The Grind Behind the Glory

Entrepreneurship looks glamorous from the outside but behind the highlight reels are long nights, missed outings, and sacrifices most people don’t see. Over the past year since leaving my full-time job to build my own path, I’ve come to understand this more than ever. While I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything, it hasn’t been easy. I’ve had to pick up side jobs to keep going, I’ve lost sleep, and at times I’ve had to turn down invites from friends—something that hurts because it can look like I don’t care. The truth is, these are sacrifices I’ve had to make to build something bigger than myself.

That’s why when I met entrepreneur George Gauthier at Planet Brooklyn, his story resonated deeply with me. George is the founder of Sortir de la Boue, a trucker hat brand whose name means “get out the mud" in French. For him, the phrase is more than just a catchy slogan—it’s an ode to his Haitian roots and the relentless spirit it takes to succeed.

When I asked George what being Haitian means to him, his answer reflected not just his own journey, but a universal truth about entrepreneurship.

“It represents freedom. It represents independence. It represents power. It represents self-belief," he said. "As you know, Haitians, they had to believe in themselves to set themselves free. So you got to fight for what you want in life."

George’s words are a reminder that the entrepreneurial grind isn’t just about chasing profit—it’s about belief, resilience, and fighting for freedom on your own terms. Whether it’s creating a brand that speaks to your roots or carving out a career path that doesn’t yet exist, success rarely comes easy. It’s about putting one foot in front of the other, even when no one’s cheering you on, even when people misunderstand your choices, even when the mud feels too heavy to push through.

Planet Brooklyn was full of entrepreneurs like George—people building businesses not just for themselves, but as reflections of their identity, culture, and determination. And in many ways, that’s the same spirit I carry with me every day as I continue to build my own.

Because if there’s one thing both George and I know, it’s this: the grind might be lonely, but freedom, independence, and self-belief make every sacrifice worth it.

Look out for more on Planet Brooklyn on your favorite streaming platforms soon. If you're wondering all this goodness was captured, below is the gear my partner at Industry Labs and I used.

• DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro for smooth, dynamic shots

• DJI Osmo 360 for immersive perspectives

• DJI Mic 2 for crisp, clear audio

• iPhone 13 Pro Max for quick, handheld shots

• Hohem iSteady Pro 4 for stable walking sequences

And for deets on my outfit, I've placed everything in my LTK store.

***Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. This comes at no extra cost to you.***