Chats & Tatts by Aaron Della Vedova

September 25, 2024 Refusal to Lose: A Gift and a Curse ft. Josh Landan

The journey of entrepreneurship, even in tattooing. where shop owners fight tooth and nail to "make it", is often marked by a series of challenges and uncertainties that test one’s resolve. As discussed in the podcast episode, unwavering commitment and a refusal to give up are essential traits for anyone venturing into the entrepreneurial landscape.

Guest Josh Landan emphasizes that while having a clear vision for a business is crucial, it is the commitment to that vision that truly matters. He states, "the unwillingness to give up is real," and candidly admits that he has put himself through "hell" due to his determination to succeed. Josh began his career as a filmmaker, inspired by the surf culture of Southern California. He was deeply influenced by iconic surf movies and the personalities within that world. However, after years of creating films and documentaries, he found himself yearning for a new challenge. This led him to the idea of starting a beer company, St. Archer Brewing, which he envisioned as a brand that truly represented the California lifestyle he cherished—one that encompassed art, film, skating, and surfing.

Aaron shares his journey as a tattoo artist and craftsman, building a. successful tattoo business while alsoexploring his diverse interests, including philosophy, spiritual growth, and experimentation with hallucinogenics. As he navigates the challenges of being a business owner, he expresses gratitude for his supportive wife, Holly, who helps him manage the complexities of entrepreneurship. Tune in for an engaging discussion that celebrates creativity and the entrepreneurial spirit!

Chat Breakdown:

[00:02:23] Entrepreneurial journey and sacrifices.

[00:05:13] Transition from filmmaker to entrepreneur.

[00:09:09] Craft beer explosion.

[00:11:16] Craft beer and cultural identity.

[00:16:23] Supportive partners in entrepreneurship.

[00:18:32] Confidence in pursuing dreams.

[00:21:05] Stress and mental health challenges.

[00:27:43] Refusal to lose as motivation.

[00:28:36] Entrepreneur vs. Business Owner.

[00:34:05] Marriage as mutual support.

[00:37:09] Unwillingness to give up.

[00:40:02] Raising money through conviction.

[00:44:13] Creating a business people care about.

[00:48:19] Advice for young people.

[00:49:15] Work ethic in younger generations.

[00:52:48] Entitlement in today's youth.

[00:55:46] AI's impact on future jobs.

[01:01:34] Sci-fi world of technology.

[01:03:05] Youth and societal challenges.

[01:09:16] The impact of negative comments.

[01:10:06] Toxic online environments.

Quotes:

"I'm always experimenting trying to do different things trying to get as much out of this fabulous surreal experience of earth that I can taste feel and touch."

"I didn't ask how much money I would make. I didn't care about any of that. I just wanted to film those guys and be a part of it."

"You can get about an 80% confidence on a decision. Yeah, there's no certainty in anything. And then, what do you have to say at that point? Fuck it."

"I've never done anything for any of them. That's straight up. I did this for me."

"I've done everything that everyone says is like the dream and been the most miserable by a mile."

"The refusal to lose is a gift and a curse, man."

"This marriage is about you're gonna find dreams and passions and I'm gonna back you."

"I've put myself through hell just because I refuse to lose."

"There's power in that, man. Believing in something so passionately that obstacles tend to eventually melt away."

Stay Connected:

Connect with Josh:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/joshlandan_/

Connect with Aaron:⁠

Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts