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.

Danielle Wooldridge

There is presently a collective yearning to outwardly express one’s relationship and devotion to higher powers, ancestors, and what lays beyond the veil, through adorning the body with permanent art. There are many people who desire to be more intentional with adorning themselves with tattoos but often times just haven’t been exposed to the type of tattooing that guides them in embedding their prayers or honoring their ancestors and spiritual guides.  Read More>> 

Tanya Agarwal

One of the most valuable lessons this industry has taught me is that success in film is not just about talent or access to resources. It is about people. The film world is incredibly interconnected, and your reputation travels with you. What has truly carried me forward is choosing to be kind, honest, and respectful in every interaction. While skill and a strong work ethic are important, it is your character that builds lasting relationships, opens doors, and earns trust. In an industry that never sleeps, kindness leaves the most lasting impression. Read More>> 

Saheer

The most important lesson I have learned in business is to make mistakes fast and make them big. It may feel off at first look but to attain mastery over anything, we have to dedicate time to excavating all the vain instincts in order to realize that it was never our perspective on its own that created something worth selling, let alone worth buying. The process of trial and error encourages learning and unlearning through real life experiences and tamps down the ego just enough to encourage evolution as you continue to execute. I’m in the business of song-making, whether it’s composing or post-production, so I don’t get caught up trying to be perfect when I’m pursuing something great. Read More>> 

Pattama Tongphong

The most important lesson I’ve learned in my journey as a model, actor in Chicago is this: learn to love failure.

When I was younger, I was afraid to fail. I kept my opinions to myself if they differed from others, and that fear of being wrong held me back. But over time, I realized that I grow the most when things don’t go as planned. Failure teaches me what doesn’t work and pushes me to try new approaches. Read More>> 

The most important lesson would have to be that following what you are truly passionate about will always lead you to success. I have been in the wellness industry for 15 years, first as a Holistic Health Practitioner and Massage Therapist before finding my true calling as a Holistic Esthetician – and helping people find simple ways to feel more like themselves has never lost its magic in all that time. I am still always excited to learn new techniques and ways to improve my clients skin and in turn, their lives! Read More>>