of 10 male and female struggle with their beauty, looks and style. When you look in the mirror, sometimes it’s hard to see and feel that confidence. All you ever really notice are the dark circles around your eyes, belly fats, flabs, and unattractive body proportions. It doesn’t help that magazines, television, and even social media have raised the standards of what beauty and style mean—especially when edited images featuring models with flat stomachs and teeny-tiny waists, together with plastic surgery specials are rampant.
In today’s media-filled world, beauty is focused more on the external. It’s about outer enhancement, from wearing the right clothes, shoes, and accessories, to using the right colors and silhouette, the appropriate hairstyle, and the proper skincare and makeup. Image, however, goes beyond the external and aims to develop an individual’s personal style and brand. Style is a characteristic manner of expression—the convergence of an individual’s overall appearance, individual personality, and wardrobe selection that makes them stand out. Some say, “you either have it or you don’t,” but style is definitely something that can be learned and developed.
Starting my new image consulting career this year, I always begin my sessions by helping clients understand and develop a mindset that their transformation is not just for themselves, but also a way to inspire others. I am in awe at how my clients have responded to the challenge of truly standing out. It pleasantly surprises me when they take my advice on using the right colors, clothing, hairstyles and enhance their behavior, communication and personal brand. It is also fulfilling when more men are starting to seek our service, embracing change and take themselves to the next level. I am motivated to continue this privilege of using my knowledge, skills and creativity in encouraging others to improve their lives in small ways that results to great returns. It is fulfilling for me to see the outcome of my work with its contribution and impact to my client’s life, their families and group that they belong to. I hold on to this bible verse that continuously inspires me
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things
God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to His purpose…”
The TRUE JOY that I have found in my work is being able to transform a person from ordinary to extraordinary, and finally discovering the true value of beauty and style. I have learned that a person’s beauty and style radiates from within—the purity of the heart and soul. This is what inspires others to see their true worth, pursue their purpose and calling, and be extraordinary inside and out. You might be wearing the correct color and clothes and the right hairstyle, but it is your heart that matters most. It should be right.
My two mentors, Christina Ong and Lynne Marks, helped me see my purpose through this new profession. They taught me that I should be grounded by hearing God’s word as it will build up my faith. They encouraged me to stay focused on the new career that God has called me into as an image consultant, believing that He is faithful and what I gave up will be restored tenfold and more. I am keeping my eyes on Jesus as my solid rock of salvation.