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.

David Hessel-Poiriez

“The most important lesson my career has taught me is the value of consistently going above and beyond for my clients. In today’s highly competitive environment, customers seek not only quality but also a memorable experience when hiring freelancers. I take pride in exceeding expectations by always arriving on time, staying longer if necessary, and offering additional services that may not have been requested.
This attention to detail and commitment to delivering more than anticipated is key to building strong, lasting relationships with my clients.” Read more>>

Kenny Supreme

The most important lesson my career has taught me is that patience and consistency are key. In the music industry, success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time to build a fanbase, create meaningful connections, and see the results of your hard work. I’ve learned that staying consistent in releasing music, engaging with my audience, and improving my craft has been crucial to my growth. Even when things move slower than expected, maintaining patience and continuing to show up is what leads to long-term success. It’s about trusting the process and never losing sight of the bigger picture. Read more>>

Kadesh Wyche | Designer

The most important thing that my business career has taught me is a bit cliche but very valid – enjoy the process. When running a race with the end goal in mind, often times those character-building moments are dismissed – sleepless nights, failed concepts, the discovery of new techniques, and the list goes on. Read more>>

Zoe Gillette | Illustrator & Cartoonist

Self-discipline! When I graduated from art school and got shoved out into the real world, I swallowed the tough pill that in life, there is nobody who can push you to create besides yourself. This is an especially frustrating realization when your greatest passion is also your money-maker. I learned to surround myself with creative people of all types, to enforce rigid boundaries between art for work and art for fun, and to keep an open sketchbook within arm’s reach at all times. Read more>>

Nicolette Amarillas | Fitness Coach + Posture & Movement Specialist

I started my business at 24 years old and every day since then it’s shown me my strength and true potential through tough lessons, but also joyful moments. Ultimately though, the biggest lesson it’s taught me is that we can’t, and shouldn’t, do it all by ourselves. Collaboration has been a pillar of my businesses success, as well as my mental, physical, and personal growth. Read more>>

Carlos Sanz | Actor & Singer

The most important lesson that the entertainment industry has taught me is to value myself above everything else and above outside judgment, it’s encouraged me to try over and over again to accomplish my goals, and never give up. That is something I will always take with me. Read more>>