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.

Jazmyne Fountain

The most important lesson I’ve been taught is that your path is personal to you and you alone. You set your level of what success looks like to you. Sometimes in careers that are in a creative industry, we tend to get distracted by what everyone else THINKS we should do, or even by what everyone else is doing with THEIR journey. However, I feel at some point we have to go through that “comparison” phase because once your able to truly realize that it doesn’t matter what another person does or what path they are deciding to take, there is space for you. You may look around and not see how you “fit” within the industry because you don’t see people just like you, but that’s the point. YOU are meant to be that “thing” in the industry that represents people just like you, that puts people like you on the map. My career, my path, has taught me that I belong here. Read more>>

Symone Lenard

The most important lesson my business has taught me is to be patient with myself and more gentle about the life I intend living. Patience has always been a struggle for me because I’m such a big believer in working hard and gaining instant results. And with running a business, instant results aren’t always the best solution especially when you are trying to obtain longevity. Read more>>

Helene Alexandra

To get to know yourself deeply, and trust your own vision. And to not rush. It’s been the hardest lesson for me, in a fast paced world and people always asking “when’s the next thing coming out?” But sometimes a song or an album or an idea wants to evolve to a place you can’t see quite yet. Read more>>

Bradley Moon

Throughout my career I’ve learned a lesson; it’s essential to pursue your passion without delay even if you don’t have all the tools or resources, at hand. Your success isn’t determined by the tools you possess; rather it hinges on your mindset, imagination and creativity. Read more>>

Yoli Fleming

I think the most important thing my career has taught through the years is to be honest, caring, excepting a challenge, building confidence and taking on challenges straight forward and not being afraid. Last , but not least, an excellent eye as an artist with the ability to create in the beauty industry, giving that personal attention to your clients. All of that being said, rolled up into one, becoming an outstanding member of the community, social skills and talent is the key to a successful woman in business. Read more>>

Rachel & Jessica

Give yourself grace! Each day will bring new challenges and new learnings and sometimes you are going to fail, but you will always come out stronger if you allow yourself to just try! Read more>>

Alyssa DeCaro

I’ve learned from my students and clients that we are all looking for some spirituality or comfort in times of distress, confusion and uncertainty. People are looking for meaning and solace but are not finding it through traditional means such as religion or work, they need new tools and processes to break free of their current state of mind. Read more>>

Janet Hernandez Philipps

Expect the unexpected! I experienced many challenges and hiccups when I launched my sustainable brand. From production issues to my promo code not working on my website on my first day of launch and much more. You have to be prepared for the bumps down the road that may or may not happen and be able to act fast and fix the problems immediately. There’s that old cliche that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, well that’s never been truer in my case. My dad gave me very wise advise, it will happen sooner or later so best that it happened early on so you know how to mitigate these problems in the future. So true! Read more>>

Farisai Kambarami

Something that I’ve learned from my time in the film business, and keep learning, is that it truly is a team sport. No one individual, regardless of talent, can measure up to the magic that comes from the collaboration of passionate filmmakers. Read more>>