We were lucky to catch up with Gabriel Kier recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Gabriel, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience has been shaped by a mix of personal experiences and the influences around me. Growing up with divorced parents, I learned early on how to adapt and navigate change. Splitting time between different families and traveling to different cities to see my dad meant that I had to be flexible, independent, and patient—traits that built my emotional strength.
Sports, especially basketball, have also played a huge role in shaping my resilience. From a young age, I was taught the value of hard work and persistence. The grind of practice, overcoming losses, and pushing through challenges on the court, all the way to playing at the collegiate level, gave me the mental toughness to keep going no matter the setback. My coaches and mentors were pivotal in this—they not only taught me the technical side of the game but also instilled in me the importance of perseverance and believing in myself, even when things seemed tough.
I’ve also experienced some losses and tragedies with people close to me, which further shaped my resilience. These difficult moments taught me the importance of holding on to strength during times of grief, and they made me appreciate the fragility of life. Despite those moments of deep sorrow, I learned to find hope and continue moving forward.
Additionally, I’ve been fortunate to have incredibly hardworking parents who showed me that resilience is about putting in the effort, even when you don’t see immediate results. Their example of pushing through challenges without giving up has been a constant reminder to stay focused on the bigger picture.
Ultimately, I believe resilience is about trusting in yourself, staying committed, and learning from every experience, whether it’s a win or a loss. It’s something that’s been built over time through all the experiences I’ve had and the people who have guided me along the way.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I think there are three key qualities that have been most impactful on my journey: resilience, adaptability, and self-belief.
Resilience: There have been many challenges along the way—whether it was the uncertainty of starting a brand with no experience, navigating through tough moments, or facing personal losses. Resilience has kept me going even when things weren’t easy. It’s about bouncing back after a setback, learning from every experience, and keeping my eyes on the bigger picture. For those early in their journey, I’d advise them to embrace the tough times as learning experiences and not let failures define them. Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about growing stronger with every challenge.
Adaptability: Starting out, I didn’t have all the knowledge, but I learned through trial and error, especially when I moved to Philadelphia and then New York City. I had to adapt to the fast-paced industry, learn how to make clothes, understand the business side, and adjust as trends and needs evolved. For those starting out, my advice would be to stay flexible—be willing to pivot when things don’t go as planned, and always be open to learning new things. The ability to adapt can make all the difference when you’re building something from the ground up.
Self-Belief: Perhaps the most important quality has been the belief in myself and the vision behind 4Hustlers2Win. When I started, there were a lot of unknowns, but I knew that I had to trust in my abilities, my vision, and the people around me. That belief is what helped me keep pushing forward despite not having all the answers. For those starting their own journey, my advice is simple: trust your instincts. You will face doubts, but as long as you believe in what you’re doing and why you’re doing it, you’ll find a way to make it work.
For those early in their journey, I would encourage them to embrace these qualities and focus on developing them each day. Surround yourself with positive people who believe in your vision and are willing to help you grow, and never stop learning. The journey is long, and it’s okay to not have everything figured out at the start or even during it. It’s about the constant evolution and staying true to the purpose behind you and your work.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My parents have been such a big influence on me, that It’s impossible for me to choose ONE single thing. Without a doubt, the most impactful things my parents did for me was believing in me and always pushing me to be my best self. Their unwavering support and belief in my potential, even when I doubted myself, gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams and take risks. They never settled for anything less than my best and constantly encouraged me to push past my limits, whether in school, sports, or in my professional journey. In addition to that, they put love in my heart, not hate. They taught me to approach life with kindness, understanding, and empathy, no matter the challenges I faced. Their example of love and positivity has shaped the way I engage with others and has helped me maintain a sense of peace, even in difficult times. They always emphasized the importance of lifting others up rather than letting negativity or resentment take root.
Their belief in me wasn’t just about telling me I could succeed—it was about leading by example, showing me that with hard work and determination, I could accomplish anything. This constant encouragement helped shape my mindset and taught me to always strive for greatness, even in the face of adversity.
Because of them, I’ve learned to trust in myself and my abilities, and it’s that foundation of belief and love that continues to fuel my journey. Their support has been the driving force behind everything I do, and I am incredibly grateful for the impact they’ve had on my life.
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Contact Info:
- Website: www.4hustlers2win.com
- Instagram: Personal: @gk4hustlers / Brand: @4hustlers2win
- Facebook: 4Hustlers2Win Clothing
- Youtube: @4hustlers2win
- Other: Mini design portfolio: https://4hustlers2win.myportfolio.com/work
Image Credits
@scoes_scope @pyschovisuals
