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.

Daniel Santandrea

From my dad. He always told me, and still does, that whatever I do, give it 110%. When I was growing up, I played a lot of sports, but it also translated into my normal life. So now, even if it’s something as simple as cleaning a dish, or as complicated as a full blown production, I give it 110% of my effort. Read more>>

Patti Steel

My work ethic comes directly from my mother. She taught me the meaning of hard work through her actions and her unwavering dedication to our family. I can still picture her juggling multiple jobs, often waking up early and coming to pick me up from grandma’s home long after we were sleeping. She was always saying that someone’s trash is another person’s treasure. Her tenacity was incredible. Read more>>

Kelly Nehmen

As cliché as it may sound, my work ethic comes from my family. It starts with my grandfather, Henry, on my mother’s side. He created his own path after his mother passed at a young age and he then went to military boarding school in Georgia. After overcoming such hardships – he graduated from the University of Georgia and then married my wonderful grandma, Joyce. Their accomplishments were unstoppable from then. Whether it was building the first strip mall in Columbus, Georgia, being on the board of Aflac, traveling across the world or being an amazing father & husband. He inspires me, and frankly everyone around him. Read more>>

Diamond Brown

My hair journey started on the Upper east side of New York, and it really helped solidify my strong work ethic. I have always been a hard worker, and those first few years of training really honed my skills, and tested my patience, but my passion for hair and desire to be successful was the driving force to keep me laser focused. I also had the privilege of working with some extremely talented and successful hairstylists who demonstrated exceptional work ethic, and they inspired me to adopt the same habits. Read more>>

Kait Benetz Lovitt

 I often, and maybe not often enough, take a minute in my busy day, ok actually it’s at night once I finally sit down at 8:45pm. In that minute I think about all that I did today. And where I came from. It’s in that moment thinking back to where I’ve been that my drive to show up and get stuff doen is re-lit. Fuel on my already quite strong fire. Read more>>

Josh Barnum

When I was pre-teen my family moved to the United States. I don’t remember those days all that well anymore, but what I do remember is feeling like an outsider for years. Feeling as though there wasn’t ever going to be another moment that I felt comfortable. As an adult I realize that was a short sighted perspective. What that did for me growing up has had a lasting impact on my ability to be disciplined, focus on things that are in my control and not worry about the things that are outside of it. This has ultimately pushed my capacity for accomplishing work beyond that of what is considered “normal.” Read more>>

Elika Izadyar

I got my work ethic from seeing my mom and dad take a leap of faith and move to the United States to build the life they knew they werent able to do back home in their own country. I watched my mom & dad persevere through working long nights. I remember, my mom would be studying throughout the night during her pharmacy school all while having me as a baby! My dad taught me to be resilient and work hard for the life you want. He taught me the importance of pursuing the “American Dream”. He had three jobs when he first moved to the United States and paid his way to become a civil engineer. I credit my mom, my dad, and God for the life they have created for me so I can have the foundation to do the same. To chase that “American Dream”. Read more>>

Erin Glavan

Work ethic is probably the biggest habit that helped my business go from selling smoothies at the farmers market – to launching 2 brick and mortar businesses. Though there is a time for rest, the first several years of a start-up business is a solid grind. Read more>>

Donghan Li

I got my work ethic from my upbring, my parents, my teachers in elementary school and middle school. For the early days of my life, they were harsh critiques. They made me grow, but of course it came with downsides too. I became too self-conscious and shy. Fashion became my way to be brave and unapologetic. Read more>>

Phil Dumontet

When I was 11 years old, I started running and the sport has become a lifelong passion
for me. Just like being a business leader, running requires a high amount of work ethic.
The lessons I learned training and racing inform my decision-making and my drive as a
CEO, and have allowed me to pursue a purpose-driven career. Read more>>

