Chips on shoulders
I am obsessed with podcast. Specifically sports , worlds new events , finance and businss/ entrepreneurs. I was listening to a podcast called “Founders” and it is a fantastic podcast about founders and the beginning of their companies. The last episode I was listening to was about James Dyson , the founder of Dyson vacuum cleaners. Within this episode. The host dropped this quote from where I cannot remember where he got it. The goes as follows : “Chips on shoulders , turn to chips in the pocket”. Recently I have been feeling vindictive . As inch closer to the opening of my first restaurant , the primary thought that has taken real estate in my mind and thoughts is the rejection. There have been so many rejections that have been in my path since I have started to raise funds to open this restaurant. Some have been straight out “nos” , which I actually appreciate; This is a clear redirect to another door that will have what I need. Others have jerked me around with a bunch of bs meetings and pleasantries all to end up in a disappearance . These are the most annoying . Honestly it just pisses me off. However, right now , all of these instances my mind has metabolized and turned into fuel. Everything. Every employee who I hired and walked out the back door, ( this was actually a thing during covid, I found out it was a way to be able to continue to claim unemployment ) the team members who just quit and never showed up, the team members who stole money form me . All of the crap I have endured recently I have internalized and used as fuel. I’m not angry; It’s just more of a reason to succeed. It makes the story that much sweeter. After almost 10 years in this business, I finally feel like i’m in my groove
Adventure
This past Friday , I made a trip to Tulsa Oklahoma , for my sister’s graduation. It was a beautiful time; Seeing my sister walk across the stage was such a great moment. The only emotion that really explains the way I feel is joy . My little sister has worked so hard and to see her walk and be accepted into the grad school she wanted to go to is amazing . As I write this , I am sitting in the airport waiting for our flight back . Originally , the plan was to just send a gift and not go . It’s been hard financially as Janea and I plan for the baby and with growing the restaurant . However , my mom told me my sister was hurt initially when she heard she might not see me. This trip reminded me of what I really want in life and what makes me feel alive ……. Adventure . The journey or growing this restaurant concept really is appealing not just for the passion of the concept of itself but rather the energy of movement . The prospect of traveling and seeing new parts of the country is some thing seems amazing . #Stayhngry
Family
This process is coming to a culmination. 15 years ago the process started with a small caribbean restaurant in Redlands , Ca. I don’t think any of us knew that the journey would lead to this moment. Looking at current space we are in (literally and figuratively) and thinking about where we are , it’s definitely just a surreal moment. Times are tough; Creating a concept or bringing any vision to fruition will bring with it trails and road bumps. However , looking at what the future holds and thinking about walking into that new space of life with my family by my side is so exciting and amazing to think about . #hngry.