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.
Cristina Pelino
I don’t think there was ever a time that I entertained the idea of ‘giving up’, even early on in my photography career. This has always been my dream and passion… something I never wanted to abandon or let go of. Even if I was only doing it part time or on the side for certain seasons. Read more>>
Myrha Queen
Almost every day. The challenges are numerous, the procedures complicated if you want to stay compliant, and the costs can be high… not to mention sometimes dealing with difficult customers or those who don’t pay. You need to be truly passionate to run a restaurant, and I believe this applies to most businesses. Read more>>
Kavita Channe
There were times when I felt like the walls were closing in. I was navigating heartbreak, raising two kids as a single mom, and at the same time trying to grow a business in an industry that wasnt exactly waiting for me with open arms. Some days the exhaustion of carrying so much, personally and professionally, made me wonder if I could really keep going. Read more>>
Paola Arzola
Absolutely!! Read more>>
Laetitia C
Yes! That’s almost every week lol. But guess what it’s been 4 years and we’re still standing strong! When you’re passionate about something. You never give up. Read more>>
Dan Travieso
Before Coconut Groove, I hosted a yearly fundraiser called Festidan (for 10 years). Some years were incredible, we raised a significant amount for charity, and the event was a huge success. Other years were much harder, with challenges like bad weather causing losses that made me question why I was even doing it. Read more>>
El Chino DreadLion
I had an accident in 2011 and I felt alone everyone turn they back on me just few families and friends stayed for real and that gave me energy to never give up also that I realized we never alone God is always by our side Read more>>
lindsay Reyes
Absolutely—especially in the beginning. I started out behind the counter at M.A.C., like many artists, over a decade ago. At the time, I had no idea how I could ever crawl out of retail and build a client base of my own. Everyone’s path is different, but mine felt especially harsh at times. I was terrified to go out on my own and fail. Read more>>
Lauren Swaim
After hurricane Ian in 2022, I didn’t know what to do. Our whole area (and the tourism) took a major life defining hit. Homes were gone in a few waves. Buildings were gutted. After Ian my boat survived so I went to the barrier islands and ran shuttles getting supplies and locals, on and off while they did search and rescue and rebuilt bridges. Read more>>
Jonathan moukhtafi
Of course! Sometimes there are days in practice that can be so difficult. But I keep my eyes on the prize. I know who I’m doing it for and I know what value I bring to the community. Read more>>
Chris Giffrow
I’d say that right now is the closest I’ve come to folding it all in. Life has been different. My wife and I had a daughter in 2023, and she has been my absolute world. I’m 1000% in love and probably my happiest with my small family. Read more>>
Danyella Canyes
Yes, there was definitely a time I almost gave up — especially in the early stages of building Bella Buzz Media. I hit that phase where I was doing everything: shooting, editing, managing clients, trying to stay creative, and still doubting if it would all pay off. Read more>>
Brittany Redondo
Yes. When I chose to further my marketing career in 2022, I stepped into a role that required me to be in the office five days a week, 9 to 6. I quickly realized it wasn’t sustainable to balance that schedule while also growing my brand. Read more>>
Vanessa Castellanos Valencia
Yes, losing babies or an animal after knowing that I had tried my best and did everything I could. Many times you want to give up and just walk away; but that’s the moment that you realize that NO ONE else can do what you do. And that’s these animals completely rely on you. Read more>>
Jacob Leone
Lately I feel like giving up every single day. Sometimes the world is too much and life doesn’t seem worth living anymore but I always find the strength to go on and take one more step towards my path of individuation. Its important to acknowledge our struggles and reach out for help when needed. Read more>>
