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.
Donna Giraud
My work ethic is this evolving cocktail of experiences and self-discovery. It took me ages to mold a system that syncs with my creativity’s ebb and flow. Work ethic isn’t solely about a rigid schedule or relentless drive; it’s about finding that balance where passion meets purpose. Read more>>
Haley Harrison
From a young age, I’ve always found so much value in being part of a team. In every job or team that I’ve been apart of, whether it be a dance team in high school or another wedding and event company, we were always working towards a common goal and there was always a strict deadline to be met. Read more>>
Kendra Worley
I’ve always been a little bit of a workaholic, no matter what job I had at the time. I used to come home on the weekends when I was in college and work my shifts at our local Alex and Ani store. I grew up with my dad pushing me to “go get a job” at a really young age, like 10 years old. One of the things I am most grateful to my parents for is making me work for and earn things that I wanted. As I got older and got my first job in high school it gave me such pride to earn my own paycheck and have my own form of income. I’m extremely independent (sometimes to a fault) so I pride myself on working hard and achieving the goals I set for myself, both personally and professionally. Read more>>
Shauna Cooney
Ever since I was a child, I have always had an ability to fantasize about potential outcomes and see the possibilities in my success. A sort of romanticization of my possible success. Those visualizations and potential successes always translated to setting goals for myself. To know exactly where I want to go and what I hope to accomplish. When my drive is low, it is those goals and visualizations that fuel my work ethic and help me to continue to push forward. Read more>>
Chef Darian Finney/ Dropout Finn
My mom’s for sure, 4 kids .. travel nurse . She kind of just didn’t stop.. I think I take that from her but just creatively for my own projects I’m always creating. Read more>>
Darius Spain
I got my work ethic from my parents and uncle. Growing up, my mom was a single mother who worked two jobs to provide for herself and I, as well as my grandmother and great grandmother. She was the epitome of hard work and sacrifice. My dad also was a hard worker. From a young age he taught me nothing and life comes easy and you have to get out and go get it. Both of my parents were in the military so they instilled in me those hard lessons and that military mindset. Last my uncle. Read more>>
Jahna Rae
I definitely got my work ethic from my father. Growing up he was in the army and I think that seeing him do that and take care of our family really impacted how I operate in the world. Read more>>
Jennifer Harmon
Self care isn’t a one time thing. Self care is a rhythm, its an intentional response to this one life that we get. Self care is a pace to living in a way that actually works. That actually allows you to be / become who you really are. A real, whole, complete human being. Self care is listening, listening to your body so that you can be the best version of yourself for yourself and others around you. I have been on a long journey of listening, and how to listen. If you rearrange those letters it also spells the word silent. Read more>>
Bethany Gdula
My dad has an incredible work ethic. He finds joy in working. I believe he would prefer to work over vacation any day. I tease my mother often about her need to always be productive. Watching a movie with her at home can be exhausting. It will be paused at a minimum of 3 times so we can change out the laundry, vacuum the floors, etc. We were raised to find a sense of fulfillment in a hard day’s work. I do feel a rush of dopamine at the end of a busy week or checking the last box off of a long to do list. Read more>>
Os Young
Growing up I always felt this pressure to be perfect at everything. No matter how big or small, everything felt like a game where getting good was a drug. In reality I never thought I was naturally good at anything which lead me to believe that my worth was only in my skillsets that I’ve developed through my hard work. Read more>>
Nelson Estevez
My work ethics at the core, derives from my parents. They moved from the Dominican Republic in the early 70’s as teenagers to New York City barely knowing English to provide a better opportunity for themselves and their loved ones. I can only imagine the culture shock and how they had to adapt, while learning a new way of life. They have also been honest, hardworking individuals who always set the bar for me and my sibling. Read more>>
Andrea Valenzuela
Hello. My name is Andrea Valenzuela and I am a California-based producer for live production and events. My work ethic has been 30 years in the making. I was born and raised in the Los Angeles County in a humble city called Baldwin Park in the San Gabriel Valley, about 30 minutes from LA. Have you ever heard of In-n-Out Burger? Well, Baldwin Park is where it all began. Read more>>
Genice Gonzales
I want to take this time to honor my dad. He truly is the reason my sister and I have such a strong work ethic. As teens, we got jobs and if we were not allowed to call out – LITERALLY. My dad always said we were allowed to be home and rest if MANAGEMENT sent us home. It’s a funny story now, but as a teen I did not see the value yet in what he was teaching us. Today, I show up and show out regardless of how tired I am. The only times I have not shown up to work was the day I needed and emergency surgery and the birth of my last 2 children (but clients were aware so i dont think that counts!). Read more>>
Gloria Ade-Gold lawrence
I got my work ethic from knowing that to reach my desired goals, working hard has to be a priority. Therefore, I strive for excellence and embrace quality over quantity while maintaining a good work-life balance routine and avoiding burnout. Read more>>
James Arcega Tinsley
I was raised by a number of hardworking Filipino immigrants that included my grandparents. My grandpa Faustino worked grueling hours driving trucks for the San Miguel beer company, while my grandma Fe primarily raised their nine children. Our entire family depended on their ability to hustle and it was only natural that their work ethic trickled down to my mom and her siblings, and finally down to the grandchildren like myself. Read more>>
Jinshi Ozaki
Ever since I was a child, I have always watched my father’s attitude as he became absorbed in what he loved to do, which was pottery. Even when he was tired or not feeling well physically, I was overwhelmed by his concentration as he would sit at the wheel, kneading and shaping the clay with his hands. I wanted to mention that first. Read more>>
