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.

Elizabeth Wexler

I get my work ethic from my parents. Both are extremely hard working entrepeneurs that had to work for everything they have. They are first and second generation Americans, put themselves through a ton of education and showed me the value and results of hard work in real time. Read More>>

Jason Dishon

I was raised in a structured, well-disciplined household by my father, who served in the Air Force, which instilled a strong sense of responsibility and accountability from an early age. Read More>>

Peter Farr

I’ve had the incredible fortune of sharing creative space and work space with some of the most tenacious, considerate, clever, and hard working folks a person could cross paths with. I learned from a young age from a variety of experiences what it truly means to ensure the show goes on, as it must. Read More>>

Sean Roswell

Mine is partly growing up in a family of 5 kids and partly growing up in 5-points in Denver where there was more creativity and talent than money in the 80’s and 90’s. Read More>>

Tony Cortello

I developed my work ethic from my parents. My mom was a teacher and raised 5 children, my father owned restaurants and worked really hard everyday for his family. Read More>>

Charles Young Jr

Over the years of working multiple different restaurants, different warehouses different tip agencies. I decided I wanted to start my own business I now had my business for seven years, but started seriously working on it two years ago Read More>>

Sundiata Jefferson

honestly, my work ethic comes from YAHUAH, ELOHIYM, YAHUSHA giving me the strengths of who I am today. As a photographer it takes their time to process what I developed today in life in general it’s self. Read More>>

Alexandra Repetto

I learned the true meaning of hard work and sacrifice from my mom, who dedicated her life to providing for us despite overwhelming challenges. She was a woman of incredible strength—navigating life as a single mother of three with only an elementary school education and very little English. Read More>>

Kara Vanderleest

My work ethic comes from family, specifically, my dad. He and his brothers started a business and worked extremely hard to grow the business into a very successful company. I grew up watching him work long hours and put in the time – even when he didn’t want to or things weren’t going well. Also, we grew up doing chores and knew what the expectations were for us around working hard. From early on, a sense of pride in one’s work and getting the job done well was instilled in me. Read More>>

David Arreola

Growing up, our household was a two income home. My father worked many years in the steel industry, as it supports many families in the Midwest; and my mother worked as a server in local diners while operating her own small business. Read More>>

Rajat Patel

My work ethic comes from pure passion and appreciation for all art forms, people, and cinema and to make that happen, It’s usually chaos but an organized one, Also, So, being able to manage that chaos with passion is the only work ethic that I follow, “Making it happen, No matter what!” Read More>>

Angelica Santibanez

I would say I get my work ethic from the following:
1. My parents, who left everything behind in their home countries and immigrated here from Cuba and Venezuela – they instilled in me the values of hard work and perseverance. I am so thankful to have been shown the way and be able to pursue my dreams of social impact work. It is because of them that I have a passion for service- service to God, family, work, country and community.
2. My mentors – both men and women who have guided me throughout the years. They have continuously pushed me to dream bigger and do better. Read More>>

Angela Meadows

“My work ethic is deeply rooted in my passion for the beauty industry and my commitment to my clients and team. Growing up, I was always inspired by the transformative power of hair and beauty, which motivated me to pursue a career as a cosmetologist. I believe that hard work and dedication are essential to achieving success, and I have always embraced the idea that putting in the effort leads to meaningful results. Read More>>

Mya Hardie

My work ethic simply comes from how I was raised. While growing up, my parents taught me that if I wanted something I wasn’t going to be getting it handed to me. I would save every penny until I could buy it for myself.  Read More>>

Suzy Sapir

My dad had an excellent work ethic and was a multi-skilled small business owner, newspaper publisher and teacher, As a teenager, I worked for him and watched how he put food on our table and made a living for his family. Read More>>

Iva Hladis

My work ethic was developed during my early years. I grew up in communist Czechoslovakia where most people had nothing, some had little and the government had everything. My family belonged to somewhere between nothing and very little, so anything I desired, wanted I had to go to work and raised the money myself. Read More>>

Veronica Quezada

My work ethic comes from my drive and family values. My parents taught me to be innovative, resourceful and hard-working. I started working and taking on responsibilities at a very young age due to necessity. Read More>>

Mahogany Stylez

I come from a family of hard working blue collar professionals. Growing up I observed my parents, aunts and uncle work hard and diligently to hold their families down, so I believe the work ethic is routed in me. Read More>>

