We connected with some of the most resilient folks in the community and one of the most insightful questions we had an opportunity to ask centered around whether there was ever a time they almost gave up. Highlighting some of the responses below.
Carolyn Warren Wiley
Absolutely. About a year into building Rose & Pearl Publishing, everything looked bleak. I had very few clients, very little income, and the harsh reality was setting in: I might have to put the dream on pause and go back to teaching. Read More>>
Dustin Pagliughi
There have definitely been moments when I almost gave up. I’ve had my share of failures in life and in my career, and a few of them knocked me down hard enough that quitting felt like the easier path. But I’ve learned that you can’t really have success without failure. Every setback has taught me something I couldn’t have learned any other way. Read More>>
Alicia Shevetone
Never. I don’t believe in surrender. I do believe that goals and dreams can be placed on the shelf for a better moment, because timing is everything and nothing meaningful should be forced. There have been times in my life when reprioritizing was essential for short-term success, but that never meant giving up. Read More>>
Leila VonSleichter
Oh my gosh, yes. When I decided to start my artist agency about six years into my career, I had no business background at all. I was doing everything myself—running the agency, working as an artist, managing bookings and emails, all while being a mom and trying to balance life. Read More>>
Rachel Rusenko
There have been a few, in fact. I understand that being a deeply feeling person comes with more extreme emotional swings, in both directions. I do feel grateful that I have gotten much better at sweet talking the despairing aspect of my personality into choosing to focus on the silver linings. I now trust that what is heavy will eventually feel light again. Read More>>
Helena Mace
I came very close to giving up my dream when I lost most of my hearing in 2022 after radiotherapy to my brain after a tumour had been discovered. I decided to take a chance and continue my dreams and it ended up becoming more successful than ever Read More>>