Aatiyah Henry-Ramirez
I founded No. 1 Lash Co. with the intention of empowering women. I am passionate about all things beauty & enjoy creating beautiful lash sets that accentuate my clients eyes and make them feel confident. As a former Track & Field athlete being able to compete at the collegiate level sculpted my mindset tremendously. I always knew the importance of discipline, hard work & consistency. As my years on the track came to an end after college, I was able to apply the same driving force into my business. Read more>>
Sheila LaCivita
My strong work ethic has its roots in the valuable lessons I learned from my military father. When I got my first job at the age of 17, he instilled in me the importance of showing up to work 15 minutes early, never missing a day of work, and to “take as much workload off of your boss’s back as possible.” I not only ensured my job security but also contributed to the overall success of the business. These early teachings have stayed with me throughout my career, shaping me into a diligent professional that would later open my own businesses. Read more>>
Monica Elam
I believe in the power of me. I always set my personal goals that will influence others that I encounter to also be driven by self motivation and excellence that attaches to you as a person. Your personal behavior also inlines you with a strategic mind set. But I am always moving in an ethical way and providing the best situations, along with completing daily tasks. I enjoy what I do and my passion pulls me through. Read more>
Davyhon Canada
My work ethic comes from my pops. He instilled putting in the time, practicing & getting better at my craft. He would make me practice & learn songs and I couldn’t go out to play with all the other kids until I got it right. I appreciate those times now. I also understand the characteristics he helped develop in me. Read more>>
Alphonso Heyward
I got my work ethic from my father and my uncle Nathaniel wheelings, Watch them work two jobs come home get about couple of hours of sleep and back on clock never understand why they work so much until I got old enough to understand how life works. Read more>>
Brittani Overacker
I got my work ethic from my mom from a young age. She taught me to work hard by watching her work and achieving goals. The biggest challenge she had was when she had stage 3 melanoma. She had multiple surgeries then had to go through chemo with giving herself shots everyday. Throughout all that she still worked as an Assistant to a Realtor. She never gave up even on the hard days. It was going to take more than that to stop her. I now teach my son the same work ethic, and how it pays off. I work hard in everything I do to achieve the best goals while balancing a busy schedule. Read more>>
Alexandra Maes
From a young age my dad taught what it meant to have a strong work ethic. Through each new endeavor whether it be an after-school activity, new sport, or hobby he made sure that I followed through with each task and show up each day to work hard and do the best I could. I distinctly remember trying to quit soccer one day and my dad refused to let me quit. While I was livid at the time, I can now thank him because I quickly developed a love for playing soccer that I still have today. Read more>>
Carolyn Iga
I have wondered where my bad behavior came from as a kid. My parents and grandparents lived seemingly very principled lives, teaching us a blend of ethics and personal preferences: not to lie, not to cheat, be kind and helpful to others, and clean our rooms. Read more>>
Mike Locke
My work ethic is largely inspired by my dad. He taught me that dedication to work is important, but he also emphasized the value of relationships. He was deeply involved in our community, from coaching my little league team to volunteering in city organizations. This involvement showed me the importance of staying connected with others, which I find incredibly rewarding. So, it’s not just about hard work; my parents instilled in me the importance of how we treat others, which has been a guiding principle in my life. Read more>>
Iman and Daniel Ikeda-Bibi
Danny and I are both hard workers who continue to push each other to show up each day better than the day before. It’s an amazing team dynamic that keeps us growing! I am a child of immigrants who came to this country with basically change and dreams. They engrained the value of hard work within my soul from when I was a child. I saw them work their fingers to the bone and still nothing stopped them. Read more>>
Rebecca Dziedzic
Growing up as the oldest of six, it comes naturally. Growing up in the 90’s there were different expectations and that initiated a desire to work hard, move forward and succeed. Read more>>
Gregory Lawrence Jr.
I get my work ethic from my parents (especially my dad), the people they place around me and the expectations I am given. I am put in positions that will build my character and help shape me into the purpose God has for me. I am always encouraged to go above and beyond everything I do. I work hard physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually by working out, balancing school assignments and playing baseball, getting involved in the community through organizations I am apart of and through my church. I also take on difficult challenges to help build mental fortitude. Read more>>
Alexis Alba
Since I was young I’ve always had to really apply myself nothing every came easy to me or was handed to me, which taught me to be the hardest worker in the room.I say I have a work ethic like a thoroughbred. Ive been in sports when I was growing up which taught me discipline and to work hard to get to the desired result which I feel is no different in my adult life. When you’re passionate about your career (which I am) or a big end goal in sight I will walk to the ends of earth to accomplish that. Read more>>
Kaleb Moten
As both a solo musical artist and as a producer for other artists, my work ethic is driven by the level of work I know goes into making something beautiful. The more time you spend honing your craft, the more aware you become of little details that you wouldn’t have noticed before, and the more willing you become to take the time to hone those details and make them what you want them to be. I think those fine details are what separate good art from great art, and the more willing you are to engage with them, the more satisfied you are with the end product. Read more>>
