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.

Tiffany Pound

I can ponder a time when life challenges made me feel that I had failed both in life and as an individual. I graduated and completed my Cosmetology and Shampoo tech certifications at Ogeechee Technical College. After Training all of these late nights and long days completing task sheets, crying, and wanting to give up because life was happening all at the same time, I went to take my state boards to get my License. Read more>>

Brandi Minor

I truly believe failure is a key part of owning and operating a business. You learn from that failure and make sure to never do it again. Read more>>

Max Walter

As a comedian, one of the most sought-after bookings is a five-minute spot on a late night talk show. After months of persistent emailing, sending tapes, and stating my case, I was given the opportunity to travel to New York City to audition for a spot on Late Night with Seth Meyers. A talent booker came to see me at Caroline’s on Broadway, where I performed an eight-minute set and, much to my relief, “killed” (comedy term for “did well”). Read more>>