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.
Jenna Khoury
My parents met at the American University of Beirut, and when my father was accepted to UC Berkeley for his masters in Engineering, they ultimately moved to Berkeley and eloped. They had humble beginnings, and would spend daylight hours studying, and night hours delivering pizzas to try to make ends meet. My father worked tirelessly to complete his masters in only 9 months, just in time for them to realize they were pregnant with their first child. Read more>>
Sean Ward
This is a great question! The answer is multi-faceted. It begins with my intense desire to spark my creativity and continually grow and evolve with the times. With that said, and knowing how future evolution works, this is quite the time intensive task, so I never run out of things to do, just time in the day! With my acrylic paintings, now having painted over 1,200 individual works of art. Read more>>
Essence Berry
I get my work ethic from my mom. She is a natural born hustler and she gets it from her dad. It’s in the genes. I’ve been in the entertainment industry since I was in the eighth grade. I would go to school and have an audition right after or a job I was booked for. Read more>>
René Romero Schuler
When you grow up in a situation where having a roof over your head, or food on the table is a struggle, you either sink or swim. I’m a swimmer (figuratively-I’m not a water person). By middle school, I was trying to make money however I could, and had my first real job at 14. I continued working multiple jobs, and by the end of high school, it was clear I would need to drop out in order to sustain myself. Read more>>
Patrick Kikut
I get my work ethic from a few sources. Of course, my folks, Aksi and Maureen, set a good example for me. They still do! At the ages of 79 and 83 they do not spend time sitting around doing nothing. They get up early in the morning and after drinking coffee, reading the paper, and making a stab at sudoku and the crossword puzzle they are looking to engage and improve on something that they see around the house or yard. With my folks there is always something to do. Read more>>
Marty Loya
I learned my work ethic from my parents. My mother was a homemaker and took card of lots of people (father, siblings, myself and my brother, my father, and his god-parents. She kept the house spotless and made amazing meals for us. Had her days organized as to when she would wash (at a laundry mat), iron and grocery shopping. I remember always going grocery shopping on Wednesdays since was double-stamp day. She also cared about everyone and was very spiritual. Read more>>
Samantha Hastings
One of the hardest things about being an author is that you are your own boss. You have to set your work schedule and goals of completion. If you don’t write, you won’t sell any books. I learned a strong work ethic from my father who owns his business. He was the first to work and the last to get paid. During economic downturns, he could have given up, but he continued on with optimism and hard work. Read more>>
Megan Taber
I grew up watching my mom’s unwavering work ethic both in our household and in her corporate career. I was raised to work really hard for anything I wanted in life and not let anything stop me – to the point where it’s second nature to me now. Read more>>
Christopher Simmons
My work ethic comes from a few different places. First of all both of my parents work hard, and do what is right. Growing up with great examples to follow is a big blessing in my journey. Because I didn’t pursue a college degree, my journey has always been about landing entry level work and grinding to move up the ladder. Often times I would realize the ladder wasn’t that tall, and move on to the next job. Read more>>
Zach Petrone
My work ethic is something I pride myself on, and was taught at an early age on the importance of it. My parents instilled a strong work ethic into me by reinforcing hard work to get what you want. Whether it was practicing free throws in my front yard basketball court, or selling snow cones at a young age at the neighborhood pool, its what has gotten me to where I’am today. Its something I hope shines through to others on what a strong work ethic can do for you in todays world. I believe it never goes unnoticed, and can pay off today or at a later time in life. Read more>>
B. Sharise Moore
When I was six years old, I told my mother I wanted to learn to play the piano. She asked me how much I thought a piano cost. Of course, I could not guess. She told me that she would only buy a piano and invest in lessons if I promised to stick with the lessons until I graduated high school. Quitting wasn’t allowed. I agreed and she made me sign a contract. Read more>>
Shannon Wallace
I get my work ethic from my grandparents. My grandmother owned a school since the fifties, before women could even have credit cards. She would employ me every summer. My grandfather also held me to high standards. He was a rocket engineer and very smart, so he expected his grandkids he raised to follow through on their education and supported us as well. Read more>>
Allie Jade Sinbine
My parents raised me to have a very strong work ethic. My parents are both business owners themselves so I watched them work hard at their jobs while building their companies up. We were always taught to work hard and stick to commitments and give everything we do 100% effort. Read more>>
