🩵 2025 has been a year of change. Even in my sixth decade, I am still amazed that life can be so full of newness—and yes, its fair share of worthwhile growing pains. It makes perfect sense to me that 2025 was the Year of the Snake. What better metaphor to describe this year, for me and for Graydon Skincare, than shedding off the old and embracing the new. Did you know snakes primarily shed because their skin has either become too damaged or too small to support their growth? I guess we’re more like snakes than we think—we need to let go of what no longer serves us so we can truly thrive.
So yes, this has been the year of the shed. This metaphor fits me on many personal levels. This year, a significant long term relationship in my life came to an end. Ending a relationship like that comes with a lot of fear and uncertainty, and requires far more courage than you expect.
Another big relationship in my life—the one I have with my mother—also took on a new light. My mother’s health is rapidly declining and requires a great deal of care. This has me thinking a lot about death and the importance of me living my life with extra focus and intention. Stepping into the caregiver role over the past few years, and especially this past year, has transformed the often tumultuous relationship I’ve had with my mum. Spending time with her with a new perspective—one where I am required to step up as the caregiver—has finally allowed me to let parts of the past go. I’ve shed the long-held mother-daughter narrative that I’d built up over the decades, and instead now focus on cherishing the moments we have together.
Both of these changes required a great deal of faith—faith that I could navigate the messiness and emotions that come with relationships, and come out the other side feeling more whole, and more like the version of myself I want to continue cultivating well beyond 2025.
I’ve also shed a lot of physical items this year. As someone preparing for a move, it was both a want and a need to clear out a significant amount of things I’d let accumulate over the years. At first, it felt good and cathartic to get rid of things I clearly no longer needed—that blazer I hadn’t worn in six years, holiday decorations I didn’t even remember owning, and of course the outdated electronics you always swear you’ll find a use for someday, but never do.
But eventually, I reached the point where I had to start letting go of things I actually liked. And it was hard. It felt like saying goodbye to memories and symbols of the past. Yet that very tangible shed led to an emotional one too. I was able to release some of the attachments I held—not only to physical belongings, but also to old thought patterns and beliefs that no longer served me. Through the process of letting go, I was reminded that what’s truly worth holding onto isn’t stuff, but the people who bring joy into your life and the values that give it meaning. Without the clutter, that truth became clearer than ever.
Through the process of letting go, I was reminded of what’s truly worth holding onto.
In fact, as I write this, my son and I are getting ready to head off on a quiet vacation together. He’s not home for much of the year, so carving out this time and space to be together feels especially important. No distractions, no pressure, no everyday uncertainty—just meaningful time spent together.
This sense of shedding hasn’t been limited to my personal life. Graydon Skincare has also let go of a lot of things this year—some intentionally, some unexpectedly—but all of it has paved the way toward a major turning point that I’m truly excited about (and yes, a little scared for, too!).
Our team looks a little different than it did a year ago, and I’m truly proud of everything we’ve accomplished and all the hurdles we’ve overcome together. This year, we launched a new product, transitioned to a new fulfillment center during our busiest time of the year, said goodbye to an important team member, welcomed several incredible new faces, and made meaningful strides in our sustainability efforts.
We’ve also spent this year laying the groundwork to level up our formulas, future-proof the business, shorten our supply chain, and authentically cultivate and grow our brand. I’ve leaned into being proud and excited to be in my 60s—and that openness has allowed me to connect with so many incredible people who want age-positive skincare that truly makes them feel good about themselves. All of this has placed us on the precipice of growth, despite the many long, demanding hours it took to get here.
Reaching this new era of Graydon Skincare has taken courage and a fair share of intentional risk-taking. While there are still many unknowns, I’m heading into 2026 feeling energized and hopeful.
Remaining stagnant doesn’t serve me—or anyone. Growth isn’t always easy, but it is powerful and deeply worthwhile. In 2025, I chose to reject complacency and instead invest in my relationships, my health, my brand, my life, and myself.
Growth isn’t always easy, but it is powerful and deeply worthwhile.
2026 will be the Year of the Horse. The horse symbolizes freedom, progress, and transformation. If 2025 was about growing pains and shedding what no longer served me or Graydon Skincare, I can’t wait to see what comes to fruition in 2026.
I’m not waiting for change to creep up on me. This past year—through both joy and difficulty—has shown me that moving forward with intention and authenticity is always the most meaningful way to evolve. I won’t be sitting back and letting life happen in 2026. Pardon the horse pun, but I’ll be grabbing life by the reins!
I hope your 2026 is a transformative year filled with positive change, intention, and self-care for your mind, body, skin, and soul 🩵