The 90s Called (and They’re Great for Your Personal Brand)
- Written By: Melanie Borden
- October 31, 2025
Those old photos aren’t just memories—they’re proof of your evolution and the story your audience needs to see.
MAKE THE CONNECTION
Earlier this year, I burned out on my own content.
I felt indistinguishable—same topics, same formats—inside a space that suddenly felt crowded. I needed a new way to stand out without becoming someone I’m not.
So I went backward to move forward.
I recently started pairing old photos from the 90s and early 2000s with the real stories behind them. Not for nostalgia—for differentiation. Those images act as time-stamped proof of the journey: the messy middle, the early bets, the reps that shaped my voice. They cut through polished sameness and make the brand human again.
And here’s why you should try it, too. 3 Things You’ll Learn from Revisiting Your Old Photos.
1
Pattern interrupts beat polish. A non-perfect, time-capsule image stops the scroll and signals “there’s a story here.” That curiosity is your opening.
2
Proof > positioning. Old photos validate your evolution. They show how experience was earned—building trust faster than another sleek AI headshot ever will.
3
Contrast clarifies message. Looking back sharpens what you stand for now. The then/now contrast becomes a simple, compelling narrative arc.
“You can’t be what you can’t see.” — Marian Wright Edelman
“Sometimes you gotta lose yourself before you can find anything.” — Good Will Hunting (1997)
Ask Yourself This:
What one photo from your past could you share this month that reveals the moment before the title—and what it taught you about who you are today?
With Gratitude,
Melanie Borden
P.S. If this resonated, you’ll love Theatre of the Mind. It’s a practical playbook for shaping mindset that supports real, lasting visibility—without burning out.
