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.

Blake Pounds

Over the years in owning and operating my families towing company there is one time I can recall, that I, myself, consider a pretty big failure. Read more>>

Jess Dowd

My failure story is actually my current state and is becoming the driving force behind a huge pivot I am in the middle of that I feel is going to be the ultimate course correct for my business. Over the past 2 years I have started and built a fairly successful product based business called Modern Lifestyle Gifts. It is a line of drinkware items and accessories with inspirational sayings for women and was born from my struggles with post partum depression. Read more>>

Tai Phan

In my early 20s, I ventured into fixing and flipping, starting with smaller properties. Things were going well, and I decided to take on a bigger challenge—a $200k-$300k property. I poured my heart into it, renovating every inch. Just when I thought success was at my doorstep, my contractor calls me while I was out on a business trip telling me there was a strong odor and murky fluids coming out beneath the baseboards. Turns out, the previous owner pulled a horrible prank, pouring cement into toilets and sinks, blocking all pipes. Read more>>

Candice Goethe

Actually I do! Unfortunately, I have several, but I don’t have all day lol! Recently, I did everything I didn’t do the previous times, just to find out that I STILL missed a few things along the way. I failed by assuming it was as simple as getting an LLC, and not being fully educated in what it took to start up and maintain a business. Read more>>

Nyah Drummond

One of the ways that I network with other business owners, expand my clientele, and make money simultaneously is by vending at pop-up shops and other in-person events. Some of the factors that play a role in how successful one can be from vending at these events include consistent marketing via social media platforms (or other methods of communication), the weather, and a strong customer-base. Read more>>

Mark Collett

Failure is both a cruel and kind teacher; one that we hate to learn from in the moment but one that we are grateful for later in life. The lessons we take away from failure stick with us stronger — and longer — than anything we think we learn from wins. Read more>>

Robert Anderson

I am currently on hiatus from the guide side of my business, just fresh off the pursuit of a life achievement—the Pacific Crest Trail. I chose to temporarily step away from the demands of conventional society, seeking to assess my genuine affinity for the outdoor lifestyle that forms the foundation of my business. Simultaneously, I aimed to establish a reputation as a proficient and trusted backpacking guide through the accomplishment of significant milestones, such as completing the Pacific Crest Trail. Read more>>