We asked some of the hardest working artists, creatives and entrepreneurs we know to open up to us about where they think they got their work ethic from. Below, you’ll find some of those responses, stories, and advice.
Mishey
As a single mother my work ethic comes from providing for my boys. I enjoy what I do and I love helping others. As an entrepreneur and mother, I want to be able to be active in my children’s life and not depend on anyone else to do so. With that being said, they help me strive harder at what I do. Read More>>
Rob Spampinato
Hard work is the secret to success in anything in life. I learned this from my parents growing up. My father worked a job where she had to wake up at 5:30 in the morning and didn’t arrive home until 8 PM every night. He still made time to attend my special events growing up. My mother worked from 9 to 5 at a job she hated, all while hiding a debilitating autoimmune disease to make sure my sister and I never wanted for anything. Read More>>
Elise Pham
My work ethic is a deeply personal and emotional aspect of my life, woven into the very fabric of my being. Growing up as the child of first-generation Vietnamese immigrant parents, I was not just a spectator but an active participant in their relentless pursuit of a better life for our family. Read More>>
Melanie Porter
I’m what people call a “workaholic”. Due to my mother being married to a preacher my dad, and growing up in church, me and my siblings were taught to work for the Lord. In growing into young adults my mother and father divorced and my mother then took on being a single parent, working 2 jobs to raise 4 children on her on, truly opened my eyes to “real” work ethic. My mother and grandmother both worked for the community (advocates for Parkwood park/pool) my grandmother served on the committee board for Parkwood Park, and both well known as they we’re southern home taught chefs that would sell dinners on both sides of Kansas City. Read More>>
Meagan DeVane
I attribute my work ethic to my parents and grandparents. Growing up, I saw them rise as early as 3am every day to make sure they made it to work on time and often not returning until late in the evening. Their tireless dedication, especially as they worked long hours just to provide for me and my siblings, deeply imprinted on me the importance of dedication and hard work. I knew I didn’t want to spend endless hours in physical labor like they did, so I made a conscious decision to train my mind to work innovatively, aiming for efficiency. Read More>>
Noemi & Sandra Serrano
Being first-generation immigrants and growing up in a family of 5, meant that we all had to work. Work for us meant 2 things.
1. In the Summers, we didn’t have a ‘Summer Vacation’, instead we’d wake up before the sun was up to go to the fern fields and cut crops with our father in the hot Florida heat. Seeing the sweat drip down his face and him constantly reminding us to go after something we loved, so we wouldn’t be stuck working outside – is what truly motivated us to pursue our passion. Read More>>
Sarena
As a kid, I’ve always played in team sports and extra curricular activities, which has helped me develop a mindset to keep tunnel vision on the end goal through continuous practice. On top of being a Capricorn, I just always believed that hard work pays off. There’s nothing more satisfying than reaping the rewards of your very own blood, sweat and tears. Read More>>
Thomas Hogan
My work ethic comes from my parents. They always taught me at a young age that if you work hard, you will achieve what you want! Starting when I was 14, I got my first job. I remember the day my mom sent me into the deli I started at, my interview question was, “Do you really want this job or is your mom making you?” And of course I answered yes I want it. From that point on, I have always worked! Read More>>
Sandra Veszi EInhorn
I think my work ethic is equal parts drive and gratitude. I’ve always been driven to be successful, though what success looks like has evolved over time. I was always the youngest in many of the leadership spaces I was in early in my career, though I guess now that’s not the case having been in the business world for nearly 30 years. Read More>>
Raf Robinson
I get my work ethic from my parents and grandparents. Growing up, I watched both my parents and my grandparents work hard to make ends meet and try to provide better opportunities in life than what they were afforded. Because of this example, I was often left to fend for myself when it came to learning how to do things. I realized that what they could give me was limited, so I had to work hard to go for what I wanted in life. Playing sports was a big part of developing my own work ethic. I was usually one of the smallest players on the field, so I had to work harder than everyone else to become a better athlete and compete on a high level. Read More>>
Melissa Watkins
I come from a family of hardworking women. My family is all about helping our communities and making other feel comfortable.
