From Apple to 10 Days of Silence
A year of transformation and the intentions behind ROOTSTOCK
2025 was a year of shedding.
I left my role at Apple—a place where I dedicated 8 years of time, energy, and effort—to embark on my own journey. Mentally, I didn’t know exactly where I was headed, but in my heart, I knew it was time for that chapter to close and a new one to begin.
This was the first step in discovering my true life’s work. For a long time, I wavered on the decision to leave; the team environment was exceptional, and I had grown so much during my tenure. Starting as an eager software engineer and blooming into a senior position of my own creation, I learned how the world’s best tech and design company operated. However, as my comfort grew, my growth slowed. I knew I had to take a leap of faith and start from the ground up.
In recent years, I’ve experienced the transformative power of intentional activity and proper nutrition. My family’s history of longevity has always inspired me to think long-term. As a food connoisseur, I launched ROOTSTOCK Power Oats: a portable, easy-to-make vegan protein oatmeal inspired by the bowls I make at home—filled with nutrient-dense superfoods, no preservatives, and bespoke flavors.
My grandfather, now 105 years old, has always used food as medicine and often chooses oatmeal and other plant-based ingredients. When I asked him the secret to his longevity, he told me it was a calm mind.
I’m no stranger to meditation. I started when I was only about 6 after an aunt gave me a book about the life of the Buddha. Growing up, I remember watching my grandfather chanting in his room and being captivated by the atmosphere of the temples we visited—the sweet scent of incense and the deep, resonant vibrations of the instruments.
Now, at 32, I’ve practiced many forms of meditation, but felt something was still missing. I learned about the Vipassana technique during a Bikram yoga retreat in Bali a few years ago; the transformative testimonials and the rigorous, yet simple 10-day silent format were deeply compelling.
I finally had the opportunity to complete my own ten days of silence just recently—from December 22nd to January 2nd—in the quiet woods of Occidental, CA. The experience was profound mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
I realized that the combination of a healthy, vibrant body and a calm, focused mind is exactly what humanity needs in this modern era.
2025: A Year of Gratitude
As I reflect on this past year, I am deeply grateful for the shifts I’ve experienced:
Health & Vitality: I’ve seen a dramatic reduction in stress and physical tension (TMJ and fascia). Moving from a state of "doing" to a state of "wellbeing" has improved everything from my state of mind to my skin and hair health.
Social Connections: Reclaiming hours of commuting and desk work allowed me to reinvest in my SF community and my family. I’ve cultivated meaningful relationships through yoga, Pilates, and travel, learning that work is now a part of my life, not a rigid schedule that dictates it.
Stronger Sense of Self: I’ve moved away from the "hustle culture" of tech giants toward a culture of personal sustainability. Today, the majority of my waking time is spent on activities that truly nourish and excite me.
Accomplishments & Heritage: Beyond launching ROOTSTOCK, I traveled back to my birthplace in Vietnam for the first time in 25 years. It was a powerful homecoming that reminded me why heritage and "food as medicine" are the heartbeat of this brand.
Looking Ahead to 2026
I am determined to make these lessons the core values of ROOTSTOCK as both the brand and I evolve. My mission is to navigate the "unknowns" of entrepreneurship with the same calm mind and loving heart that I found in silence.
Thank you for being part of this journey. I’m honored to help you nourish your best self in the year ahead.
With gratitude,
Kim Tran
Founder, ROOTSTOCK
⸻
If you’re looking to start your own year with more intention, our Power Oats were designed for exactly that.
Planning your own retreat? I’ve also shared the 5 essential items I brought to stay grounded during my 10 days of silence.