Chapter 6: A New Decade, A New Chapter
The Ways We Celebrate
Birthdays are special. They mark another year of life, growth, and moments worth celebrating—whether that year was smooth sailing or full of challenges. It’s a day to indulge a little, be surrounded by your favorite people, and just enjoy yourself.
For many of us, birthdays are also when we show and receive appreciation in all types of ways. A surprise party, a simple “happy birthday” text, a goofy meme, a short video, a heartfelt voice note, or even a last-minute cake with store bought frosting—these are little acts of affection. And if you grew up in a family where affection wasn’t always verbal, food often became the love language. In Korean culture, it’s often a bowl of 미역국 (miyeok-guk AKA seaweed soup), quietly prepared and placed in front of you—a gesture that says, I love you, I’m proud of you, I see you.
No matter how big or small the gesture, birthdays remind us to celebrate each other. And that, in itself, is something worth celebrating.
I celebrated my birthday yesterday. Turning 30 feels big—or at least, that’s what everyone says. But honestly? The only real change is checking a new age bracket on forms. My 20s were about figuring things out—challenging expectations, redefining success, and prioritizing security over fulfillment. I played it safe, tied success to my job title, and sought validation. But putting myself first changed everything. I took risks (quit my job of 6+ years!), faced career whiplash, and realized success isn’t about fancy titles—it’s about showing up for myself. No regrets. That chapter got me here.
Now, my 30s are about building—not just a company, but a life that aligns with my values and vision. Some mornings, I wake up questioning everything. I mean, heck—I’m at Columbia Business School, taking on debt (without a salary!) while building a business. What am I doing? But this past year has been a whirlwind of growth, with incredible mentors and professors pushing me to think like a founder, refine my business, and stress-test Gamsa in ways I never imagined. I’ve learned that fear of failure never disappears, but staying complacent and wondering what if is the bigger risk.
Recently, I came across a photo of my 할머니 (grandma) at her first solo exhibit in Daegu, Korea. She was my age—30—surrounded by male colleagues in a room where she was the only woman. And there she was, kicking back and enjoying a beer with them—unapologetically herself in the 1970s, when that wasn’t the norm. That moment, frozen in time, wasn’t just about her career; it was about defying expectations, about taking up space in a world that didn’t always make room. She didn’t wait for permission—she claimed it. That photo reminded me that forging your own path isn’t just about the big leaps, but also about the small, everyday acts of choosing to exist fully as yourself.
Gamsa isn’t just a business—it’s my journey in motion. It’s about challenging expectations, pushing forward even when the path isn’t clear, and creating something I know should exist in the world. If my 20s taught me anything, it’s that time won’t wait for me to feel ready. So I’m choosing to move forward with conviction, take the risks that matter, and build something meaningful.
And I couldn’t do this alone! It truly takes a village (and a lot of taste tests). I’m beyond grateful for all of you—early supporters, mentors, friends, classmates, family, and every customer who’s shared encouragement, feedback, or faith in what we’re building. Your support fuels me every day.
Here’s to another year of learning, growing, and making it happen. Thank you!
With gratitude,
Sarah
P.S. The idea for The Persimmon Diaries came to us during another recent birthday. So take these entries as our gift to you!
