Ten years ago, my life took an unexpected and devastating turn. In what felt like an instant, I lost everything: my loft, my car, and over $40,000 worth of clothes, furniture, purses, and artwork. These were not just material possessions; they were pieces of my identity, each item imbued with memories and stories. The weight of this loss forced me to move back home with my mother, the only place I had left to turn. With a mere $200 to my name, I was at my lowest point. To make matters worse, I had just been fired from my job by a cocaine-addicted, bipolar boss, leaving me with no prospects and no hope.
In that dark moment, I faced a pivotal choice: I could either wallow in self-pity and despair, or I could fight my way out of the abyss. I chose the latter. This decision marked the beginning of a journey that would transform my life in ways I could never have imagined.
The Birth of a Beast
We all have an inner beast. But what does it truly mean to be a beast? A beast is someone who can walk through hell and be grateful for the strength in their legs. A beast is someone who has lost everything but sees it as an opportunity to gain even more. A beast is somebody who hits rock bottom and says, “This is amazing! It’s only up from here.”
When I had it all, I used to travel to Paris twice a year. I remember one trip in particular, when I found myself in a quaint little village surrounded by the finest silk fabrics. On a whim, I asked a local artisan to make me a sarong from one of the beautiful materials. That sarong became one of my prized possessions, a symbol of my freedom, creativity, and success. Miraculously, it was one of the few things that survived when everything else was lost in storage.
Back in Pittsburgh, wearing that sarong again felt like a small reclamation of my former life. People began to notice and ask where I got it. Their curiosity sparked an idea. I researched and found a company in Europe that could produce similar sarongs. And so, I started a clothing business, pulling myself out of that black hole one sarong at a time.
Building a Business from the Ashes
Starting a business from scratch with almost no resources was daunting. But I had something more valuable than money—I had resilience and a drive to succeed. I contacted the European company and arranged for them to produce the sarongs. Slowly but surely, my business began to take shape.
I began to attend local markets and fairs, showcasing my sarongs. Each sale, each compliment, and each connection with a customer reinforced my determination. I learned the ropes of entrepreneurship, from managing inventory to marketing my products. Social media became a powerful tool, allowing me to reach a broader audience and share my story.
The journey was not without its challenges. There were days when sales were slow, and self-doubt crept in. But I remembered what it meant to be a beast. I pushed through, adapting and learning from each obstacle.
The Evolution of My Art
In 2023, my journey took another transformative turn. I began creating art and printing my designs onto the sarongs. This was more than just a business decision; it was a personal evolution. My sarongs became canvases, each piece a unique representation of my creativity and resilience.
The art-infused sarongs quickly gained popularity. People were drawn to the story behind each piece—the narrative of loss, recovery, and transformation. My artwork symbolized not only my personal journey but also the universal struggle of overcoming adversity.
Today, my business has grown beyond my wildest dreams. The sarongs, now adorned with my artwork, are sold internationally. Each piece tells a story, a testament to the power of resilience and creativity. But my journey is far from over. I still face challenges, like finding manufacturers that can produce larger sarongs to accommodate a wider range of sizes. This is part of my current mission, to ensure that my products are inclusive and accessible to all.
Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations
Through this journey, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of embracing one’s inner beast. Losing everything taught me to appreciate what I have and to find strength in adversity. Building a business from the ashes showed me the power of determination and creativity.
My story is a testament to the idea that no matter how low you may fall, there is always a way up. It’s about transforming setbacks into comebacks and turning loss into opportunity. This is what it means to be a beast.
Looking forward, I have ambitious plans. I aim to expand my product line, introducing new designs and materials. I want to collaborate with other artists and creators, blending our visions to produce even more compelling work. I am also exploring ways to give back to the community, supporting initiatives that help others find their own paths to resilience and success.
We all have the potential to be beasts. To walk through hell and be grateful for the journey. To lose everything and see it as an opportunity to rebuild even better. To hit rock bottom and say, “This is amazing! It’s only up from here.”
My journey from loss to success is not just my story—it’s a story of human resilience and the power of the human spirit. It’s a reminder that no matter how dark the path may seem, there is always a way forward. Embrace your inner beast, and you will find strength and opportunities where you least expect them.
