We asked some of the brightest folks in the community to open up to us about the most important lesson their business or career has taught them. We’ve highlighted some of those responses below.

Jordan Toombs | Multi-Disciplinary Artist

“Stand on those mounds of No’s until you’re at eye level with the right yes. ” Nikki Toombs This quote serves as a mantra, it has truly shaped my philosophy on art and navigated my career as a visual artist. Throughout our career, we tend to give up or choose another direction when we receive that first no. I use it as a stepping stone, so that when I receive that ” yes” I know that I worked diligently towards it. Also, another quote by my mother, Walk with a spirit of boldness while maintaining humility in your success. Read more>>

Elvis Sierra | Graphic Designer

Starting a business is definitely a roller coaster it has a lot of ups and downs. Depending on the year you have more of one than the other. The most important lesson I’ve learned has been to pivot and stay objective driven. Sometimes we lose sight of a specific goal when things don’t go our way. In my case, it can be losing a major client due to budget cuts. Rather than sulking about the loss, I’ve learned to accept it. Move on and create a strategy to get back on track to my goal. Read more>>

Dawn Olivieri | Actress & Goat herder

TRUST….Trust that you will win what is meant for you and you will have to let go of what is meant for another. Trust there is a design to it all. Trust that when nothing seems to be working and you feel as if you are having to give up, trust that what is meant for you, will always find its way back. Trust that this whole wild breathing beast is always aimed in your favor even when its dragging you through the muck and the mire. Trust you have the power to create how you perceive your reality. Trust that a flower can appear overnight from the mud. Our careers are the poetry of our life. Read more>>