We asked some brilliant folks from the community to tell us about the most important lesson their business or career has taught them. We’ve shared some of those responses below.

Gabriella Avenue | Actress & Writer

I grew up in the acting world and started training in Manhattan theatre schools at a very young age. In doing so, my focus was always working on refining my craft over anything else. But, as I grew older and older, especially after getting my BFA in Drama from NYU, I discovered there’s one thing that acting schools can’t teach you: how to be yourself. I can’t stress enough how important it is to be comfortable with your identity, know what you bring to the table, and value your unique and intrinsic worth as simply a fellow human being on this earth. Read more>>

Lorna Daniel-Dupree | Photographer & Entrepreneur

The most important lesson I’ve learnt so far in my career is -take the challenge. If something feels difficult, daunting, gives you butterflies, DO IT !. You only grow and learn through challenging yourself. Never be scared for change or failure. Failure is apart of growth. Celebrate it just as much as your successes. I was once told “You can try and fail but never fail to try”, those words have influenced my life choices and career ever since. Read more>>

Setaleki Manu | Actor

Patience and perseverance. For over a decade i stumbled through life, barely graduating High School, dropping out of college, going from one 9 – 5 to another, before i discovered acting. Within a year, i went from working background roles and small informercials, to landing my first principal in a major feature for Netflix and landing several national commercials, one of which aired during the Superbowl! Read more>>

Linda Zepeda | Artist & Hairstylist

To stay consistent and not get distracted by negative comments. Read more>>

Natalie Monico | Stay At Home Mom/ Balloon Business Owner

Being In The Balloon/Event Planning Industry, It can be overwhelming. You are Constantly Dealing with Dates, Staying Connected with your Clients & Trying to stay Inspired in bringing each event to life. The Big Lesson this Career has taught me is to “STAY AUTHENTIC”. Staying true to Yourself & your Brand is so Important in this Industry. Comparison is a killer, But in this Career there is enough room for Everyone. That’s what makes it so Great! Clients love the Person more than the Actual product you are selling, creating etc. Being yourself takes you far. God created me, He made no mistakes. So Why try to be someone I Am Not?! Read more>>

Cora Vasserman | Breathwork Facilitator, Hypnobirthing Certified Educator

Building my own business has taught me that almost everything in life is an inside job. The hardest work I have to do is to continually choose to overcome my own self doubt and fear around my ability to make a living doing this work. So often in life we think we are up against external factors that our out of our control, but without the structure of a workplace I’ve realized the biggest obstacle is myself. The responsibility is both empowering and daunting, and my work is to embrace and lean into this responsibility everyday. Read more>>