I take those fundamentals with me everywhere I go. I call myself the stylish storyteller because helping clients tell their stories via social media platforms helps us connect and build better communities. Read More>>
Dr. Rita Williams
That’s easy. I got my work ethic from my father, Horace L. Williams. He taught my sisters and me how to discipline ourselves in all aspects of life. He instilled in us the importance of doing our best at our jobs and the value of being a dependable employee. The only lesson we did not learn is that we need to take days off sparingly. We work hard, so we are ready when it’s time to play hard. Lol. Read More>>
Nolan Rhys Elias
I don’t think I have ever have as much fun in life than I do when making films. I really do believe there is a magic when finding something you love, because that joy in itself fuels a work ethic unlike anything else. It isn’t just work at that point, it’s what brings you joy as well. I mean for me personally, I like to remind myself it’s called a screenPLAY for a reason. When I come on a set I know that no matter what the position I am doing, from being a director, to a cinematographer, from a production assistant, to digital image technician, I know that I will be enjoying myself and that energy will radiate. Read More>>
Jazmine-Renae’
I honestly have gotten my work ethic from disappointments. I can’t even count how many times I’ve failed, how many times I’ve been disappointed, etc. I’ve taken breaks, stepped away from it all to regroup and pray. I’ve taken those disappointments and turned them into inspiration. It’s not easy at all, especially when you’re afraid to fail all over again. But I look at it as I’ve gotten this far for a reason. Can’t stop now! Read More>>
Calvin J Walker
I watched my father go back to school in his mid-thirties. He had a young family to support. He worked several side hustles while taking a full load of courses. I remember the long nights of him writing out essays on a yellow legal pad. I remember the pottery he made from his art classes. I remember that he was completely undeterred. He got his degree. His story was so inspirational that our local newspaper did an article about his accomplishment. Read More>>
Kaiser Doricent
To start, it is simply important to me. I am committed to putting out high quality work. That applies to anything I do, but especially when it comes to delivering a product or providing a service. Whether you are employed or self-employed, people are putting their trust in you and I strongly believe you should put in your best effort. Work hard, work smart, be professional, be dependable, have standards, and feel good about what you produce. Read More>>
James Dean Johnstone
My work ethic is simple. I try to be the best version of myself. Where do I get from? I focus my work on things I love and am passionate about. It took me a while to find my niche, but once I found it. It was game-changing. I’m an athlete so I understand the importance of a work ethic. There were times in baseball when I wasn’t performing at the level I set for myself. I needed to change my work ethic. I needed to work harder, and be better. I carried this mindset over to creating content. I always try to improve one thing in each piece of content I publish from the last. It might be writing, filming, editing, or sound. Read More>>
Casey Willax
Once I figured out how to make money doing the things that I love, going back to working on things I didn’t like was not an option. So although I may not make the most money, making enough money to survive and thrive while doing what I LOVE every day is my motivation. When you have the thought in the back of your head that theres a desk job waiting for you if you ever give up or slack at work, and that there is a million people who would take your place in a heartbeat it’s easier to keep going when you feel lazy! Read More>>
Taneesha Gleaton
I like to say I get my work ethic from my mother. My mom was a very hard working woman. I remember as a kid she would always go to work. There was days that she was so tired but she always went to work. She made sure she would leave home way before time so she wouldn’t be late. She was so dedicated to her job that she would receive perfect attendance every year. I didn’t quite understand why she worked so hard when I was younger, but I understand now that you work hard while you young and you can live life when your older. Read More>>
Yolandra Powell
I get my work ethics from my dad. He is a retired police officer and has always instilled in my siblings and I the value of hard work, loyalty and dedication. I believe in treating the employer how I would want to be treated. Prior to owning my own successful Childcare Business, I was a preschool teacher in the classroom, I was that employee that was always on my ” A game” , punctual, team player and always displayed strong leadership skills. I knew one day I would be a boss and I wanted the same value and respect from my employees. Read More>>
Steven Pugh
I have always believed that if you pay for a service you should get what you pay for. In my early years, I learned from growing up in a very rural area that your reputation is always very important. I have always been driven to give my patients, the absolute best bang for the buck that I can give. Everyone works hard for the things that they want in life. I feel you should never look into someone’s pockets to see what they can afford, but give them the best value, make a profit, and everyone is happy. Read More>>
Mallory Toops