Mary Ann Bruns
I grew up in NW Iowa, a small town, Brunsville, of 132 people, in a country school in which I had only one person and myself making up the class. I remained at this country two room school until the 7th grade, when we were bussed to LeMars, a town of about 10,000. There was no excess of money and everyone had to work very hard to make ends meet. Read more>>
Ishaan Cheng Patel
I get my work ethic from the examples around me, specifically my family. I am raised by a mother who works very hard and provides for me and my little brother and makes time to do family activities and do outreach with us. Another example is my grandparents. My Ye-Ye (grandfather) is 78 and still working full time. Read more>>
Ruby Herrera
My work ethic is deeply rooted in my Chicago upbringing. Think of my grandfather, navigating 15 inches of snow in Chicago daily to ensure our family’s stability. Simultaneously, my father adeptly managed a factory job while strategically investing in real estate. Fast forward to today, and my cousins and I are committed to upholding that standard. Today, I am committed to upholding that standard, acknowledging and perpetuating the sacrifices my grandparents made while forging their paths in Chicago’s dynamic business landscape. Read more>>
Sean Felder
Myself,because if you don’t believe in yourself none will. Read more>>
Kati Zuromski
My work ethic is deeply rooted in the values instilled in me by my hardworking family. Growing up, I witnessed my grandpa as a symbol of a self-starter and dedicated worker. His commitment to his craft left an indelible mark on my understanding of what it means to be diligent and determined. Read more>>
Victor Teran
I believe a strong work ethic reflects one’s self-discipline, dedication, and commitment towards achieving a personal or professional goal. I strongly believe a strong work ethic is the drive we must have to succeed in life, reach goals and achieve personal growth. Read more>>
Jossy Maness
My work ethic I would like to think was born already within me. But my mother definitely had a big part in keeping me driven. I believe the one thing someone can’t take from you is showing up for yourself and for your people. Being dependable is so important in any industry but especially hair and makeup. I find happiness in success and being busy, it gives me that energy and motivation I need to reach my next goal. I always want what’s next! Never stop dreaming. Read more>>
Nelida Munnerlyn
My Mother and Grandmother are the biggest reasons why I work so hard, watching my mom get up every day and do the best she could to make sure my brother and I were taking care of is such a strong motivation for me. One thing my Mother and Grandmother taught me was to never give up on your dreams and you can do whatever you set your mind to do, I know that may seem very clichè but it’s very much true. Read more>>
Michelle Bond
Absolutely, and thank you for the opportunity. I appreciate the question because “hard work” is definitely a value for many – especially entreprenuers and self-starters in general, but that looks different for different people, and the reasons behind it can really vary based on your life circumstances. Read more>>
Rasha Shammaa
Growing up in the Middle East, we are taught that education and success come hand in hand. You are always expected to do your best, and that failure is just not an option. My parents, and especially my father always encouraged me to be creative and ask questions. He was actually interested in the projects I would work on, and would offer suggestions on how to improve. Read more>>
Kyle Price
I get my work ethic from both of my parents in very different ways. My mom has always taught me to be through, intentional and very intricate with the work that I do. My father has taught me about the power of using my words and my influence to get my point across. He also instilled my tenacity for going after the things that I want. Read more>>
Javin Kerf
I got my work ethic from my mother. Growing up in a single parent household, I got the opportunity to see my mother struggle and see how hard you can work and still struggle. I get so much of my work ethic from my mom who helped me grow and understand what word ethic is. She taught me working smarter and creating a plan and then working harder to become the successful Entrepeneur. Read more>>
Megan Lotz
When you have the ability to do something you love to do, work doesn’t feel like work; it is enjoyable and you want to continue to do what you do because it makes you happy. Most of my work ethic comes from the fact that I love what I do. I love being able to share my passions for nature and the outdoors and see people gain a new appreciation for nature and its importance and it’s what keeps my going. Read more>>
Danielle Monds
I got my work ethic from my grandmother. My family owned a Soul Food Restaurant for over 48 years, so I grew up in the restaurant. My grandmother was my mentor so I watched everything she did. She stopped working when she was 86 but that was because we had to permanently close the restaurant. If it was still open she would have worked until she died because that was what made her happy. I was taught to work for what I wanted and not to depend on others for anything. Read more>>
Gretchen Wagoner
