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.

Camila María Bermúdez Ortiz

I think the most important lesson my career has taught me has been to say “yes” and trust my gut in the opportunities that come my way, no matter how last minute or how out of the box the project is. Most of the best opportunities I’ve gotten, to play with orchestras, ensembles, or groups, have been last minute calls. I could be scared, anxious, surprised, stressed, but my whole life I’ve been practicing and preparing for moments like these. These are the moments that demonstrate your abilities, drive and preparation. Read More>>

King Kas Kantiok

My business journey has taught me the true value of perseverance. While chasing my entrepreneurial dreams, I initially underestimated the importance of startup capital and the realities of running a business. After facing setbacks, particularly when transitioning to a 9-to-5 job to stay afloat, I struggled to maintain motivation. However, this initial discouragement with the corporate world turned into a crucial lesson in resilience. I’ve learned that it’s perfectly okay to work a corporate job while nurturing your entrepreneurial aspirations on the side until your business becomes your primary source of income. Over time, I’ve embraced new opportunities and the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone because you never know where it may lead. If I had the opportunity to start over, I would apply the lessons I’ve learned to do things a bit differently. I’m proud of the valuable experiences I’ve gained and truly appreciate the lessons along the way. Read More>>

Mike Guapo

The most important lesson my business has taught me is to be myself.

For many years I worked in sales jobs and did things that didn’t truly fulfill my heart. I always had a creative side but I doubted my abilities my artistic instincts and even my musical talent. I worried that I didn’t fit the mold of what a professional should be. But through building my own business I realized that embracing who I am is my greatest strength. The things I once second guessed my artsy outside the box approach are what make my work unique and connect me with the right clients. When I stopped trying to fit into an industry standard and leaned into my passion and instincts everything started to fall into place. Read More>>

Dr. La Cena Jones

I have learned so many important lessons in my business: to start I have learned that you need to have a vision; I have learned you need to have standards; I have learned that your trauma will affect your hiring, retention, and employer-employee relationship; I have learned that people are only friends until it comes down to holding them accountable; I have learned that friends will become enemies the moment you draw a boundary in business. I have learned that you should know how to do every task you outsource so you can provide the minimal amount of oversight necessary to prevent being taken advantage of. I have learned that in the black community, we have a lot of work to do to support one another and we need to do a better job servicing one another. By far though, the most important lesson is that I will be the only person held accountable for the decisions made for my business so I need to remember that 9/10 times, nothing is personal it is just business. Read More>>