I’ve been creating variations of this company for years. I often have doubts if I have what it takes to create a business. I don't like asking for money. I don't like trying to get attention even if it's for a business project that I have created. In my thinking, once the project is created and submitted to the market, if it's a good project, it should take off. However, that’s not exactly how business works. You need to keep your products in front of people to get them to buy what you're selling. You also need to place the product in the right market to find the right buyers—something I'm not all that comfortable doing.

I've placed so much money and time into building Kayatick Styles. I've lost relationships and core family in the pursuit of building a legacy. I have actually worked all night, performed on stage, and went to work all day trying to get the company out the mud. It has caused fights, separations, joint custody—and I still pursue the dream. Am I too far in to turn back? What does chasing your dream mean, and is it still your dream if you lose so much in the process?

2. Hustle With No Halo

No one cares about your project idea or what you're trying to build. I've been struggling with the motivation to keep building, especially when you’re failing to deliver on the business and creative concept. Tossing idea after idea only to see it not succeed wears on your mental toll.

Late nights editing videos or writing blogs that get little to no response—no traction no matter how detailed or in-depth you get. Knowing you have a great concept and are unable to get it off the ground because you’re a one-man show and no one believes in the project, let alone the business.

Skipping meals or events to save or meet deadlines, working 12 hours and then an additional 9 hours on the company. Your significant other is upset you didn't come to bed last night, or you're laying in bed with your partner and they’re upset because the business isn't as successful as you promised.

You’re creating stories that no one is telling, building a business that no one's buying, nor did they ask for. Every day I ask myself, should I quit? Why should I keep pushing or putting in resources when for every failure, you lose someone or something substantial: family, money, marriage, time, effort, the ability to even wonder if you can create something that resonates. You fight depression, fatigue, doubts, worries—it’s a consistent battle between the what and the what-ifs.

3. Burnout Feels Personal

The mental load of having no backup, no team, no cushion—it takes a toll. Sometimes you have to learn the experience before you can implement the strategy. People will be a part of the process and then fall off, and if you don't quit, you have to learn their portion of the work.

No network, no friends, no family. The ability to lose everything you worked on up until this point can cause stress and pain. The pending divorce. The distance of friends and family will have you constantly wondering if the choice you made was the correct option.

I’ve asked myself, “Am I wasting my time?” What if nobody ever notices? All the work you've done—just a hobby that goes unnoticed. The cyphers, freestyles, graffiti walls, music, films—all invisible. The creations, the work, the time and effort. Was it all for nothing?

I have doubts—major doubts. Maybe I should just keep working my 78 hours a week. But being tired at the end of those shifts is not helping with creativity. Still, I feel as if I’ve come too far to return, even if the outcome is failure.

What keeps me going? Legacy. The ability to build a compelling company that has its own history and creates its own stories. Seeing a thought form in your mind become an actual song, video, or something tangible. Learning how to leave an imprint in the digital landscape.

4. Growth Isn’t Always Loud

There are things that I do embrace, and do love. Seeing a project go from idea to completion has always been one of my favorite experiences. Whether it’s a movie, album, animation, or story, seeing something take form and watching the development into a final product brings a joy that keeps me moving forward.

My dad always says, “Plan your work and work your plan.” That statement has always resonated with me. Just knowing that you do have to work to make progress in any attempt that you want to proceed in.

Sometimes it’s a kind comment. Sometimes a surprise email or subscriber. Sometimes it’s a breakthrough idea while creating content. You redefine what success looks like—not just views or money, but progress. Internal. Silent. But real.

Growth isn’t always viral. It’s often unseen. But it counts.

5. The Kayatick Styles Mindset

This company reflects everything I’ve lived through. Kayatick Styles is more than content—it’s a space where uncommon storytelling can be told. A space for the overlooked. There isn’t enough Black media in America. During the media boom, my people—Black Americans—weren’t even allowed to participate.

Now I have a chance to create something where I can tell stories on my terms, on my platform. I want to fund my company through its own profits, build a paycheck for myself, and eventually create jobs and a work environment for others—regardless of race or background.

I want to use profits to purchase a warehouse, acquire equipment, and build teams that can keep creating powerful productions. I want to grow the business, scale the brand, and grow the art. Even if I don’t personally benefit from all the hard work—I’ll know I left something behind.

6. The Mission Is Still the Mission

To all the creatives and dreamers going through your own hard times—keep going.

Burnout isn’t the end. It’s just a checkpoint. A scar earned. A signal that you’re building something real.

This mission, this dream, this purpose—it's still worth it. Even when it hurts. Even when you’re tired. Even when no one claps.

If you’ve made it this far in the post, thank you.

You’re probably like me. Someone who doesn’t just dream—but works for it.

Let’s build together.

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