My work ethic comes from my Midwestern upbringing where working hard was always considered an admired attribute. My parents worked hard and also in school it was always important to get “an A for effort”. Read more>>
Unguyd3d
When I was young, I’m talking around 10 years old or younger, I was one of the few kids who didn’t have any video game consoles (Xbox, PlayStation, & computer). Every day at school my friends would talk about the video games their parents got them and how much they loved playing them. Read more>>
Siouxsie McCoy
My (good ’n honest) work ethic surely wasn’t learned from my parents – it was learned Because of them. No hate or hard feelings towards my parents, I am forever grateful for their love, care and support for me. I didn’t get to know my father until early adulthood, so even though I came to know him as an incredibly hardworking man, he had no bearing on my early development. Read more>>
Donyell Lyons
I get my work ethic from self experiences. I used to go around and just take photos but then when i would go home i would feel that my photos were just plain and simple. I had to discipline myself to not only take my time when photographing but also finding photos that would catch my audience’s eyes. Read more>>
Samantha Kaufman
Growing up in rural Wyoming, where people are forged through constant hard work in agriculture, is where my work ethic was developed. I come from hardy people. People who worked their whole lives, dusk to dawn, with callused hands and tanned leathery skin. It is easy to adopt a strong work ethic from a culture of folks who do not understand giving up, of people who toil in the dirt, of clever people who are too stubborn to not answer every problem solving conundrum. From this culture did I develop my work ethic. Read more>>
Catherine Kirkland
My work ethic comes from the examples my family set. My grandparents and parents. My maternal and paternal grandfathers were the sole bread winners in their respective households, each supporting a wife, multiple children, as well as extended family members. My maternal grandfather was a policeman who not only provided for his wife and three children, he also supported his aging parents. My paternal grandfather supported his wife, five children and two maiden aunts. Both struggled to keep food on the table during the Great Depression. Read more>>
Brian Thomas
I would have to contribute my work ethic from my father, who was always up early every single day, to provide for his family. A bit of that work ethic I certainly picked up during my time serving in the U.S. Marines. Read more>>
THE VERYGOOD COMPANY Holdings LLC
The work ethic is credited to my father. For it were it not for the grit he instilled and the principles he gave me I would not value hard work like how I do today. It takes a certain type of person to be okay with going through the hard times because you know they are not only necessary but the truest way. Read more>>
Garin Michelson
I have always had a strong work ethic when something matters to me. When I think about where it came from, I would be remiss not to mention my softball background. As a child and pre-teen, I developed a passion for softball. I was a pitcher, which in softball is a very specific skill. My dad was my catcher, and we would practice many days a week. I also took private pitching lessons for many years. He would drive me 45 minutes once a week for the lessons. I worked so hard, and as a result, I became very good. Read more>>
Neil Ward
My work ethic as a photographer was derived from previous artistic crafts I demonstrated for others that hired me. They came as they do now, with much growth along with much trial and error. I always go in with an open mind, and am receptive to those I work with or for. No matter how much I have taught myself or learned from others, there is always more to learn! I am a sponge! My techniques have grown with always researching new way to light subjects, pose them and locations, themes, copncepts and so on. Read more>>
Jackie Siggard
My mother. My whole childhood, she always worked two jobs to help support all of us (4 kids) she wanted to make sure we had everything we needed and she worked hard to accomplish that. She was a great role model for hard work and dedication. She is one of the biggest reasons I have been so successful. She talk me that good work ethic pays off. Read more>>
Courtney Smith
I definitely get my work ethic from my mother. My mother was a single mom and she went over and beyond to give me such a great life. I saw her make nothing out of something from working hard and I always knew, if I put in the work, I could be successful at anything. Read more>>
Yves Beneche
I definitely got my work ethic from my parents. They’re both college educated professionals who came to the United States at very young ages. The immigrant mentality is to get a good education, and work hard to support you family financially while “hoping” to move up at your place of employment. This mentality was ingrained in me as well. Failure was never an option. Getting bad grades and not working to my fullest potential in academia was never acceptable. Read more>>
Luis Escarret
Both Raul and I Owners of RBA Fitness come from an immigrant background. We were taught at a young age that you can have whatever you want if you are willing to work for it. Hard work beats all. Read more>>
