Was there ever a time you almost gave up?

We connected with some of the most resilient folks in the community and one of the most insightful questions we had an opportunity to ask centered around whether there was ever a time they almost gave up. Highlighting some of the responses below.

Kaylin Lawrence

The year before starting Mind The Gap was one of the hardest years of our life. We were met with countless hurdles, heartache, and loss. We were both working for the same company, and quite frankly, that company was failing. Read more>>

B3NZ0

Yeah, there were definitely times I thought about giving up. Coming from a small town, chasing music doesn’t always feel realistic, and there are moments where the doubts hit hard. But every time I feel like stopping, I think about why I started—those early days of making music, the people who believe in me, and how much I really love creating. Read more>>

Amir Fabiani

When I was 24, I lost everything. My home, my car, my job. Debt was piling up, and I couldn’t even afford food some days. I slipped into some bad habits just to escape, but even in that darkness there was a flicker of light. I recognized the few people that believed in me even when I didn’t, and that kept me going. Read more>>

Lane Morris

I don’t know that I would’ve completely given up, but taken a break for sure. Ive fallen on my face a whole lot lately (mostly my own fault but the world has a way of knocking you down), and it seemed like everything I was trying just wasn’t working. Read more>>

Morgan Matthews

I graduated college in 2022, where I got my degree in video/film, and I had so many teachers telling me I’d have no problem getting editing work out of college. And I really pushed myself for a while, but I was barely getting any work, was barely getting engagement on social media, and it really just discouraged me from wanting to do it anymore. Read more>>

Eric Ahlgrim

When I first started photographing concerts I was trying to find gigs that would actually pay me to do it and it seemed impossible. The music industry is so saturated and a lot of it is so money hungry they want to take but not give in return. Read more>>

Pamela Little

Yes. Without a doubt. There’s no easy way to say this — I almost gave up when I lost my children. My daughter passed away three years ago, and just three months ago, I lost my son. Read more>>

Holdyn Barder

There have been many times where I’ve questioned whether or not to continue pursuing music. When I first moved to Nashville, you come in with so much energy and ambition. Reality doesn’t really hit you until five years in when you realize you have to build fans, music, your sound, your touring, your band, everything. When push comes to shove, you have to show up. Read more>>

Denita Gibbs

Yes. Here’s My Miracle Testimony: In the year of September 2021, I tested positive for COVID-19. My symptoms were mild in the beginning but eventually worsened. On September 17, 2021, I started having shortness of breath. I called my friend and my parents to notify them that I could not breathe. Read more>>

Takela Room

Absolutely. There were several moments when I felt like walking away from comedy. After losing my father—the very loss that first pushed me to the stage—I found purpose in laughter. But in 2024, when I lost both my brother and sister, that light dimmed. I took a break, unsure if I had the strength to keep going. But my gift wouldn’t let me quit. Read more>>

Crystal Tucker

As a business owner, I actually don’t give up easily. I’m very determined to make this work and grow our brand. I’m still here not because it has been easy and every social media post goes viral or brings in sales, but because I’m so deeply committed to our business and the vision behind it. Read more>>