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?

Rasha Shammaa | Venue Manager & Business Development Consultant

Not everything we do in life whether in our personal life or career will be successful, however I don’t think we should ever give up. Instead, we can change our approach, and try something new or rewrite the story altogether. No one anticipated a global pandemic that would halt the economy and disrupt the events industry, but the stories emerging behind many individuals are nothing short of inspiring. In the case of the Bougainvilleas Event Venue, all our events between mid March and October were cancelled or rescheduled within a week. Don’t get me wrong, things looked very dark for a while until we decided to turn our commercial kitchen into a takeout kitchen. Our only goal was to retain our hardworking staff, and while it was very difficult not seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, look how far we’ve come. Read more>>

Nicole Larson | Volunteer & Philanthropist

I believe that as an individual you have to ask yourself whether you are the type of person who has the ability to give up. For me personally I have never believed that giving up was an option. I always work hard to keep going and moving forward no matter how hard the situation became. I think that if you have the will and the drive there is always a new solution or another door opening that allows you to keep going in life. Read more>>

Matt Tipton | Full-Time Graphic Designer, Music Producer & Songwriter

Making music and art drives me. If I were ever to stop thinking about the process of making something from nothing into something I enjoy listening to, I think then, it’s time to hang it up. But quite frankly, that hasn’t been the case for over 20 years. I’ve been making music since I was 16 and I can’t imagine the day when that will ever change. Giving up means that what you do no longer has or holds value to you as a person. It should always mean something to YOU. It should always push you to keep creating despite the circumstances or seasons that life may bring you. Making music is what allows me to process my past, present and even future. I can be real and honest with others and with myself whenever I’m making music and creating art. Luckily, my work and job provides for me to make music. Read more>>

Regina Andrews Duarte, BS, MSW, LCSW-S | Individual, Couples, Family and Group Psychotherapist

As a 63 year old clinician, the plan is to work until unable to do so. The future dream plan is to open a business with my two adult children. Nicole and Christian are pursuing careers as psychotherapists. We want to open a business that will enhance personal, physical, emotional and thought growth and development for people. We want to help people to feel better. Read more>>