Work ethic was something that was instilled in me as a child. From a young age, I learned the value of hard work and the outcome it has by living on a farm. I was involved in 4-H and had a responsibility to take care of my swine projects from early spring to late summer, I spent several hours every summer bathing, walking, and feeding my hogs in order to have them ready for the show ring. Throughout my life, I have had several positive influences who have modeled a strong work ethic. My great grandparents were extremely hard working and I am fortunate that I was able to learn from them at such a young age. Read More>>
Brittny Pulliam
Definitely from my dad. My dad has worked hard his entire life to provide everything he could. He taught us at an early age that you have to work for everything and there are no hand-outs. So I have worked hard to build what I want in life. Read More>>
Tom Haney
Probably my parents/upbringing. I am #9 of 11 children, so there was always lots to things to do – cleaning, cutting the grass, dishes, etc, etc. So I like to stay busy. And I see that in many of my siblings. My one brother likes to joke, using the old Army saying, “if you have time to lean, you have time to clean”. So yeah, once that is instilled in you, you can’t get away from it. Not that I’m working on my art 24/7, but I do like to stay busy. Read More>>
Raww Blue
My Work Ethic comes from not having much Forreal. Once I started seeing things actually happen and it’s possible it pushed me even more. I grew up not having anything! People have been following me since I was 13 online when I started on YouTube. Read More>>
Abid Abedi
I came to the US at the age of 17 with only $100 to my name and no real support system. It was very clear that if I was going to make it, I had to figure something out, and do it fast. I secured student loans and graduated from college, but luckily for me, I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Even from a very young age I would come up with ways to make a buck. Although some attempts may have been amateur or ill formed, each experience taught me very valuable lessons in the ‘university of life’ that I would take with me into each new endeavor. Today, I run 6 successful businesses making over $90 M in revenue each year. Read More>>
Samuel Dawson
I come from a long line of self made people. My father George Dawson grew up dirt poor in Southern Missouri. To make money they created a portable saw mill from an model A. The saw blade would be attached to a large band that was attached to the rear axle of the car. They would jack the car up, attach the band that was attached to the round toothed blade and start the car. As they accelerated the back wheel would spin faster and make the blade turn. This was a source of income created by utilizing what one had to work with. Read More>>
Kim Robinson
My parents worked during the day and my grandmother babysat me and my uncle and took us to work with her. She was always on the go. If she was not cleaning homes in Beverly Hills she was cooking and cleaning for the movie studio guest while they were in town filming. As if that were not enough she had a cafe and thrift store. Read More>>
Robert Jeffrey II
I was raised by a mother who told me early on that the only way I’m going to get what I want is to work. She’s the one who instilled in me the idea of always having a plan B and finding a career that made me happy. So, when I started freelance writing after graduating from college, that advice just stuck with me. It was definitely a hustle right out the gate. I was working a 9-5 by day, and freelance writing at night, on the weekends, and whenever I could find a free moment. Read More>>
Erik Bell
I believe I got my work ethic from just always having to work hard from a young age. When I was a kid I did karate and was so invested I even got my black belt. All the hard work I had to put in then and even after when it came to basketball. I always had to work hard and prove myself. I always told myself that what I’m doing now is not any different. I have to grind and perfect my craft everyday in order to get to where i want. Somebody out there is working just as hard as me, if not harder. I feel like I have to be ready at all times. Read More>>
Kylie Sweet
I was raised by both my mom and dad – who never failed to provide for me and my sisters. They constantly showed us what it meant to work hard and strive to be better and better at what you do. They are still an example of this to this day. I am so thankful to have been taught that at a very young age. Read More>>
LaMarcus Ross
My work ethic was cultivated from a young age, thanks to the strong influence of my father and grandfather. They imparted to me the fundamental principle that ‘if you don’t work, you don’t eat, and if you don’t grind, you don’t shine.’ Growing up, my younger brother and I were consistently tasked with chores both inside and outside our home. These chores weren’t just responsibilities; they were opportunities to learn the value of hard work and self-sufficiency. Read More>>
Michelle Barefield
My Father and mother have been my example of work ethic. They taught me discipline and to work for what you want in life. My dad is 73 and still working a regular job and has his own lawncare service. Both of my parents taught me the importance of working hard and serving people. Read More>>
Laura Canchola
My work ethic I get it from my mother , when I was little she was a stay-at-home mom . Even though she was a stay-at-home mom she would always find a way to help out my dad with bills his school and also around the house. She would always babysit kids during the week and in the weekend we would do yard sales she would sell tamales champurrado. Not only did she manage to do all the housework take care of us take us to school feed us do our homework with us and making sure we were okay she always found the time to make money with out losing time with us and teaching us the value of money and that money didn’t come easy we had to work for it. Coming from a Mexican home and being immigrant at the time she knew how hard it was to make that money . Read More>>
