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My Epic Empire

A Year Later, Everything Changed

Trust the timing.

Crystal Vilkaitis's avatar
Crystal Vilkaitis
Jun 04, 2026
∙ Paid

Last year, I came to New York City for my 40th birthday, and it was one of the most magical birthdays of my life. I had friends fly in, friends who were local, and truly one of the most special birthday weekends I’ve ever had. 💫

I said to myself, I want to spend my birthday in New York City every year. Ultimately, the hope is that I’ll be living in New York City, and that’s why I’m spending my birthday there. But until that happens, vacationing in New York for my birthday every year is the goal.

And we almost didn’t do it this year, only one year after making that promise to myself! But my husband Dustin booked a last minute trip and we’re flying there now as I type. ❤️

I’ve been reflecting a lot on last year.

I had just turned 40. It was a new decade. I was in the city talking with two different parties about buying my business. The astrology was beautiful for me that weekend, and I could feel it. It was so fun to be there for my birthday with friends and I just had this knowing that I was going to get an offer for my business.

I remember walking through the city thinking, Oh my gosh, it’s coming.

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