Turning 28: On Making It

Who's the judge of whether you made it or not?

Apr 21, 2025

Hi all!

I held off on yesterday’s Fashion Five to write a special birthday edition instead because today, I turn 28!

The other day I was working at Verci, the creative coworking community I’m a member of. While I was there, I had an interesting conversation with a few friends that I’ve been thinking about since. My friend said there are three types of people at Verci:

People who are figuring it out
People who are working on their thing
People who have “made it”

Out of curiosity, I asked him, “Who do you think has made it?”

He name dropped a few folks who’ve gone full-time on their own projects.

What struck me is that I know many of the people he mentioned, and I’d bet they don’t think they’ve made it either.

This idea of “making it” is so fallible.

Who’s the judge anyway? Society? Your industry peers? Fellow members of a creative community?

Making it is always relative. Many of us live in New York City. Many of us are chasing our dreams. Many people I know have some of the most elite jobs you can get. And to some, you’ve made it. To others, you haven’t.

But here’s what I realized last year: No one else gets to decide if I’ve made it. I do.

I don’t need to hit a certain income.

I don’t need a specific number of followers.

I don’t need validation from that cute girl.

Earlier this year, I realized: I already have everything I want.

I’ve made it.

And I don’t mean that in a “fake it ‘till you make it” way. I mean it with full genuine confidence, I’ve made it.

If I take a step back and count my blessings this year, there’s plenty to list:

This year, I’m starting a Growth team at work. It’s pushing me to my professional limits, but I’m grateful for the opportunity and I’m embracing the challenge.
I run a writing community in the best writing city in the world.
I’ve made friendships with curious, kind people who are pursuing their truth.
My parents are healthy, and I have a strong relationship with my family.

Saying “I’ve made it” doesn’t mean I’m done. If anything, it’s just the beginning. Earlier in life, my ambition came from ego, insecurity, or fear. Now, I’m driven to grow into my best self and lift up those around me.

And that’s what Riveting is all about. Yes, I love menswear. Yes, I love fashion. But at the end of the day, it’s just clothes.

What it really is… is an outlet to pursue my curiosity.

To grow and share that journey with others.

And to encourage others to pursue their most authentic selves.

Thanks for being here.

Much love,

James ❤️