How did you develop a strong work ethic?

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.

Alexandra Santiago

I get my work ethic from my mother. My mother has always been a very hard worker. She was always a leader and top executive in her field. She taught me from an early age that I have the capability to achieve anything if I set my mind to it and put the work in. I am so thankful that my goals and dreams were never limited as a child. Read more>>

Bernard Taylor

My work ethic comes from my mother, who I watched raise 5 children by herself on a low salary, working over 40 hours a week, and never complaining about how hard it was or giving up. Read more>>

Jillian Whited

Growing up we were taught that Family and God comes first. I always looked up to my family members who had the nickname “Energizer Bunnies” due to their constant energy and ability to work. Tragically, at the age of 12, my family lost my mother due to cancer and it sent my family to have to file for bankruptcy.  Read more>>

Alex Molfetas

My work ethic comes from having 2 parents who emigrated to the United States from Greece. My Father Nick grew up on the island of Kefalonia in Greece and went to work from the age of 8. He served in the Greek navy and then went on to be an electrician on cargo ships. He traveled all over the world and finally settled in New York. Read more>>

Iskandria Sturdivant

I definitely get it from my mother. She inspires me so much. My mom is one of the most strongest hardworking people I know. She raised me and my brother as a single mother and She’s worked very hard to be where she is at. She has so much drive towards her career and goals but also for her family.  Read more>>

Pamela Smith

🌟 Grateful for the foundation of hard work instilled in me by my Mother,Father and my Stepfather 💼 From my dad’s dedication on the factory floor to my mom’s adventurous spirit working worldwide, Also being a Air Force Bratt my Step Father was active the majority of my.  Read more>>

Rose Robson

My grandma used to say, “Life is work so get to work.” In my early years my work ethic was shaped by my love of horses so I’d clean stalls in exchange for credits toward riding lessons. Many years later when I was interviewing for a job as a medical device sales rep the fact that I cleaned horse stalls as a kid came up and later my boss sited it was one of the reasons I got the job. Read more>>

Andrew van Baal

It 100% comes from authentic engagement with whatever it is I’m working on. I realized this was the essential ingredient quite young, when I got my first job at sixteen. I had no interest in what the job entailed or its end goals and consequently I had no work ethic for it. When I was there the minutes would tick by so slowly and all I wanted was to not be there.  Read more>>

Amy & Jenna

I’d say our work ethic comes from growing up in a very blue collar city and both being from and surrounded by family and friends who were never given a handout and have had to work really hard and sacrifice a lot to make ends meet. Read more>>

Lillie Gennings

I definitely got my work ethic from my mom and dad. Both of my parents work in the medical field. Growing up, my parents worked hard at their jobs, while my mom also homeschooled my sister and me. My dad worked nights, and on the days he didn’t have to sleep before work, we were out taking care of the family farm.  Read more>>

Kerry Farris

Growing up in a classic Midwest suburban home with my hardworking parents, college wasn’t part of their journey. My dad started working at 13 to support his family after his father passed away. He was also an entrepreneur before getting married, owning a tavern while also working full time for the Railroad. After 40 years, he retired with a well-deserved pension. Read more>>

Tiara Gray- Akintunde

You know, I get this question all the time and honestly, it comes from within. Without hesitation, and other people will tell you this too, I can say that I’m ambitious and determined to get exactly what I want. That drive, is where it comes from.  Read more>>

Justin Graham

I feel like coming from a modest upbringing working hard always came natural. After working for multiple businesses and people were i always gave a hundred percent and was always being passed up for the raise or opportunity I finally decided to make the hard work count and took a leap of faith to work for myself. Read more>>

Laura Beardsley

There are 3 of us, which adds an interesting dynamic to the influencer model (interesting in a good way). But when it comes to work ethic…we all brought strong work ethics to the group in the beginning (5 years ago) which is really important.  Read more>>

Melanie Scholtz

My work ethic came from my parents and grandparents. Watching how they worked towards a better education and a better quality of life as a result of hard work , dedication, resilience and inventiveness. This inspired me to be a “Yes” person who always looks to the future with enthusiasm, determination and tenacity.  Read more>>

Jule (jewel) Harle (Har-lee)

My passions in my work are interwoven. I came into Yoga and paddling at about the same time; trying to heal childhood wounds and pursue a lifestyle in alignment with greater virtues. When I was 19 years old I moved to Alaska and began exploring it’s great wilderness through mountains rivers; that’s when the path of self discovery began. Read more>>

