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.

Oliver Dabao | Visual Artist & Bicycle Tour Guide

Don’t be too precious with your work. Become comfortable with imperfection. In the time I’ve spent pursuing a creatively fulfilling life, I’ve had to come to terms with the reality that seeking perfection was a hindrance to the creative act. My growth as an artist and ability to understand my perspective required constant iteration. Read more>>

Kacey D Chadwick | Family Photographer

COMMUNICATION! I know that seems so simple when most people live with their phones in their hands 24/7, but everyone communicates differently. I have open communication with my potential and current clients. I always do my best to follow up with them, let them know when their photos will be ready. Read more>>

Corinne DeCost | Marketing & Promotions, Teaching Artist, and Actress

Life is cyclical. Every opportunity will bleed into another. Every experience grows us for the next thing. In high school, I wrote, directed, and starred as Angela in a cheesy Sleepaway Camp sequel. Read more>>

Richie Martinez | Drummer

It has taught me to be resilient, patient, and persistent. Read more>>

Rhonda Baraka | Writer/Director

A few years ago I read “The Four Agreements,” by Don Miguel Ruiz. He calls the book a “practical guide to personal freedom” and in it he outlines a code of conduct that he purports to be the key to improving one’s life. His four-pronged prescription is as follows: be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best.  Read more>>