Of all the jobs I resigned from, this was genuinely the hardest. I guess it’s because I fell in love with everything—the work, the environment, and most especially the people. It was the dream job (Read: Maybe Dream Jobs do Exist) my 14-year-old self wanted more than anything else—from the moment my eyes lit up at Andie Anderson’s job in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and then three years later, was smitten by Andy Sachs’ and Miranda Priestly’s characters in the Devil Wears Prada.
Working for Calyxta was beyond what I could have ever imagined. I’m incredibly lucky to have achieved and lived the Miranda Priestly dream (producing monthly cover stories featuring some of the most inspiring women is something I’ll always look back on), and even made life-long friends along the way. I never had to drag myself out of bed every morning, because I enjoyed going to the office and being part of a fun and laughter-filled yet productive environment. One that really brought out the best in everyone.
But sometimes, in order to grow, you need to step away from your comfort zone. Calyxta has been my home for three years—and now, it’s time to risk the stability to focus on projects close to my heart.
It’s a bittersweet feeling for sure. While I say goodbye to this chapter (beauty was and will always be a part of me, and thanks to Makeup by Gretchen Gatan and this blog, I can still fulfill that), I’m opening a new one—starting with Mama Jessie’s Kesong Puti and my Workshops and Services.
Here’s to all the experiences I’ve learned, and friendships I’ve gained from some of the best people in these photos. I have nothing but love, admiration, and respect for them all.