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.
Jeff Koteles
My failure story is a personal one. However, it did lead to growth both personally and in my business, and perhaps I can reach others who may have gone through something similar. In October of 2021, I got drunk at a gig, attempted to drive a van full of sound equipment home, and got a DUI. I also had my pistol in the van with me. Read more>>
Renee Renthrope
When I first started my company, I made a lot of mistakes. I listened to friends who had no experience in my industry, wasted over $25k, and relied too heavily on Google and YouTube for business advice. Read more>>
L.B. TPG
In my industry Failure happens often. With the music business you learn how to take L’s so well to the point where the wins feel strange, but when you get that “W” it just reminds you to keep at it, at least in my opinion.lol I think some of the biggest Ls I dislike to take Is working with an Artist/Label who is ready to push a song you produced then decides at the last minute to scrap it and go another direction. Read more>>
Ciph Boogie
The first time I ever went to Los Angeles was in 2007 when I attended the ASCAP EXPO music conference. I was incredibly excited for various reasons. Firstly, it was my first time flying on a plane after overcoming my fear of flying. Secondly, I felt like I was making significant strides in my music career by traveling across the country to connect with fellow artists and prominent music executives. Read more>>
Liliana Estep
December 2019 I signed my first contract for a year lease on a brick and mortar located on the island of Kaua’i. I decided to do a storefront after several years of craft fair circuits on Kaua’i. It was grueling work setting up tents and merchandise for craft fairs. My biggest obstacle was WEATHER. One specific downpour of relentless rain led me to my decision to open a store to protect my precious shells and gemstones…Read more>>