Rhonda Brown

The only answer to this question is “I am my parents’ child!” My parents both were hard workers who showed me and my brother daily their passion, pride, and determination. They told and showed us that nothing is given, no matter who you are or who you may know. However, worked hard, show up, and show out in whatever our hearts desired. Read more>>

Emma Peters

I attribute my work ethic to being a city girl, an only child and an adoptee. As an SF native, the energy there is relaxed but intentional & productive, which rubbed off on me. Being a Sag helps too, i.e. being a do-er and a mover, always on the go! As an only child and adoptee, I pushed myself to be independent as soon I could walk. My upbringing has its residual ups and downs but I appreciate how it’s taught me to strive and never take things for granted. Read more>>

Isabella Doherty

My work ethic definitely comes from my mom. She’s been an entrepreneur as long as I can remember, and watching her work hard and smart to achieve her goals was so inspiring. She’s always had that entrepreneurial spirit, and it’s something I knew I wanted for myself. Read more>>

Brianna Pineda

My strong work ethic stems from my determination to succeed. As a self-motivated perfectionist and overachiever, I have always pushed myself to excel. Growing up, I faced several challenges, but I discovered a powerful outlet in the beauty industry. It has become a source of strength, confidence, and creativity for me, and that passion drives my commitment to my craft every single day. Read more>>

May Mangkang

My work ethic definitely comes from my mother. My mother works harder than anyone I know, even to this day. I don’t remember spending much time with her while growing up and I know she never slept much. But I have a very clear memory of her taking care of everything and everybody. She took care of our family physically and financially as my father wasn’t around much. She took care of kids, cousins, grandparents from both side, and all of the other relatives too.
She is a full time nurse still at age of 66 in Japan. Read more>>

Brooke Miles

I got it from my parents. They had me when they were 21 years old and had little money. My mom had to drop out of college, and at that point, my dad hadn’t gone to college. But I saw them, from an early age, pick up the pieces and build their careers. My dad started as a taxi driver, then became a Philadelphia police officer, then became a detective, and finally became an attorney (earning his Bachelor’s degree and law degree while working the whole time). My mom went back to college, got her degree, and became an elementary school teacher. Read more>>

Ras Beats

One of the main lessons of being an independent musician/producer in my experience is learning to become self-reliant, while a the same time collaborating with other artists, rappers in my case. Getting things done when no one is reminding you of deadlines cause you are setting your own. Getting projects done, and not letting time pass without creating and finishing projects you decided on pursuing. So I would say it comes from me, and reminding myself of the positives of getting things done if you aren’t feeling that motivation for a day or two. Sticking to the plan. The motivation becomes the work itself and seeing it finished. Read more>>

Tonia Rivera

I have never had any family to fall back or a “plan-B”. I was emancipated at 16 years old. Since then, I maintained the mindset that no-one was coming to save me. If I didn’t have a job or money for bills, I wouldn’t have food or a place to live, so I have always had to work hard. At age 15 I worked on a ranch mucking stalls at 5:00 am before school, that job paid for my food, clothes, and other necessities I otherwise wouldn’t have, and taught me discipline and value of time and money. As I have gotten older, I learned to not only work hard but to work smart and with intention, time is money. I always say, “you can’t teach work ethic, you either have it or you don’t.”, Of course you can teach good habits that may turn into a good work ethic, but it is ultimately up to the individual to put their desire to do into action, and maintaining that efficiency day in and day out. For me, there has never been any other option, something can’t come from nothing, if you want then you must do. Read more>>

Nashville City Golf

Our work ethic comes from an insatiable desire to offer people the best indoor golf experience. We genuinely want people to enjoy and learn the game of golf with us. Read more>>

Camthe1 Camthe1

My work ethic and drive as a music producer stems from starting piano at the age of 3 and growing up in competitive sporting environments. Each morning I’d wake up and always practice the piano before I did anything else with my day. Growing up as a baseball player and swimmer, I was always practicing with a team or doing my own training to elevate my game. Both worlds taught me the importance of having a routine, and it’s something that’s stayed with me for my entire life. Read more>>

