Bravery, Failure, and the Art of Resilience in Hospitality

Brené Brown once said, “If we are brave enough often enough, we will fail.” It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply for anyone who has dared to create something new—a business, a project, a vision. Failure isn’t just a possibility; it’s part of the journey. And if building and running businesses were easy, everyone would be doing it.

Over the years, I’ve made my fair share of bold decisions. I’ve taken leaps into the unknown, sometimes stumbling, sometimes falling, but always learning. Of course, there are days when regret creeps in—the "if only” moments that consume your thoughts. If only I’d had all the information. If only I could have seen around that corner. But hindsight is just that: a perspective we gain after we’ve walked through the fire.

Creating something new is inherently uncertain. It requires us to take risks, to step forward even when we don’t know where our feet will land. And yet, that’s where the magic happens. In those moments of risk, discomfort, and hope, we build things that matter—things that create connection, belonging, and impact for others.

The Courage to Keep Going

Now that I’m older, I feel more risk-averse—a natural instinct. A broken arm teaches us to brace differently next time we fall. And yet, what a shame it would be to give up completely. Some of the greatest joy I’ve experienced in hospitality comes from the uncertainty of it all. That feeling of leaping into the void when opening a new venue, not knowing exactly what will come but believing it’s worth the effort.

It’s not always easy to pick yourself back up after a fall, but it’s how we grow. Over my 25 years in hospitality, I’ve had countless opportunities to stumble, learn, and get back up again. Far from diminishing my confidence, those moments have made me stronger, sharper, and more resilient. I know what success feels like, but I also know where the cracks can appear, how to spot them early, and how to navigate around them.

Why It Matters: The Power of Belonging

The businesses we build are not just about profits, they are places where belonging thrives. Hospitality has a unique power to create spaces where people feel seen, valued, and connected—not just as guests but as part of something bigger. Whether it’s the team you build, the guests you welcome, or the community you serve, the sense of belonging is what keeps people coming back.

At Kith & Kin, we know this to be true:

• Belonging fosters trust, loyalty, and growth. It’s what transforms businesses into communities.
• Every risk you take—every failure and resilience—lays the foundation for deeper, more meaningful connections.
• Hospitality at its best is about people first—creating spaces where individuals feel part of a story, not just a transaction.

Even when we fail, the legacy of belonging remains. I’ve seen it firsthand—after one of my businesses closed, I received over 900 messages from friends, colleagues, and strangers. What we had built mattered because it gave people a sense of place and connection. That’s what makes every challenge, every setback, and every bold decision worth it.

The Kith & Kin Approach

At Kith & Kin, we celebrate this spirit of bravery and creation. We believe in:

• Taking risks and learning from them. Failure is not the end; it’s a chance to grow.
• Building communities. Hospitality is about connection, belonging, and impact.
• Supporting one another. Navigating the challenges of business is easier when we do it together.

The businesses we create are more than financial ventures. They are places of joy, belonging, and meaning. They shape communities and offer moments of connection that stay with people long after they leave.

So, here’s to the artists, the risk-takers, the ones who leap into the void. Here’s to those brave enough to fail and resilient enough to get back up. At Kith & Kin, we’re here to support you—to help you spot the cracks, navigate the challenges, and create something that matters. Because when we build with bravery and belonging at the core, the impact reaches further than we could ever imagine.

Being prepared to fail is, without question, worth it.