The Brutal Truth of Success

I was on top of the world. Eight-time bestselling author. Millions of books sold worldwide. I owned and operated a thriving business—an art gallery, an upscale home décor boutique, and an interior design studio. From 2018 to the end of 2021, I thought I had it all figured out. I had momentum. I was unstoppable. Untouchable.

And then, in the blink of an eye—it all disappeared.

The pandemic hit. Inflation skyrocketed to heights I never imagined in my lifetime. Book sales dried up overnight. My business? Gone. Shuttered. Then came a debilitating accident followed by divorce and relocation. I found myself completely shattered, starting over in a world that no longer felt like mine.

Let me tell you something about success—it is not permanent. It’s not guaranteed. And it’s never as stable as it feels in those high moments.

I admit it—I had a false sense of security. I thought I had it all figured out, that nothing could stop me. But I was mistaken. The world stopped me dead in my tracks. Success? It’s fleeting. One minute, you’re on top of the mountain. The next, you’re plummeting down so fast you don’t even realize what’s happening until you’ve hit rock bottom.

Here I am. Starting over. Again. In the worst economy I’ve seen in my 45 years of life. Scared out of my mind. The odds? Stacked against me in every possible way. But what choice do I have? This is the hand I’ve been dealt. And if I’ve learned anything, it’s that life doesn’t care how hard you’ve worked or how much success you’ve earned—things can crumble in a heartbeat.

This message isn’t to discourage you—it’s to prepare you.

Even if you're on top of the world today, you NEED to be ready for the very real possibility that tomorrow, it could all vanish. I don’t say that lightly. For me, it happened in the blink of an eye. One day everything was there, and the next? It was GONE. No warning. No time to prepare. Just GONE.

That’s the harsh reality of entrepreneurship. It is NOT for the faint of heart. It’s a rollercoaster of the highest highs and the most gut-wrenching lows.

If you think success is permanent, think again.

I’ve had to redefine what success looks like so many times that I’ve stopped trying to define it. I’ve been to the top. I’ve tasted success. And now, here I am starting over from scratch. Again. Will I reach those heights again? I don’t know. But the truth is—my idea of success today looks nothing like what it did in 2018. It’s humbler. It’s quieter. And maybe... just maybe, I don’t want to reach those same heights again. Because when you fall from the top, the landing hurts a hell of a lot more.

So BRACE YOURSELF.

The climb will exhaust you. But the fall? It’ll take your breath away. It’ll make you question EVERYTHING. Why are you doing this? Is it worth it? Some days the answer will be yes. But other days, the answer will be a resounding no. And that’s the brutal reality no one likes to talk about.

Entrepreneurship isn’t glamorous. It’s terrifying. It’s exhilarating. It’s exhausting. And it’s filled with moments of pure joy followed by moments where you wonder why the hell you’re putting yourself through it.

So if you’re not ready for the emotional whiplash—the gut-wrenching highs and lows—then entrepreneurship might not be for you. I struggle with it, even though it’s in my blood. It's embedded in my DNA. Yet here I am—as scared as I am hopeful. Perhaps, more so.

Because THAT is the life of an entrepreneur. Getting knocked down 99 times and standing up 100. The truth? A few make it to the top and stay there. But for most of us, it’s a constant battle. Up. Down. Up. Down. Day in and day out. It’s about resilience. Adaptability. Knowing when to pivot. As well as pure grit and determination. It’s about being scared and pushing forward anyway.

But here’s the thing—even after everything, I’m still standing. And I’m still creating. Which is why I’m proud to introduce my latest venture, Inkworthy Creations. This new chapter in my journey is all about helping others build something lasting, even in uncertain times.

At Inkworthy Creations, I partner with service-based professionals—people who know the value of deep, meaningful client relationships but need help standing out as trusted thought leaders in their field. Whether it’s ghostwriting professional books to showcase their expertise or crafting personalized, impactful communication strategies, I’m here to help them rise above the competition.

From wealth managers and real estate brokers to accountants and interior designers, my clients are dedicated to delivering excellence in their fields. And I help ensure they’re seen as leading experts by focusing on what truly matters—meaningful client engagement that drives referral business and long-term growth.

Because just like I’ve learned, it’s not just about reaching the top; it’s about building relationships that can weather any storm. It’s about being worthy of trust, connection, and success—even in the face of uncertainty.

If you're interested in learning more, view my services page, or send a message!

Until next time,

Tina