We’ve been fortunate to connect with so many brilliant, thoughtful entrepreneurs and creatives and we regularly ask them about the most important lessons they’ve learned over the course of their careers.  We’ve shared some highlights below.

Delaney O’Brien | Cinematographer

The most important lesson my career has taught me is that films and filmmakers are essential. The content we are creating feeds and speaks to the soul and the mind. Working as a cinematographer I have really taken to heart the importance of getting our story and our truth out there. Storytelling has always been around and now more than ever we are holding on to the need that we as humans want to share and be heard. We want to see ourselves represented and strive to give our stories the weight and the depth they deserve. It is so important we support others in telling their stories. Read more>>

Habit Blcx | Creative Entrepreneur

That there are no straight lines to success. In fact, it’s a winding road, with many ups, downs, and detours and that is okay. You don’t fail, you position yourself to be better next time. We shouldn’t fear our dreams, fear an unlived life, fear not giving the gift you’ve been given. Read more>>

Arielle Caputo | Philanthropist

Love. Read more>>

Rob Zabel | Yoga Therapist

Never stop learning. Never stop trying to be the most accomplished version of yourself. When you’re resting on your laurels and patting yourself on the back is when you stop being the best at what you do. Keep going to school, Keep starting new projects and making new connections. Keep reading and practicing the skills that make you the best possible version of yourself. When you are the product your business sells, make sure that you are the highest grade product available. Read more>>

Tracie Laymon | Filmmaker & Writer

Don’t wait for permission. You have to have the initiative to follow your dreams and keep creating no matter how many people tell you that you can’t. Read more>>

Cecilia Chia | Founder & Director

Stick with it, even when the worst of your insecurities come out to meddle with your thoughts, don’t let them get the best of you. Starting Glass Rice in my early twenties was by far the biggest risk I have ever taken, and the responsibility of it all was downright petrifying at times. I learned a lot of hard lessons in the beginning and made many mistakes, but I had to learn quickly to pick myself up and commit right then and there to not make that same mistake again. Now, that definitely wasn’t a foolproof tactic and perfection is nearly impossible, but I got better with every exhibition, event, meeting and mistake I made. I pushed myself to be better for my artists and community. Read more>>