Never give up. It’s advice that is thrown around daily – but is it always right? We asked some folks we admire about their thoughts around how to know when to give up and when to keep trying

Ian Gotler | Co-Founder & DJ

This is one of the most important questions facing our industry today. COVID-19 has been absolutely brutal for those of us working in special events and many businesses are in danger of losing everything. Many of us have benefited from a largely evergreen model and the uncertainty of the world around threatens that stability in a way we’ve never seen. It’s incredibly stressful and promises to test the resolve of even the most confident entrepreneur. That said, it’s more important than ever to stay optimistic. This too shall pass! There’s no one-size-fits-all solution so try your best to pivot whenever possible and adapt to the new normal. For us, that means doubling down on clear and honest communication with our existing clients. Read more>>

Jordan Gray | Rapper & Producer

I had a conversation with my father one day. I asked him what he thought I should do when I’m faced with fear. He told me that you just have to do it, don’t think about it, just take that leap. I think that’s they key. If this is something that you love wholeheartedly, something you wake up thinking about and it’s the last thing on your mind before you sleep, you shouldn’t let anything deter you from it. Forget what other people say, because they’re speaking from their own personal perspective, not yours. They don’t have the same hunger, passion, and drive as you do. This is your dream, your purpose. Not anyone else’s. It’ll take time, dedication, patience, and most importantly, persistence. Nothing worth it comes easy, and if you don’t reach the height you want or obtain the thing that you want when you want, it just means your not ready for it yet. Read more>>

Karl Stelter | Director

As a business owner and artist, I hesitate to frame anything as ‘giving up’, because this implies some sort of failure. Instead, I work to see everything through the lens of iteration – how am I growing? How am I shifting and continuing to learn? What is my trajectory, and am I happy with it? So from that perspective, I know it’s time to iterate when I look at a certain type of job and just…groan. I feel an intense mental resistance to completing the task, even if it’s minor. Usually this just means it’s time to evolve to the next level – and you should listen to that immediately or risk intense burnout. As an example, I started my business as a wedding videographer – knowing there would come a day when, instead of being excited to create the absolute best work I could, I would dread the upcoming shoot day. Read more>>