This year kicked off with one of my favorite conversations to date — an intimate interview with Stephanie on NY1 (click the image to see the interview!), where we talked about the roots of BOY MEETS GIRL®, the chaos, the calm, the resilience, and what it really takes to build a brand for nearly a quarter of a century.

That conversation reminded me why I started, what kept me going, and how far this little idea I had has grown into a global brand touching fashion, pop culture, sports, philanthropy, gaming, and beyond.

This past year has also been a deeply meaningful one for me personally. Since the release of my book, Embracing the Calm in the Chaos, I’ve been on an ongoing journey bringing it into classrooms, bookstores, events, podcasts and countless conversations along the way. Watching it continue to inspire, comfort, and support people on their own paths has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. I am so grateful for how many of you have shared that my story helped illuminate your own — and reminded you that the road is rarely linear, but always worth walking.

Alongside that, I’ve been honored to be part of Zibby Owen’s anthology,  On Being Jewish Now, a USA TODAY Best Seller for 25 weeks and counting. Together with 75 authors and advocates, I contributed an essay about why it is so important to stand up to hate and use our voices — especially during challenging times. I am also a contributor to another powerful book by Melissa Gonzalez , The Purpose Pivot, which explores how purpose evolves and expands throughout our lives. My next book stop will be at Bedford Books in Bedford, NY on January 8, 2026 at 6:30 PM, where I’ll be in conversation with Melissa about our books, joined by Joanne Heyman. I would absolutely love to see you there. 👉 Sign up  here to join us.  I told you — I haven’t stopped.

I’ll name-drop for a moment, because it matters to this story. I was recently at a party with my best friend, actor, writer, and director Ike Barinholtz, and Kate Hudson was also there. After I shared that I was heading into my 25th year in business, she looked at me and asked, “Do you still love what you do?”

My answer was an immediate, wholehearted YES. YES. YES.

I told her I love who I get to work with and who I get to meet. I love the people who believe in what we do, the activists who help create real change, the non-profits we get to support and amplify, and the community I’ve built over 25 years. And honestly, the list just keeps going.

It was a proud YES. And I loved that she asked me that question.

Now I kind of want to turn around and ask her the same one.

Maybe I will…

And through it all, being a mommy remains my greatest joy. Showing my son that I can be present for him, run a business, write books, collaborate with others, and contribute meaningfully to the world is something I am profoundly thankful for every single day.

And before I go any further, I need to say thank you.

To this community — the ones who have been here since the first reversible bags, the first screen-printed logo tees, the ones who just discovered us, and everyone in between — thank you for being on this ride with me. Thank you for supporting, believing, cheering, showing up, sharing, and wearing this brand with pride.

BOY MEETS GIRL® would not be here without you. You are the reason this story keeps going.

XO,

Stacy Igel