Today Marks Our Seventh Anniversary 🎂

I run a boutique production studio in the midwest called Pixel Bakery (shameless plug: https://pixelbakery.com) , and today officially marks the seventh anniversary of ! What a wild ride it's been. It feels like we got the keys to our little 4'x8' windowless office just yesterday. I was such a young, naive kid. We were so excited though- the future was terrifying but filled with endless possibilities.

I've been reflecting a lot recently on my takeaways and how I've changed since opening our doors. I'm in my 30s now and am a completely different person. The future is still terrifying and filled with possibility, but in different ways.

I still have that fire and passion I had when I was 24, but it's more targeted. There's more at stake, and I'm responsible for putting food on 10 people's tables now (well, technically, 10 1/2. We have our first baby on the way!). I still take risks, but they're more calculated.

I've learned that working 90 hours a week isn't sustainable. I've learned that it's important to surround yourself with supportive people so you can also focus on yourself every once in a while. Being kind to yourself makes you a stronger leader and a better business owner.

The conclusion I've drawn: always remember that your success in life results from the paths you've taken, the people you've met, and an accumulation of your past selves. No matter whom you used to be, that person was important. Even if they weren't who you are now.

I can't wait to see whom Pixel Bakery and I become in the next seven years.