Hi Steven,
While Maya's trip to LA is approaching, I wanted to write to you as well.
I can only imagine how many people's lives you have touched throughout your long career: your customers and apprentices and the people around them.
I started my first business when I was 26. My career is much shorter than yours, but I know that it's not always easy. There are always ups and downs; a lot of times, it's due to something you don't have control over. I admire you for helping out and affecting so many lives along the way.
When Maya and I decided to move to Japan to take care of her grandparents, we decided to make ileava OUR business, not just Maya's. It took us way longer than we anticipated, but after a few recessions later, we were finally where we had the courage to fight through the pandemic. We are now seeing that our business is finally starting to thrive.
You may be Maya's mentor, but I also don't have the life I have now if it wasn't for you.
I have to stay in Tokyo to hold our fort this time, but I just wanted you to know that that's what I think of you.
Best,
Georges