Success doesn’t always look like you think it will. It’s easy to get caught up in the big moments — the flashy breakthroughs, the big paycheck, or the applause. But in my journey, I’ve learned that success is often built on a series of small wins, and it’s these little moments that make the bigger picture possible. Whether you’re just starting out, like I was in 2013 with no job offers, or you’re deep into your hustle, one thing is certain: every step counts.
The Power of Small Wins
When I first launched Material Opulence, there wasn’t a grand blueprint for success. There wasn’t a moment where everything clicked into place overnight. There were emails, cold calls, late nights, and a ton of trial and error. I didn’t have investors or a team behind me — just a passion and an idea. But every time I made progress, no matter how small, I celebrated. Whether it was creating my first social media post or completing my first sale, these were wins. These wins weren’t just small checkmarks on a to-do list; they were the building blocks of something bigger.
Building Momentum: How Small Wins Lead to Big Success
In my career, whether it’s acting or running a clothing brand, the idea of “starting small” has been pivotal. For instance, when I first started acting, I wasn’t landing leading roles. I was auditioning for small, unpaid roles or participating in community theater. But those roles, those little experiences, opened doors I never imagined. A short film led to a small commercial, which led to more roles and eventually led to appearances in Hallmark’s Holiday Touchdown and Girl in the Garage. Every small win is a pathway towards big success.
In business, every new customer, every new partnership, and every new idea is a step closer to something bigger. The key is to stay persistent and keep showing up because these small steps compound and build momentum. They create a foundation that you can stand on when you’re ready to take bigger risks.
Why Persistence Matters More Than Perfection
It’s easy to get discouraged by the idea of not being perfect or not being where you want to be yet. I’ve been there. There were times when I questioned myself, my choices, and whether I was on the right path. But what I realized over time is that persistence beats perfection. You don’t need to know it all, and you don’t need to be perfect from the start. What matters most is that you keep moving forward, no matter how small the steps are. Each step is progress, and that’s something to celebrate.
For me, going solo with Material Opulence in May 2024 was one of those huge milestones that came from a series of small, sometimes uncertain, decisions. Up until that point, Material Opulence had been a partnership. Deciding to continue this journey on my own, motivates me more than ever. It was a moment of growth, of embracing my own vision for the brand. Every time I faced doubt or failure, I reminded myself that failure doesn’t mean the end — it’s just part of the process. The key is to trust that every setback or challenge is an opportunity to learn and improve.
Turning Challenges Into Opportunities
Every challenge is an opportunity in disguise — one of the best lessons I’ve learned through all of this. Whether you’re facing rejection in auditions or dealing with a rough patch in business, these challenges often push you to think outside the box, find creative solutions, and ultimately grow stronger. The road may not always be smooth, but that’s what makes the victories so sweet.
The Power of Reflection: Looking Back to Move Forward
One of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been looking back and seeing how far I’ve come. From that first idea for Material Opulence to the acting roles I’ve landed, there’s something powerful in reflecting on the path you’ve taken. It’s a reminder that progress isn’t always linear — sometimes it’s a winding road full of ups and downs. But if you stay focused on the next small win, it all adds up.
A Call to Action for the Next Generation
For the students reading this, I want to leave you with one piece of advice: keep moving forward, no matter how small the steps may seem. Don’t let the fear of not having it all figured out stop you from starting. Whether you’re launching a business, pursuing an acting career, or following any other passion, the important thing is to keep going. Celebrate the small wins, learn from the setbacks, and remember: every step you take is one step closer to the bigger dream.
And speaking of taking steps, I’m excited to share that Material Opulence will be a vendor at the Black Business Expo at Lee’s Summit West High School on Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 10 AM - 4 PM. This event, hosted by their Black Student Union, is a fantastic opportunity to highlight local black-owned businesses and provide a unique shopping experience. If you’re in the area, stop by to discover new businesses, get a closer look at Material Opulence, and support entrepreneurs who are making their mark. I’d love to connect with you and talk about all the exciting things happening!
Additionally, if you’re ready to dive into the world of creativity and entrepreneurship, I’m excited to announce that Material Opulence is hiring interns for the summer. It’s a chance to gain real-world experience, work on meaningful projects, and be part of something bigger than yourself. We’re building something great, and you could be a part of it.
We’ll be at the Pro X Hiring Fair on Saturday, March 29th from 8 AM - 1 PM at the Kansas City Convention Center. We’re looking to bring on interns in the following areas: Design, Sales, Marketing, Public Relations, Production, and Styling. Our goal is to create an immersive learning experience that teaches you how to build a clothing brand collection from start to finish, all within a virtual, collaborative environment.
Let’s make magic happen together. One small step at a time.