One of the most important lessons we learned is that our lives and our businesses will teach us along the way. We don’t need to know everything on day one because the challenges we face on day will likely be ones we are already equipped to handle. As we overcome challenges we get better and better and as the challenges increase in difficulty so too does our ability to tackle them.

We asked members of the community that we admire to share important lessons their business or career has taught them and have shared some of those responses below.

Laney The Therapy Dog | CHLA Therapy Dog

I was born on June 27, 2019 in Calabasas, CA. Mom was always looking for a way to give back. She saw the positive benefits that dogs can bring to people. She saw in her own life how dogs have the ability to heal and comfort you by bringing joy especially when you are having a tough time. Read more>>

Carolyn Michael-Banks | Founder and owner

I am from the “Boogie Down Bronx, NY!” Born and raised in the Sedgwick Projects. I am clear that I am who I am today because of where I come from. My parents were strict and I attended Catholic school for 12 years. The bar to achieve was set high in my home and doing my best was required, almost to a fault. Read more>>

Iris Ma | Film Director & Writer

I’m originally from Nanjing, China. My family moved to New York City when I was in high school. Both my parents are artists. My mom is a playwright and a professor teaching courses on Western literature and Theater, she is also a poet and had published several collection of poems. Read more>>

Nicholas Mihm | Filmmaker

I come from privilege. And I’m not saying that I grew up a millionaire by any means – but I can’t deny the fact that I grew up in relative comfort and safety. I did not emigrate from some far off, exotic land. Read more>>

Niko Tucci | Action actor

I’m from Bulgaria- Sofia my parents raised me to be persistent in life, to believe in myself and in what I do, not to give up and stop before the difficulties that life presents. Read more>>

Juri Rhyu | Artist

My nomadic journey began at age 13. Through Kumon English classes, I developed an idealized vision of America as a peaceful place full of greenery and love, which inspired me to study abroad. In class, we watched serene, almost propaganda-like videos where everyone spoke English, showcasing beautiful big houses, nice green backyards, clean streets, and kids running around. Read more>>

Mercedes Armella | Photographer/Story teller

Growing up in Mexico, I was immersed in a world of vibrant colors, intricate designs and a very rich culture. Surrounded by art lovers, my passion for visual storytelling ignited early on. As a kid, I was captivated by my grandfather’s old darkroom where my fascination with photography took root. Read more>>

Kendull Anderson | Painter

I am from a small city called Lawton, Oklahoma. I was raised by my Father after my mother passed away when I was 6. My Father taught me respect for others and most importantly respect for myself. My upbringing inspired me to chase my dreams and believe that nothing is imppossible. Read more>>

Bianca Foscht | Actor / Filmmaker

I am originally from a small town called Graz in Austria and growing up as the second of five children in the suburbs always seemed like such a priviledge to me. I recall climbing on trees in my neighbours forest with my siblings for hours, playing make believe. That’s probably where my love for the performing arts originated. Read more>>

Kristina Thomas | Writer & Director

I’m originally from (East) Oakland, California. I grew up in a lower middle class family. My mom was a first grade teacher for over 37 years in Oakland. My dad was a police officer, framed pictures, counselor, photographer, executive director and more. Read more>>

Rafaela Goncalves | Actress Producer

Oii! My name is Rafaela Goncalves, I was born and raised in Brazil, and I grew up saying I was going to one day be an actress in the Los Angeles (my mom tells me I say this since I was like 5 years old, much before I had even traveled abroad ever, I guess it just was meant to be!) Read more>>

Daisy Jeronimo | Licensed Esthetician & PMU Artist

I am from San Pedro California my mother and father didn’t have the easiest life and as I got older I realized how much hard work they both put in to give me a better life than they had. My mom always pushed me to be a better version of myself always supporting me even when I was going through the toughest times in my life I personally have dealt with anxiety and depression, and other things I’ve mentally had to overcome. Read more>>

DIANA RIVAS | Hairstylist

Being born and raised in Los Angeles, I was filled with ideas and dreams. I remember at some point, I wanted to be a pop singer, but I realized I could not follow a song note, so I changed my mind and realized I was into hair. Read more>>

Tala Achi Mueller | Attorney at Law

I am originally from the United Arab Emirates, though my family roots trace back to Syria. Moving to the United States at a young age and growing up in a multicultural environment profoundly shaped who I am today. I quickly learned to cherish the values passed down from my family. Read more>>