From Struggles to Success: Stories of Starting With Nothing

1. J.K. Rowling – Rejected and Broke

Before J.K. Rowling became one of the best-selling authors in the world, she struggled financially. She was a single mother living on government assistance while writing the first Harry Potter book. Rowling sent her manuscript to several publishers, only to be rejected multiple times. Despite these setbacks and not earning any money from her writing, she continued to believe in her story. Eventually, a small publishing house gave her a chance. The rest is history, with the Harry Potter series selling over 500 million copies worldwide.

• Lesson: Persistence is key. Even when you face rejection, keep believing in your vision.

2. Steve Jobs – Fired from His Own Company

Steve Jobs is a household name, known for founding Apple and revolutionizing the tech industry. But did you know that Jobs was fired from Apple, the very company he helped create? After his departure, Jobs spent years working on other projects, including Pixar, without seeing immediate income or success. He returned to Apple later, and under his leadership, it became one of the most valuable companies in the world.

• Lesson: Setbacks can be the beginning of something bigger. Keep pushing forward, even when things don’t go as planned.

3. Oprah Winfrey – Fired Early in Her Career

Oprah Winfrey, one of the most influential women in media, didn’t have an easy start. Early in her career, she was fired from her job as a television news anchor because she wasn’t seen as fit for TV. She struggled to find her path in the industry and didn’t make much money in the beginning. However, Oprah didn’t give up. She went on to build her own media empire, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, which made her a billionaire.

• Lesson: Don’t let early failures define you. Stay focused on your dreams, and success will follow.

4. Howard Schultz – Struggled to Fund Starbucks

Howard Schultz, the man behind Starbucks, didn’t always have it easy. When he first pitched his idea to expand Starbucks from a small coffee shop into a global brand, he was turned down by over 200 investors. Schultz was without the money he needed and faced doubt from many, but he kept going. Eventually, he secured the funding, and Starbucks grew into the global coffee giant it is today.

• Lesson: Don’t take “no” for an answer. Believe in your vision, even when others don’t.

5. Sara Blakely – Failed Saleswoman to Billionaire

Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, spent years as a failed saleswoman. She tried different jobs but struggled to make ends meet. While working, she came up with the idea for Spanx, an undergarment that would change the fashion world. However, Blakely had no experience in the garment industry and no money to start. She kept pushing forward, working on her product after hours, and eventually launched Spanx. Today, she’s a self-made billionaire.

• Lesson: You don’t need money or experience to start. What matters most is determination and creativity.

6. Colonel Sanders – Rejected Over 1,000 Times

Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of KFC, didn’t find success until his later years. After developing his famous fried chicken recipe, Sanders tried to sell his idea to restaurants across the U.S. He was rejected over 1,000 times before finding someone willing to take a chance on his recipe. Today, KFC is one of the largest fast-food chains in the world.

• Lesson: Success can come at any age. Never give up, no matter how many times you hear “no.”

7. Walt Disney – Bankrupt Before Success

Walt Disney, the creator of the Disney empire, faced bankruptcy and rejection early in his career. His first animation studio went bankrupt, and he struggled to get funding for his future projects. Despite this, Disney never gave up on his dream of creating animated films. Eventually, his hard work paid off with the creation of Mickey Mouse and the success of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Today, Disney is one of the biggest entertainment companies in the world.

• Lesson: Failure is not the end. Keep working on your dream, and success will come with time.

Conclusion

The road to success is rarely easy, and many successful people struggled for years without making any money. The key to their success was persistence, belief in their vision, and learning from their setbacks. If you’re struggling with your own startup or career, remember these stories and keep pushing forward. Success might not come overnight, but with determination, it will come.

Resources

• Duckworth, A. (2016). Grit: The power of passion and perseverance. Scribner.

• Collins, J. (2001). Good to great: Why some companies make the leap… and others don't. HarperCollins.

• Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Failing forward: Turning mistakes into stepping stones for success. Thomas Nelson.