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.

Jennifer Estrada | Latina Content Creator

I am from Sonora Mexico. I was brought to the US when I was 1 year old. I have basically lived in Arizona all my life. When I finally had the opportunity to become a resident. I went back to where I am from and was able to see how life really is in Mexico and the struggles they face on a day to day basis. I feel that going over there really helped me value where I am in life now. I may not have everything I might want. But I do have what a lot of people over there don’t. Which is Health, a roof over my head, food, Clothes that don’t have holes a shower where I can manage the water temperature. For me this is what having it all means. And most importantly having God. A lot of us think we have things because of “luck” but in reality it is God who gives and can take away. So I am beyond blessed for what I have today and what God has in store for me in the future. Also I would like to add my upbringing was not easy as a lot of people can identify with we all had our struggles & obstacles. At a very young age up until I was 18 years old I was bullied severely to the point where I wanted to commit suicide. Every day I would go to school and it was hell for me. I remember I would ask myself since young why did girls have to be so mean and bully me because of my skin color or weight. They would pull and cut my beautiful long curly black hair. Would pinch me, bite me tear my hair out. Made me eat out of a school trash can and call me miss piggy. Shove my face in the toilet while they would record and laugh at me and call me so many hurtful words. It was definitely a nightmare. For years I would ask myself why me? was I really that hideous and fat that I did not deserve to play in the playground with the rest of them? Or get to eat a sandwich because I was a pig ? But now that I am older and having the chance to have the platform I have my goal is to show the you g girls and woman who have gone through this that if I only was I brave enough to stand up for myself and say enough is enough. And loving myself and knowing my worth things could have been different. We are all beautifully and wonderfully made and whatever we go through is to only make us stronger and wiser. Read more>>

Madison Roman | Custom Cake Toppers and More – Precise With A Slice

I am from Arnold, Maryland. Growing up I watched the success of my father who is also my best friend. He has always been my inspiration. My dad had his own business, ran his own company. In the house he had his own home office and had his machines set up through out the basement. I remember where my friends parents had to go to work, but mine got to stay home with us. He was there to play with us, pick us up from school, spend time with us even while working. I always admired that and thought it was the coolest thing. Read more>>

Blayke Monroe Hammer | Dance Studio Director & Yogi

My name is Blayke Hammer and I was born and raised here in Scottsdale, Arizona.

During my childhood I’ve gotten the opportunity to be a part of some very cool things but the coolest thing by far has been my family. My parents have owned their own businesses from the time I was born and I’ve loved being able to watch them grow and flourish while growing up beside them. My mom took over Scottsdale School of Dance from her childhood dance teacher when she was 21 years old and has taught dance/ran the business on the side while working full time as a food broker since then. Growing up, I was involved in many different sports but the two that stuck with me were dance and cheer. At 12 years old I started teaching my first dance class and have continued to add different styles and classes to my curriculum since then. Throughout high school I was involved in school competition cheer and all-star cheer, when I graduated I was able to help coach my high school cheer team and work summer camps at my all-star gym. While working summer camps at the all-star gym I was able to learn teaching tactics and business skills from the owner/staff there that I would not have been exposed to while learning from my mom. This helped grow my overall knowledge of both sports and made me feel more confident in my experience with teaching. Read more>>

Brittany Lee | Photographer

My name is Brittany Lee and I’m a photographer based here in Phoenix, Arizona! I was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. You might assume Vegas was an interesting place to grow up… and you would be right. I was exposed to everything “entertainment” from a young age. That said, Vegas is a big part of who I am today, but not for the reasons you might think. Vegas is incredibly diverse, with people coming from all over the world either to visit or to become part of the thriving, energetic community. It’s hard to describe Vegas to someone who might only know it for the Strip… it’s a surprisingly tight-knit community. Everyone knows everyone somehow despite it being a somewhat large city. There are pockets of culture everywhere you go, and endless amazing food options (probably why I’m a huge foodie). Growing up surrounded by such a diverse community is largely the reason why I see beauty in everyone. It’s why I care deeply about others and why I’m passionate about making a positive difference in my local community. This translates to my photography, where I get to help people see the beauty I see in them. When you grow up in a place like Vegas, you learn a thing or two about being able to work well with anyone and everyone. Read more>>