Was there ever a time you almost gave up?

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.

Lauren Dunbar

Yes, there were several times when I considered giving up. Running a business is far from easy, and there were moments when the pressure felt overwhelming when I truly questioned whether I could continue. I often found myself discouraged, especially in a saturated market where it seemed like there were countless other candle businesses. Read more>>

Rob Walker

Another great question. Let me set this up. First, let me start by saying it is important to use discernment to tell the difference between moving on and giving up because the 2 can be easily confused. Simply put, moving on is a conscious choice to grow from an experience, while giving up is walking away without closure. Read more>>

Nick Jensen

There were definitely moments where I thought about giving up, both as a musician and as a business owner. When the challenges stacked up, it was tempting to walk away. But every time, I came back to the ‘why’ behind what I do: helping people connect with music and giving students confidence. Read more>>

Chris Dunham

I think everyone comes to this point in their lifetime, The journey is harder than anticipated. Read more>>

Zoilabella Calo Amiot

Being in the running community as an influencer has been a gift — but it hasn’t always been easy. For a long time, I felt like I was playing a role that didn’t fully reflect who I truly am. I was part of something big, but I wasn’t calling the shots. Read more>>

Sunshine James

As an addict, there’s a guy in my head I fight every day. That guy is trying to end me at all times. So I have to talk with him daily. Whether it’s about sobriety, working out, eating right, working on parts of this business I don’t want to or just continuing this dream as an artist. Read more>>

Kevin Bradley Jr

There was never a time when giving up was an option,it’s simply never crossed my mind. Of course, there have been slower periods, but I believe that’s when your drive and determination truly matter. It all comes down to how hard you’re willing to push yourself, stay focused, and keep moving forward. Read more>>

Nicole Baker

Probably more times than I’d like to admit! One of the hardest seasons was when I moved to Denver — trying to build a brand-new real estate business from scratch was brutal. I eventually joined a brokerage and team that felt like the right fit… until I was “let go” just days before Christmas because the lead agent didn’t think I was trying hard enough. Read more>>

McKindree Wilson

There were definitely moments when giving up felt easier than pushing forward. The most vivid came during my bone marrow transplant journey at just 16 years old. I was undergoing intense chemotherapy and treatments, spending much of my teenage years in and out of the hospital. I remember feeling completely depleted…physically, mentally, and emotionally. Read more>>

Hailey Autumn Burket
]

My week long coma, and my strokes and year and a half later. I’ve relearned to walk twice, and there was a point where I was just so ready to give up. I spent some time living in San Diego and it really helped get me in a good place again. Read more>>

Robyn Hall

Absolutely—there have definitely been moments where I questioned continuing in this career. Working behind the chair comes with its fair share of challenges, whether it’s navigating difficult client experiences or the ongoing effort it takes to grow your business. One defining moment for me was being in a salon environment that wasn’t healthy or supportive. Read more>>

Melanie Alston

There were definitely moments that tested my resolve — not because I didn’t believe in the vision, but because the road kept shifting beneath me. It wasn’t just about being told no; it was about navigating silence, delays, and detours that made progress feel invisible. Read more>>