Marty Peters

It started early on in life. I grew up on a small farm/ranch where there’s always work to be done. From the time I was old enough to lend a hand I was working. I learned at home that hard work, done well, completed on time was rewarded. Read More>>

Jessica Shearer

I get my work ethic from my parents. They were very hardworking and would do anything necessary to provide for their family. My father worked nightshift when I was young. He later had a job that would be physically laborious but he would always put in extra hours and do overtime. Read More>>

April Champagne

I would have to say that I get my work ethic from parents, I grew up on a 365-acre dairy farm and am the oldest of 6 children. It took working together, a lot of hard work to make everything function on the farm One thing that I always remember my dad saying was ” if you are going to do something do it right the first time”.  Read More>>

Deshawn Newby

I got my work ethic from Kobe Bryant. He has been such an inspiration in my life. How he carried himself in the NBA, with his ability to block out the noise and lock in has always inspired me. Read More>>

Della Washington

I got my work ethics from my father, never be late and always show up. Be a team player and support the people you work with and to be a leader. Read More>>

Desiree’ Kinney

My family had humble beginnings coming from Guyana in South America. Inspired by my mother’s trajectory and her journey to the US made me want to work harder, not just for me, but to give back to my family one day. It wasn’t just about the “American” dream, it was about making a difference in the lives of others. “Be the change you wish to see in the world” – Gandhi Read More>>

Beverly Wyche Reid

I’m Beverly Wyche Reid, and My Events Intimate Studio/Decor and Beyond by Bev, LLC is more than just a venue—it’s the realization of a lifelong passion for creating unforgettable experiences. As a proud veteran, seasoned HR professional, and event designer, I understand the value of excellence, organization, and meaningful celebrations. Read More>>

Tyranicorn

I had a strong work ethic instilled in me since I was a child. I was consistently challenged by my family to read, learn, and be a hard worker. They say, “you are who you surround yourself with.” Therefore, I try to connect with and be around individuals who are driven and successful, so that I am always putting my best foot forward. Read More>>

Narvis Kennel

I have owned a business for 7 years now and although it is one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done, it is also one of the most rewarding. One of the key ingredients to a successful business is a strong work ethic. Read More>>

Chloe Corso

I credit much of my work ethic to my parents. I feel so grateful to have two parents who have instilled such valuable qualities in me. My mother is a full-time artist and has been my entire life. She works from home, so I grew up watching her clock in and out of our own home, which is not easy to do when you have kids and dogs running around. Read More>>

Monica Davis

As an Afro-Latina from Panama, I’ve always been deeply rooted in a culture of perseverance and community. Hard work isn’t just about personal success—it’s about creating opportunities, uplifting others, and leaving a meaningful impact. I carry that mindset into everything I do, whether launching a business, pursuing my degree, or raising my children. Read More>>

Natacha Sanchez-ramirez

I get my work ethic from my father. From a young age he inspired me to know the value of hard work and the benefits of his labor. I learned from then, that I wanted to take the entrepreneurial route at some point in my life. Read More>>

Curtis Fuszard

My work ethic comes directly from my parents. Both were loving and disciplined; supportive but demanding. A favorite phrase from my father: “The job’s not done until the tools are put away.” Read More>>

Ann Duskus

vI grew up sheltered and privileged financially. And as a creative person who learns better non-traditionally, I never grasped the concept of being “academically successful”. In other words, the lack of hardships in my youth never propelled me to work harder to change my circumstances. Because the circumstances were good, I developed little, if at all any work ethic. Read More>>

Joel Hitchcock Tilton

My mother. My mother was a single mother for the first few years (I wasn’t yet born). My entire childhood she worked 70 hours a week. She’d wake up for 4:00AM, read four newspapers cover-to-cover, then get us ready for school. Read More>>

Lockinvar “lock” Denis

I get my work ethic from my parents. Watching them work day and night to give me the best life possible inspired me and showed me that you have to hustle to get what you want. But it’s not just about working hard—it’s also about maintaining great energy and inspiring others to be the best versions of themselves Read More>>

Weyodi Oldbear

I think one of the biggest misconceptions about being a writer, or any kind of artist, really, is the idea that you only work when inspiration strikes. Nothing could be further from the truth. As a writer the more you write the better you write and in the end the more likely you are to be at work when that great idea, or that great line, comes to you like a bolt of lightning. Read More>>