What Growing Up in Southwest Detroit Taught Me About Resilience in Business

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that doing one thing exceptionally well can set you apart in ways doing a dozen things halfway never will. Growing up, I watched neighborhood taquerias and bakeries master their craft, creating not just products but experiences. They didn’t try to be everything to everyone—they focused on their niche, and that focus made them essential. The same is true for businesses today: mastery of your unique value creates clarity in your brand and builds trust with your audience.

The Power of Resilience in Strategy and Partnership

Southwest Detroit is also a community built on resilience. I saw it in the families who started small businesses, the neighbors who came together when times were tough, and the way we all found ways to move forward, no matter the challenge. That resilience taught me that in business, it’s not just about having a great product or service—it’s about being adaptable and steadfast in your strategy.

Food and pictures of loved ones that have passed are placed on the “ofrenda” outside in preparation for the inaugural Dia de los Muertos Tianguis/Festival at La Jalisciense Supermercado & Taqueria in Southwest Detroit. Photos from Facebook.

Working with clients, I encourage this same approach. Building a sustainable brand isn’t about quick wins; it’s about investing in long-term solutions, refining your strategy as you grow, and finding the right partners who are committed to that growth with you. Just like Southwest Detroit wouldn’t be the same without its tight-knit partnerships, your business will thrive when you build meaningful relationships with collaborators who share your vision.

Competing Locally, Growing Globally

One thing that’s clear in Southwest is that communities deserve local alternatives to corporate giants. Whether it’s a coffee shop that knows your order before you say it or a grocer who sources from nearby farms, there’s something invaluable about businesses that truly understand the people they serve. But today, technology gives us the power to take what makes us special locally and compete on a global scale.

Investing in your brand and embracing technology—whether through an optimized website, streamlined e-commerce, or engaging digital marketing—levels the playing field. You can be a corner bakery or a small design studio and still attract clients and customers who see your value from across the country or even the world.

Detroit’s neighbors and fans come from across states and countries, all united in building something sustainable for future generations. Don’t limit your vision by thinking only hyper-local.

Why Customer Service and Environment Matter

Another lesson from Southwest Detroit is that customer service and environment can set you apart in ways that even the best products can’t. People don’t just go to their favorite restaurant because of the food—they go because it feels like home. That kind of connection can’t be bought; it has to be earned through consistency, care, and authenticity.

For your business, this means prioritizing your customer’s experience. From how they’re greeted to how easy it is to navigate your website, every touchpoint matters. If you create a space—whether physical or digital—that makes people feel valued, they’ll keep coming back.

Finally, growing up in a community so rich with history taught me the importance of storytelling. The murals on the walls, the festivals in Clark Park, the recipes passed down through generations—Southwest Detroit doesn’t hide where it comes from; it celebrates it.

Latin X Tech event 2023 discussing the digital divide with latinos in tech. Full Event Recap via PBS Video.

Your business should do the same. Whether you’re just starting or have decades of experience, your history is a powerful part of your brand. Sharing it helps you connect with your audience, differentiate yourself from competitors, and attract the customers who will resonate most with your mission.

Final Thoughts

What I’ve learned from growing up in Southwest Detroit is this: resilience isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving with purpose. It’s about focusing on what makes you great, staying adaptable, building meaningful connections, and using your unique story to stand out.

Whether you’re a small business in a tight-knit community or an agency working with clients nationwide, the principles that drive success are the same. Be resilient. Be authentic. And never forget where you came from—it’s the foundation of where you’re going.

Eddi Gonzales is a brand strategist and web designer. He helps business owners craft unforgettable and impactful digital experiences. He is the founder of Eye Breathe Design which grew out of a local music/organizing scene in Detroit. Its goal is to assist the movers and shakers in our city by equipping them with designs to increase engagement online and locally. Now it does the same thing for businesses and organizations of all sizes across the U.S.

Editor’s Note: this article was written with assistance from AI

Eddi Gonzales is a brand strategist and web designer. He helps business owners craft unforgettable and impactful digital experiences. He is the founder of Eye Breathe Design which grew out of a local music/ organizing scene in Detroit. Its goal is to assist the movers and shakers in our city by equipping them with designs to increase engagement online and locally. Now it does the same thing for businesses and organizations of all sizes across the U.S.