Lessons and wisdom from the community

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.

Carolina Benavidez | Visual Artist & K-8 Art Teacher

Artists are visionaries. I have a deep desire to spend my free time drawing and painting, and I consider this a gift from my higher power. Throughout the years, I have experimented with watercolors, oils, pen illustrations, printmaking, and I have sold pieces done in all of those mediums. One thing that all my sold pieces have in common is that when I was making them, they felt like a deep meditation, almost as if another force took over me. This is a lesson I learned from a sculptor I interned for years ago: Viewers can tell when your art comes from your soul, so don’t water it down to please others. There will always be people that connect with your artwork. There will always be people that do not particularly enjoy your artwork. Focus on the first group and keep putting your art out there. Read more>>

Maria Swartz | Lifestyle and Family Photographer

When you first launch your own business, you have a lot of insecurities! I personally believe that a lot of those insecurities come from comparing yourself to others in your field. It is hard to see your own value when you are focusing on the person in front of you. Since I started my business, I have learned to appreciate myself more and to see my value. I love to learn from experienced photographers and be inspired by them while still respecting myself and my work. Read more>>

Cristina Rankin | Animal trainer and talent Agent

My career has taught me that, for me personally, my happiness is based on being able to make a living doing something that I love . I will never be rich doing what I do but I feel happy, fulfilled and fortunate every day that I get to work. Feeding my soul is more important than feeding my bank account. Read more>>

Keelaya Triplett | Beauty Influencer and CEO

The most important lesson that the business has taught me is to be consistent in everything I do. It has taught me that when you put you can’t expect great things to happen if you don’t put 100% into the business. Read more>>

Collin Maing | Artist/Musician/Business Creator & Entrepreneur

You’re never done learning, there is always more to know. True masters of the world are always finding out more about what they do. Be open to those new techniques, study your mistakes and constantly test new found information. Education doesn’t stop at institutions, you’re in it for the long hall my friend. Embrace it! Read more>>

Meagan Getz | Wedding Photographer

Being a small business owner, especially in the wedding photography industry, has taught me a LOT about myself and about running a business. I think one of the most important things I’ve learned that applies to both my personal and professional life is to stop comparing myself to others and focus on being the best photographer and small business owner I can be personally. In the photography industry, there are many shooting styles, personalities, and types of businesses. It can be very easy to fall into the trap of looking at what others are doing and noticing the ways in which we feel that we’re falling short. There’s a fine line between inspiration and imitation, and if we’re not careful, we can see someone that we admire and end up trying to be them instead of focusing on using our own strengths in our businesses. Read more>>