Birthdays have always been a time of reflection for me. Every year, I take a moment to pause and look back at how much has changed—the challenges I’ve faced, the growth I’ve experienced, and the dreams I never expected to chase.
This year, as I celebrated another trip around the sun, I imagined what it would be like to sit down for coffee with my younger self—the 25-year-old version of me who had no idea what life had in store.
And so, in my mind, I walked into Guilt Free Food’s new shop, the scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling the air.
At a corner table, she was waiting.
Heels on. Dressed to impress. A designer bag beside her.
She barely looked up from her phone as I approached.
"You own this place?" she asked, crossing her arms.
"Yes." I smiled, setting down a plate of warm cinnamon rolls in front of her.
She eyed them, then me.
"So, you wake up at 2 AM now? You stand on your feet all day? You gave up your heels for… this?"
She took a sip of her iced lemon tea, scrunching her nose as I enjoyed my cappuccino—some things never change.
"This Is Not Possible."
She leaned forward, eyes narrowed in disbelief.
"You wanted to live in a big city. You wanted glamour, fashion, a life that looked good. You wouldn’t even step into a kitchen, let alone work in one. You hated getting your hands dirty."
I laughed. "I know. And yet, here we are."
She wasn’t convinced.
"But… why?"
I looked at her—the younger me—so carefully put together, believing confidence came from aesthetics, from looking the part.
She didn’t realize yet that true confidence isn’t about appearance—it’s about doing something that truly matters.
The Turning Point: More Than Just a Bakery
I told her about the 27 iterations of cinnamon rolls before I got the recipe right.
I told her about the queues of customers lining up at Orchard Centre during a two-week pop-up, proving that what I was building was real.
I told her about the mother who cried because, for the first time, her daughter—on a strict low-carb, zero-sugar diet—could enjoy a cinnamon roll alongside the rest of the kids.
I told her about the moment I realized that GFF wasn’t just about baking—it was about future-proofing health.
I saw her expression shift, just a little.
"So… you're saying cinnamon rolls actually make a difference?" she asked, smirking.
"I’m saying that what we create here gives people a sense of belonging. People with celiac disease, diabetes, or those on keto and perimenopause diets don’t have to feel left out. They can finally enjoy an indulgent treat—without guilt."
"And you’re passionate about this?"
"More than anything."
A Birthday Reflection: What I Would Tell Her
"You think setbacks are failures, but they make you stronger."
"You believe meaning is found in fashion and makeup, but one day, you’ll find purpose in something you never expected."
"You will build something real. Something that brings people together."
She sat back, quiet. Then, without a word, she picked up a cinnamon roll, tore off a soft, fluffy piece, and took a bite.
Paused. Smiled.
"Okay… this is really good."
And with that, we became the same person again.
Every Year, Growth Looks Different
This birthday, I look back and see a journey I never expected.
At 25, I thought I had life figured out.
At today's age, I realize I’m still learning.
But one thing is for sure—I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.
💛 If you could meet your younger self for coffee, what would you tell them?
➡️ Want to try GFF’s guilt-free indulgence? Visit us at our new shop in 308 Telok Kurau Road, Vibes @ East Coast , #01-23 or pre order online here: www.guiltfreefood.sg .
