Amore Philip
In 2008, like many professionals, I was unemployed after being downsized from a corporate position during the economic downturn in NYC.
I had the choice of looking for another job or starting my own business. Long story short, I decided on the latter as it would be a great way to be the change I wanted to see in the world.
At the time, I had my then 5-year-old daughter, who I wanted to spend more time with, so I set out on the entrepreneurship journey to start a business and follow in my grandpa’s footsteps, a local fisherman and landowner in the Caribbean.
When I was growing up, we were never handed anything. My grandfather taught us to work hard. I admired how he took care of my grandmother and their 11 children. Since starting my business 12 years ago, I have experienced tremendous highs and lows. But what kept me going was that I always remembered why I started. Sometimes I wanted to give up, but I would ask myself, “What would Grandpa Samuel say” and so I kept going.
When COVID hit in 2019, it was a big wake-up call for me. It changed everything. I decided to reposition my business to embrace this unexpected interruption. Along the way, I learned a lot.
Almost three years later, I am still in business with my core team, and my agency, Apples & Oranges Public Relations, is positioned to have our best year ever.
If you are like me or are considering starting a business, ask yourself why you are choosing this option, and most importantly, do not try to do this alone. Find a good mentor and like-minded people who will support you.
Lastly! Think about your legacy and how you wish to be remembered in your family and industry.