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.
JaRich
Yes—honestly, as a music artist and entrepreneur, there have been many days I felt like giving up. The journey isn’t easy. Every day comes with new challenges—financial struggles, self-doubt, the pressure of doing everything on your own, and the weight of wondering if it’s all worth it. Read more>>
Nina Simmons
Almost a year and a half ago, I started Real Estate school after being a Photographer for many years. I was so excited to be on this new venture in my life, my background is business focused so I was ready to jump in. Read more>>
Amber Price
There have definitely been times when life tested me. Juggling motherhood, rebuilding my business, and pushing through financial struggles could have easily been moments where giving up seemed like the only option. But even then, I never gave up. The thought of quitting has never been able to take root in me, because I know my purpose runs too deep. Read more>>
Andrew Finch
Yes, there was a major time when I almost gave up. COVID shut pretty much everything down and as a trainer and coach, I was just getting started when the whole sports industry said, “NAW BRUH! Read more>>
Samuel Gegen
Yes! A few times. There was a time when I was about a year in business and I was like ‘What am I even doing?’ I felt like no one understood me and I felt like I was alone. I pulled over on the side of the street while it was raining and started crying. Read more>>
Brandon Emmitt
Not completely give up, but the thought ran across my mind, like what’s the use? Every so often, I find myself stuck within my business, as far as growing my business, advertising, prompting, etc Any real business owner knows what I mean by that lol. Read more>>
DeAnna Stone
As I faced this loss at an early age, it was rather tempting to sink into depression. I found myself feeling very bitter and angry that this was part of my story yet I managed to complete that semester of college with the help of community. Read more>>
Olivia Delavega
The very first birth I attended as the primary midwife made me almost give up. It was a first-time mother, and the labor was both long and laborious. The baby crowned for quite some time, and then the baby’s shoulders got stuck. It took what felt like a century to get the baby delivered and once delivered, required extensive resuscitation. Read more>>
Matt Damon
There actually has been quite a few times I’ve almost gave up and called it quits. When I started out, I just loved playing the guitar. I never really sang much. I’ve actually struggled a lot with vocals. If it wasn’t for Jay Lemon and his vocal lessons, I would have never even gotten my songs recorded and put out. Read more>>
Baris Mirzai
Absolutely — more times than I can count. One of the biggest moments was during my move to the U.S. I had spent over a decade traveling between Turkey, the U.S., and Europe for business, dreaming of building something meaningful in the States. Read more>>
PeezyGoHard
Yes, there was a time I almost gave up. A few years ago, I lost my partner, Michael Chalmers, known as “Mike Mike,” who co-founded Black Dollar Records with me. It wasn’t his death that hit me hard—I’ve grown numb to things like that—but the events that followed. False accusations tarnished the label’s reputation, piling immense pressure on me. Every day, I felt like quitting. Read more>>
Courtney Kelly
Yes! I first wrote the manuscript for Celeste Saves the City in 2017 and after reviewing submission criteria for a number of publishing companies, I sent it off with a query letter only to be rejected about five or six times. Read more>>
Dominique Moreland
Absolutely! As you grow with more experience & exposure, there is so much negative turmoil that will try to disrupt your peace/purpose. At the end of it all no one will truly understand the sacrifices you make to be as great behind your craft day by day while trying to strive for your dreams. Read more>>
Moon Metamorphosis
Everyday friends. I’m glad this question came up because this interview is for you all to get to know me but I’m using myself to point the mirror back. No matter how confident, no matter how much money you make, how much you have, none of that matters when you have big dreams. It’s normal to doubt yourself or be tired. Read more>>
