Fourteen Years Later

Hedley & Bennett

How is it already AUGUST?

I truly do not understand. Summer is flying by at one million miles an hour, and somehow Hedley & Bennett is turning 14 years old this month.

When I started this adventure, I was 24 years old. I thought I was making a better apron.

It turns out I was learning how to build a business, a community, and, in many ways, a life from scratch.

Starting took courage. But staying with an idea long enough to grow real roots—through the mistakes, the absolutely freaking terrifying moments, and all the times I had no idea what to do next—that has been the real work.

Most days, I’m running full speed toward whatever comes next. But anniversaries are a good reason to stop for five seconds and say:

You did some things right.

You could have done some things better.

You learned. You grew. You kept going.

And, most importantly, you’re still standing and still trying every day. Huzzah!

So whether you’re building a business, learning to cook, creating something from scratch, or just trying to be a good human, here are seven things 14 years of Hedley & Bennett have taught me.

1. Nobody is going to hand it to you.