Perseverance: A Lesson in Tradition and Tenacity

By Amy Gallant Sullivan

Perseverance isn’t just about persistence—it’s about the grit and determination to follow through, even when the journey is challenging. It’s about holding on to a vision and working tirelessly to make it a reality, no matter how daunting the task may seem.

Every Christmas, I channel this spirit as I honor my Sicilian great-grandmother's tradition by making her ravioli recipe from scratch. Her original recipe was little more than a list of ingredients, sparse on methods and directions. Every year, I rely on creativity, intuition, and a deep connection to her legacy to bring her dish to life.

Making the pasta dough is no small feat. Too wet, and it’s a sticky mess; too dry, and it crumbles in your hands. There’s no machine to assist me—just my hands, a rolling pin, and sheer determination. The stuffing? That’s another challenge entirely. Many would choose the convenience of store-bought ravioli or a machine to automate the process.

Not me. I persevere. I craft each raviolo by hand, one by one, for hours on end. It’s an investment of time and effort for a meal that’s savored in minutes.

Why? I do it for the gratitude, the appreciation, and the joy it brings to those gathered around the table.

This act of perseverance mirrors the journey of a startup founder. Like crafting ravioli, building a business starts with an idea—a list of ingredients, methods, and directions. But the real magic happens when you roll up your sleeves, invest sweat equity, and pour your creativity into transforming that idea into something tangible. It’s a process that demands imagination, effort, and unwavering dedication.

The reward? A happy, satisfied customer who returns for seconds, thirds, and beyond.

Perseverance isn’t easy, but it’s the secret ingredient to success—whether you’re crafting ravioli or building a brand.