Paul Hanon

When I was young, (like 10 or 12), my Grandpa and I were doing yardwork at his house. He is such a loving guy and funny guy, always cracking jokes, laughing, and giving us a kids a good time. Well, while working in the yard his demeanor got super serious real quick. It was a moment to pay attention to.  Read more>>

Inna Chebeliuk

My work ethic is deeply ingrained in my upbringing, personal values, and professional experiences. From a young age, I learned that diligence, commitment, and honesty are fundamental for achieving success in any field. Read more>>

Yetti Staxx

My work ethic stems from a combination of factors in my life. Firstly, I’ve always been deeply passionate about music and expressing myself through rap since a young kid. This passion fuels my drive to constantly push myself to improve and create the best possible music.  Read more>>

Maria Patino

I have to say that I learned all about work ethic from my mother. She always taught me to work hard in life. I watched as she sacrificed and worked hard to provide for her children as a widow. She always made smart choices with her finances and I learned a lot from her. She always made sure she paid the mortgage and the bills.  Read more>>

Kim Schwan

A strong work ethic and drive is key to being successful – especially being a woman owned restaurant in a highly competitive industry. There is nothing easy about owning and operating a restaurant full time. One is constantly faced with trials and tribulations and must possess the skills necessary to overcome those.  Read more>>

Luisa Hurtado Arboleda

In my opinion what I do for work has to be align with my person and my values. I come from a family where love and respect are really important. And that is something I like to be reflected in my work ethic. Read more>>

Thor Scheefer

My Father RIP he was a very unique special human. I remember I wanted Technic Turntables so BAD!!! Back in the 90’s that was all I could think about I was obsessed!!! Spent all my money on Vinyl Records!!! Read more>>

Alfred Collins

I would say my parents, watching how determined they were. I was blessed along with my brothers and sisters to see our parents work ethic. They were able to show us when you’re called to do something, always give it your best.  Read more>>

Chris Efstratis

Motivating to play with mud, paint, clay, or various types of media everyday can be a daunting task. The first thing I try to do is set daily goals, no matter how big or how small. This helps lead to a successful feeling at the end of the day.  Read more>>

CJ Teffner

I get my work ethic from my father, Ted, who worked 3 jobs when I was a kid. My father was also a musician, 1st chair trombone player in our state symphony orchestra. My dad had a theory, and it didn’t matter what you were doing: don’t do your best, be the best, period. It wasn’t always attainable, but the theory has worked for me! Read more>>

Jasmine Lang

I come from a matriarchal family where I witnessed the women do everything. They are great mothers, teachers, providers, & they know how to get things done. I was born on Independence Day, and despite the history of America’s independence, I’d say the true value of being independent has always been instilled in me from a little girl. Read more>>

Susanna Walas

My dedication to a strong work ethic is deeply rooted in the responsibility I hold to provide for my children and to serve as an exemplary model of the rewards that diligent effort can yield. This commitment stems from a profound sense of duty to ensure the well-being and future prospects of my family. Read more>>

Rhonda Freeman

Work ethic is something was instilled in me from birth. I am an only child. I am the daughter of a single mother who did not receive child support. Seeing life through this dynamic taught me that you must work in order to get what you want. My mother worked long hours in order to make sure our needs were met, which often resulted in me governing my own day to day life. Read more>>

Crystal VanAntwerpen

I have a very strong work ethic that I’ve developed over the course of my entire life. I grew up on a fruit farm in West Michigan, and myself and my siblings all had to do tasks around the farm to help out. Every summer I would spend 2-3 weeks working sometimes 50-60 hours per week cleaning and cooling cherries, among other various tasks throughout other seasons. Read more>>

Jennifer A Davis

I definitely learned this from my parents. Growing up, we sold craft supplies on the weekends at our local Swap Meet for many years, so that’s really where it all started for me. We had to learn customer service at a very young age, learn to take money and count change, etc. Read more>>

Abigail Valdes

My passion for teaching and supporting children in their educational journey is the driving force behind my work ethic. I recognize that every student is unique, with their own strengths, challenges, and learning styles. As a result, I strive to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every child feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. Read more>>

A’Rielle Thomas

I lived with my grandmother during my formative years. She was born in a small town in Louisiana in 1932 during segregation, and the life that she built for herself was nothing less than extraordinary.  Read more>>

Belinda France

I began working in the fast food chain at 16 with Chick-fil-A and it inspired me to keep a strong work ethic from being surrounded by hardworking people. The inspiration continued to grow as I furthered my career path. Read more>>