Ceren Gokalp

My work ethic comes from my upbringing and my love for creativity and entrepreneurship. Growing up in my home country, I saw my family work hard to build their jewellery business and achieve their goals over 40 years. Watching them create beautiful pieces and gain appreciation from their clients taught me the value of staying dedicated and focused to create something meaningful and special. Read more>>

Vicky Nguyen

I am the proud owner and founder of Yummmm!Bar and Intentional + Space. At Yummmm!Bar, we create delicious, cold-pressed snack bars made with just six whole ingredients and three satisfying flavors to keep you energized and feeling great. With Intentional + Space, I help clients organize their spaces with purpose, creating harmony both inside and out, so they can live with more ease and lightness. Read more>>

Alvin Hamilton

I get my work ethic from my dad. Growing up, I watched him dedicate over 20 years to HVAC work, putting me through private school and college without ever complaining. He’s a prime example of resilience and dedication. Even with both of his knees in bad shape, he continues to show up and work hard every single day. His unwavering commitment and determination have instilled in me the importance of perseverance and giving my best in everything I do. Read more>>

Santi Castro

For me, it essentially comes from interest. By following my interests, I found what I had a natural Affinity to (Music), and when that happened, Love naturally emerged. And when you are in Love with something, you can work very intensely with it and not tire. You can work many hours and not fatigue, and do a hard labor Joyfully. So, to work very hard, I try to not use Willpower. I just do the things I like, and that delight me. Read more>>

Victoria Tiso

My work ethic comes from a very long blood line of hard workers. My grandparents and parents were always the type of people that would be the first in and the last out in any job that they had. My family came to America speaking no English but with the american dream in mind. Both of my parents started working at a young age to help provide for their families. My dad went out to work in the pizza industry at 14 as my mother went out to work in an office setting in NYC at 17. Although they were in two completely different fields they always made sure to leave a place better than how they found it. They took pride in their work and whatever job they had was a reflection of them as a person. Both of my parents instilled the same morals and enforced the same pride in me and my brother. My mom would tell us every day is a new chance at putting your best foot forward and creating a new approach. Read more>>

Lashia (luh She Uh)

My name is LaShia and having a strong work ethic is all I know. Born and raised in North Philadelphia to two parents who have done nothing but work hard since their teenage age years put me in a position where laziness is NOT an option. It started with a job at 14/15 with Youthworks to job at a drug store chain for 9 years to a business doing what I love, Massage Therapy. However, in 2020, with the pandemic, massage therapy was out of the question so what was there to do now? Read more>>

Ellie / Mopgarden

I get my work ethic from my dad. When I was growing up he worked so hard to support his family and I think I always saw him working so much and wanting to help us. I grew up seeing his very strong work ethic and thinking that that is what I need to do when I “become an adult” as well. I also believe that my need to succeed drives my work ethic a lot. I always feel like I should be doing something that will help me push forward in my life – not just in my work life but in my personal life as well. I think it’s important to always be trying to move forward and succeed. I think I bring that mentality to my work as well. Read more>>

Jose Hernandesz

I believe that work ethic is fueled by passion, purpose, and a desire to create something meaningful. For me, this drive began at an early age. Growing up in the Bay Area, I was fortunate to witness my parents’ relentless dedication to providing a better life for our family. Their example not only inspired me but also instilled in me a deep understanding of the value of hard work.
Even as a child, I was always looking for ways to create opportunities and turn my interests into something greater. My first taste of entrepreneurship came in elementary school when I started reselling toy cars during recess. I was a huge fan of Hot Wheels and Cars characters like Lightning McQueen, and one day I realized, If I already collect these, why not sell them to my friends to earn money for more? My parents would take me to Walmart and Kohl’s, where I’d buy inventory, and then I’d resell the cars at school. With the profits, I grew my collection and learned that doing what you love can also fund your dreams. Read more>>

