To pivot or to persevere? Or more bluntly – to give up or to not to give up? This is a haunting question, a question that has ramifications far after an answer has been chosen and it’s also a question that almost everyone in our community has had to face at one time or another. How do you know when to give up and when to keep trying?

Chynna Lewis | Music Artist

I feel this is a really relevant question for me and I’m sure for so many other people in the arts industry. After the pandemic, there was an overwhelming fear and resistance in me to go back full time into music when the industry itself had shutdown for two years. Read more>> 

Shara Francis | DJ & Event Curator

Giving up is definitely easier than staying focused on your goals for sure. When making a decision on if I should continue down a certain path, I take into consider a few factors; my current goals, circumstances, resources, and if my personal values are being compromised in any way. Read more>>

Munashe Watungwa | Visual Artist

Content. There’s a quote by Toni Morrison that stuck with me when I went through a dark time with my art, she said “All art is knowing when to stop”. When I read that quote from her, I instantly knew I wasn’t content with what I’ve done so far. Read more>>

C. Matthew Smith | Novelist and short story writer

For the most part, I believe those who succeed at making art–be it writing, visual art, music, whatever–are engaged in the endeavor because they have to be. Because not doing it leaves a void in their lives that they can’t really tolerate. Read more>>

Kesher Graham | Wedding & Event Planner

Throughout my life, I’ve recognized myself as a determined and resolute individual. Once I commit to a goal, I pursue it relentlessly, exploring various avenues until I achieve success. Read more>>