It’s a rainy New Year’s Eve in LA, and I’m reflecting on the past four years of building Mixed.
Coming back to your hometown always brings a certain nostalgia—a pull to sift through old notes and half-scribbled journal entries. As I looked back on the things I wrote in the early years of Mixed, I was struck by how little I knew then and how much I’ve learned since. Today, the business feels real and steady and full of potential. But it didn’t always feel this way. It’s easy to forget the discomfort of starting.
I remember those first months clearly: storing inventory in my apartment, walking orders to my local USPS, scraping by to launch two collection a year. Everything was real-time discovery—testing my creative and operational instincts, and hoping I was making the right calls.
This is how most journeys begin: in the dark, unclear, full of doubt.
There were chapters when I was broke. Chapters when I had to move back home. Chapters when I had to do layoffs and restructure. But along the way, I built the muscle for continuing even when I wanted to jump ship.
Patience is a strategy. Staying the course when things feel slow or uncomfortable is a strategy. It’s tempting to chase the next shiny idea, to reinvent yourself every time doubt creeps in. But business doesn’t reward constant reinvention; it rewards staying in the game long enough to compound. Nothing needs to happen tomorrow. The real win is continuing—showing up, learning, adjusting, improving.
Next year will be year 5 and I’m ready to commit more deeply and collaborate more openly. We’re rolling out our own community platform (details to come!), expanding the product team, and planning a big event to celebrate 5 years in full color. Entering the fifth year feels significant. I’m matching it with bigger vision, bigger energy, and bolder bets.
These past four years have taught me that time can bend and beliefs can break. When you unlock focus and prioritize what matters, your entire life can change. A lot can happen in a year—and even more can happen when you stay with something long enough to let it compound.
Thank you so much for giving meaning to my work at Mixed—for bringing the brand to life, making bold moves and inspiring others to follow suit. Whether your 2026 is about starting fresh, staying the course, or taking risk, I’m wishing you a wonderful, healthy new year ahead.
Cheers!
Nasrin