Dan Davis

As the Mayor of Manvel, my work ethic is deeply rooted in the example set by my father. He served in the Coast Guard and, despite not having a college degree, worked tirelessly to provide for our family—my mother, my two brothers, and me. His determination and resilience allowed him to achieve significant success in life through sheer effort and dedication. Read more>>

Adam Kalish

Both of my parents. Both of my parents were lower middle class growing up in Brooklyn. They worked hard to move up and from a very early age instilled in me to work hard in school and sports. Read more>>

Katie Sargent

I get my work ethic from my mom, who constantly leads be example! Being raised by a single mother with four siblings in Northern, Virginia was a very illuminating experience for me in working hard and going after what you want. My mother is an Architectural Designer which is a quite demanding and fairly male-dominated industry. She is a leader who travels all over the globe for her position, yet was very involved in all of my siblings and my lives. She encouraged us all the participate in many sports and activities and instilled the mindset that if we were going to commit our time to something we should do it well. Setting ambitious goals such as writing, producing, acting and editing my own short films is something I would not have had the confident to execute without knowing that I have the necessary skills and work ethic (thanks mom!) to get it done. Read more>>

Marek Domanowski

This is honestly a mixture. It’s hard to sit still when you have a competitive monkey in your brain. One undeniable segment of it is constantly being in awe of other people. This may include my heroes and people I look up to but more recently it’s mainly friends, peers, just regular folks you come across in everyday life. It is hard to believe how much people can cope with and not grow bitter. Seeing people overcome all kinds of personal tragedies and still choose to give to the world rather than take away is quite a profound experience. So I kind of feel as though I owe it to them to get up in the morning and deliver. Read more>>

Ashley Ballou

When I was 17 I got my first job working at In N Out. I was applying for jobs and interviewing for about 8 months feeling so discouraged that no one would hire me. I love to look back and realize it was for the best! In N Out i’d say truly created my love for fast paced environments, and always competing with myself to be better than I was before. I love to take the morals and work ethic I learned there and translate it to my current career as a makeup artist! Read more>>

Cristina Gonzales

My work ethic is deeply shaped by my multiracial heritage and the values instilled by my family. I grew up in the Midwest with a Mexican American father and a Polish American mother, in a blue-collar household where hard work and perseverance were core values. My parents balanced multiple jobs while raising a family and supporting our activities, from sports practices to school events. Their sacrifices and dedication taught me the importance of resilience and doing whatever it takes to achieve your goals. Read more>>

Bryce Miller

My work ethic definitely comes from several sources. I had a good number of high-quality role models growing up who taught me some of the most important lessons I know. I’m particularly grateful to those who got me started and helped me grow: Marty Jackson, Scott Nelson, Jeff Mattoon, Jeff Hildebrandt, Chris Thomas, Josiah Rasmussen, John Weygandt, Ben Edison, and Ed Olivett. Without these people, I can firmly say I wouldn’t have even gotten off the ground. Each one taught me not just how to be technically proficient, but also how to be a good leader, employee, friend, and man. The way they carry themselves showed me the kind of work and effort required for a truly high-quality outcome, and I am incredibly grateful for them. Read more>>

Dan Goodlife

My work ethic is deeply rooted in my upbringing and the experiences I had growing up. At the age of 6, I started cleaning up trash & debris at my father’s construction site, which taught me the value of hard work from a very young age. By the time I was 10, I took on the responsibility of being a paperboy, delivering newspapers to over 300 people every day. My parents weren’t wealthy, so my mom encouraged me to always have a job, allowing me to earn my own money and learn financial independence. Additionally, being a cub scout and later a boy scout instilled in me a respect for nature and the importance of perseverance and teamwork. Although growing up and paying my own bills and for my own car was challenging, it fueled my drive to keep working hard and searching for what truly makes me & others happy while giving me a sense of accomplishment. Read more>>