Over the years, after talking with tens of thousands of entrepreneurs, artists and creatives, almost every success story we’ve heard has been filled with stories of failure. Unfortunately, in our view the media rarely covers these parts of the story – instead we often read summaries that make it seem like success happened “overnight.” However, what we’ve learned in our conversations with so many successful folks is that failure is core ingredient in the recipe for future success. Below, we’ve shared some fascinating stories of failure from folks who have ultimately found great success.

Flora Ekpe-Idang

Being a business owner, especially as a solopreneur, means facing a constant stream of challenges. Each trial and tribulation, however, offers powerful lessons in resilience, adaptability, and perseverance—qualities that shape your path to success. I’ve lived that journey firsthand.

My name is Flora Ekpe-Idang, and I’m the Founder and CEO of Corage Dolls, a multicultural doll and book company that encourages girls of color to be unstoppable. My trial began years ago in business school. I set myself the ambitious goal of launching my dolls just in time for the holiday season, backed by a successful crowdfunding campaign. Read more>>

Susan Shepard

The first time I self-published a book, it was a massive flop. I hired a professional editor, formatter, and cover designer and felt I had all the pieces needed to have a successful book launch. The day came! I released my book and plastered it all over my social media, only to walk away with 100 sales over the course of one year. All purchased by family and friends. Read more>>

Natalie Matesic

In 2023, I lost my job at a big agency, right on the brink of a promotion to Marketing Manager. It was shocking, sudden, and if I’m being honest, devastating. I had poured so much of myself into that role, but deep down, I also saw countless gaps in how things could have been done better.

With 7 years of social media management and freelance experience behind me and, frankly, a crash course in how not to run an agency, I couldn’t help but wonder: What if I just built my own? Read more>>

Jacquetta (Jackie) Allison

When I reflect on my journey, the first thing that stands out is the moment when I felt like I had lost everything—when I was labeled a felon. That period in my life, marked by a single mistake that would haunt me for years, seemed to be the lowest point I could go. I thought my dreams were crushed, my future uncertain, and my purpose lost. But in reality, it was the catalyst for something bigger. Read more>>