What’s on your mind? Do you have a story idea? Tell us about it! Contact us or mail us at: 227 Bellevue Way N.E. Suite 600 Bellevue 98004

Letter from the Editor

“It must be nice …”

I hear that statement a lot when people flip through the pages of 425 magazine. Whether they’re pointing out a mega mansion overlooking the water, or an image of a designer handbag or a fluffy puppy they want, it’s a common comment I hear – I’ve even been guilty of saying it on occasion.

I hear it most when people come across stories about their neighbors who seem to have it all – the Microsoft millionaires, sports professionals, boutique owners, top chefs … the more earned, the greener the envy.

It’s ridiculous.

The most successful people I have encountered on the Eastside and beyond are happy for reasons well beyond their bank accounts – although it helps – it isn’t how they define their worth.

When I have the opportunity to pick the brains of people who seem to have it all going right, they usually have one thing in common – they are doing what they love. They’re chasing their passion like Alice in Wonderland running after that white rabbit. Sometimes they stumbled onto success during their quest by accident. For others, success has nothing to do with their careers or cash. Some of the most accomplished people are artists, volunteers and stay-at-home parents.

One Eastsider who has been in the building industry for years told me over lunch at Bis on Main that there’s a point where you can have so much money that it becomes “irrelevant.” I have a hunch he’s one of those people. He could have retired years ago – but he still works, because how he spends his days makes him happy – not because he needs to make a house payment.

This issue is full of successful people who have won at the game of life, by simply staying true to themselves. Like the two local moms who started “Dream Dinners” in a search of an easy, nutritional dinnertime solution for their own families. Now they’re at the helm of a national, multi-million dollar industry while other busy moms rejoice when they’re asked the once-dreaded question, “What’s for dinner?”

Or the story about executive chef Brian Scheesher, who handpicks fresh produce he grows himself at the South 47th Farm in Woodinville, so he can serve only the best at Trellis restaurant at the Heathman Hotel in Kirkland. That’s dedication.

This issue is packed full of stories about inspiring people.

As you flip through the pages, it’s OK to wish and fantasize. That’s all a part of the fun, too. Go ahead and dream. But also take a moment and ask yourself, “Am I successful?” If you’re doing something you love in life, the answer is simple: “Yes.”

It is nice.

Thanks for reading,

Lisa Patterson
Editor in Chief