My Entire Family Quit On Me

Sometimes you’ve gotta make changes.
And sometimes those changes aren’t pleasant.
Sometimes you even gotta cut people off.

Even if they’re your wife.

Here Is How It Went Down!!!

I looked her dead in her eyes, and I just said it.
I said it,
I said….

Okay, that’s not exactly how the conversation went.

Fine — it’s not at all how it went.

Truth is, it only happened in my head. But you ever rehearse a conversation so vividly it might as well have?

And if there’s one thing I’ve learned as a seasoned family man, it’s this: you can’t tell me how to feel.

“I’m Not Joining Your Little Company.”

It started innocently enough. I was just telling her about the cool stuff happening at Peachy Party ATL — like when one of her shows (Married to Medicine, Love & Hip Hop, take your pick) called for production rentals.

I figured I’d win her over slowly. Get her to see the vision.

Then her job situation started to deteriorate, and my pitch got a little bolder.

“You may as well quit and help me build this thing up.”

Playful tone. But I was serious.

Despite my recruiting efforts, she took another position with a new employer.

“…and Start Pulling Your Weight Around Here!”

Just kidding. She would NEVER!

When she decided to take another job, I couldn’t help but feel… annoyed.
Stressing, crying, second-guessing every move.
Who cares this much about a job?

Then it hit me — I need someone who cares this much about Peachy Party.

That kind of loyalty, that level of commitment? That’s rare. And it made me realize — maybe she’s not the problem. Maybe I just need some people who love their work that deeply.

The Cold Reality

At the last update, I mentioned asking to reevaluate our finances to give me time to build this thing — well, that time has come.

And, surprise…Im not ready! The business is just not where I need it to be.

So while she’s off building her next chapter, I’m over here trying to make sure this one doesn’t freeze to death.

Because…

Winter is coming.
Literally and figuratively.

When the Slow Season Hits

This time of year is brutal for businesses in this industry. Especially the smaller ones.

Even when I had a 9-to-5 and did rentals on the side, I remember feeling like: “WTF is happening right now?”

Did I catch the event renter’s high? (Apparently, that’s a thing.)

We’ve got a little runway to make it through. But make no mistake — it’s a short runway.

And just when I thought I was getting my crew together for takeoff…

My Brother… and Thailand

There’s my brother — he’s been helping me with the business from the beginning.

But only as time permitted.

He made it clear: don’t call me unless you’re out of options.

And I’ve been out of options plenty of times.

He recently found himself between jobs, and I just knew this was my moment.

I got his ass.

Instead of doubling down and helping me build this thing, he decides to up and move to Thailand. SMH.

You Know Who Does Want to Work With Me?

My kids.

That’s right — my kids will happily stuff envelopes and place stamps for pretty much anything.
Snacks, screen time, hugs — doesn’t matter.

Now I finally understand why people back in the day had so many kids.
They weren’t just raising families — they were building workforces.

I get it now.

But jokes aside, leadership at home and at work aren’t that different — both come with lessons you don’t see until you trip over them.

Taking a Look Inward

I’d like to blame my brother for bailing, but the truth is — I’ve got my own leadership lessons to clean up.

Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t turn off that “big brother” energy when we worked together. You know the feeling — pushing your sibling harder because you assume they should already know better.

I asked for feedback, and while I didn’t get much, I already knew where I fell short.

Now I’ve got an A-player teammate, and I’m applying those lessons.

Leading the Right Way

Or at least trying to.

If you’re a small-business owner who’s ever hired a truly good person — someone who checks all the boxes — you know that feeling of euphoria.

My business coach David Shands from The Morning Meet Up says:

So…

But lately, I’ve caught myself leading from fear.

Like he’s going to leave and I’ll have to start over again.

And the reality is, he will!

Based on our relationship and what I know of his circumstances, I’ve tried to offer both stability and flexibility — paying as much as I can, and making promises that push me to grow.

Staffing and leadership — both have been roller coasters.

But if I’m being honest, they’re also growth mirrors.

So Who’s the Silly One?

Me, clearly.

I took countless leadership trainings when I had a “real job,” but I never really saw myself in management.

I did it to check boxes.
For the points.
And frankly…to pass time.

Now?
Those lessons would come in handy.

So don’t be like me.

Wrapping It Up

So whether it’s my wife, my brother, or whoever’s next to jump ship — one thing’s for sure:

I’m not ready to stop this train.

I’ll be back in the winter with another general update.
But I’m blogging daily while I’m building this thing — if you want to follow the journey, subscribe for updates.

If you’re here for the numbers, don’t worry — here are the links to the last three months:

• October

• September

• August

Until next time
P.S. Don’t miss out on future updates! Subscribe to the newsletter to stay in the loop.

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Community for Entrepreneurs 👥
If you’re serious about growth and want to surround yourself with other driven entrepreneurs, join The Morning Meet Up — a daily community led by David Shands where business owners share ideas, wins, and accountability.
👉 myrootabl.com/r/LgxI1p9r?rootabl=peachypartyatl