For me, the biggest impact has been trial and error mixed with being forced to rebuild.
I did not grow Metal Relic by following some perfect business plan. I learned by making mistakes, taking chances, saying yes to opportunities before I felt fully ready, and figuring it out as I went. Losing my home, tools, and stability in 2023 changed everything. It forced me to decide whether this was just something I did, or something I was really going to build my life around.
Going back to school, competing through SkillsUSA, putting my work in front of people, joining local arts organizations, and networking with people who actually care about growth all pushed me forward. Every opportunity opened the door to another one.
The biggest lesson has been that growth does not come from one thing. It comes from staying in motion, learning from the punches, and surrounding yourself with people and places that challenge you to take your work seriously.
I really appreciate you sharing this. What resonated with me most wasn't just the trial and error, it was your willingness to keep moving despite losing so much. That takes a level of resilience that can't be taught. I also loved your point that every opportunity opened the door to another one. As someone who's building a business from the ground up myself, that's an encouraging reminder to keep showing up, even when the path isn't perfectly clear. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
