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.

Jessica Poundstone

In the past, my work ethic used to come from fear and anxiety about not meeting my own standards, and not achieving what I wanted to achieve. My work ethic now comes from absolutely loving what I do. When you love what you do, nothing really feels like work. I feel so lucky to be in this situation at this moment in my life: I never take it for granted that I’ll be able to continue to work as a full-time artist and author, but I certainly hope I will! Read More>>

Jade Patteri

My parents and teachers have demonstrated incredible work ethic over the years! My parents are both in the industry and I’ve gown up watching them in their craft since I was 4. My parents taught me that resilience in this industry is everything, especially since it can be a number game. Believing in yourself is incredibly important, Especially when you’re more likely to here more no’s than you here yes’s. I grew up in a household where my parents were not only my teachers but also sent me some of the best teachers for this type of field.  Read more>>

Apurva Jadhav

My work ethic is deeply rooted in the example set by my father, Sanjay Jadhav. Growing up, I watched him approach every task—big or small—with dedication, precision, and humility. As a child, I didn’t always understand the long hours he put in or why he insisted on doing things thoroughly, but with time, I realized he was teaching me the most valuable lesson of all: to respect the process. Read More>>

Jennifer Morris

Thank you Bold Journey for giving me the opportunity to share my experiences.

I believe my work ethic stems from the jobs I’ve had over the years, and the valuable lessons I’ve learned along the way. It started with my first jobs – delivering newspapers, babysitting, and working at the mall. Those part-time jobs I had as a student taught me the basics of a strong work ethic: being on time, dependable, and always giving my best effort, no matter how big or small the task was. Read More>>

Brittany Alexander

My work ethic comes from one of the strongest women in my life, a woman who not only paved the way, she laid a solid foundation and legacy for me to follow and lean on. My Grandmother, Gloria Ockletree. A hairstylist, salon owner, therapist, friend, everything in one. I watched her as a young child working in the salon; providing the best customer service, salon etiquette, being a mother, friend to her clients, service provider, therapist, anything, anyone, that walked in her salon needed, she was. I didn’t know it then, but she was showing me the woman I was destin to become through hard work and dedication.  Read More>>

Robbie Grayson

I credit my work ethic to being born into an American military family stationed in Europe from the 1970s through the early 1990s. Growing up in West Germany and England during the unraveling of the Cold War gave me a front-row seat to revolutions, shifting borders, and waves of immigration—along with a constant undercurrent of tension, especially toward Americans. Those years taught me how to build trust across language barriers, communicate without fear, and prove to wary strangers that I was not a threat, but an asset. Read More>>

Amber Weiss

My work ethic came from growing up with a family that worked non stop. As a child, I was always around my grandmother. She worked 2 jobs and she kept her house spotless and was always on the go. My mother inherited that trait. She had 2-3 jobs outside the house and then would endlessly be working on some sort of project in the house.  Read More>>

Siera Capesius

My work ethic was shaped at a young age, thanks to the example set by my parents. They taught me the value of hard work, showing up fully, and always doing the best I can, no matter the task. That foundation instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility and pride in everything I do. Beyond that, I’ve always had a strong internal drive and a will that refuses to give in to the weaker side of myself. Even when things get hard, I push forward, knowing that growth and success come from discipline, resilience, and showing up even when it would be easier not to. Read More>>

 Jessica Maloan

When I was growing up both of my parents had multiple jobs. They had full-time 9-to-5s and taught classes at the local university. My dad was also in the national guard. We were always busy. I had lots of interests and my parents encouraged me to pursue them. I would go to piano lessons, soccer practice, ballet and lots of other clubs. My mom went back to school to pursue her doctorate degree when I was about 12 years old. She would drive an hour + away for each of her classes and work late into the night on her assignments. Read More>>

Melissa Cousineau

I learned a lot of self-discipline when I studied Animation at Algonquin College. Through the teachings of many amazing professors, I learned very crucial soft skills like time management and organization. I like to approach projects with a strong desire to learn and grow, and see how far I can push myself. Read More>>

J.E. Thomas

I credit my late mother with cultivating my work ethic. My dad was in the military and deployed overseas during my early years. While he was away, my mother raised my brother and me while also working full-time and taking continuing education classes. She led by example and, consciously and subconsciously, I modeled myself after her. Read More>>

Patrick Henry

My father, I grew up seeing him do scaffolding, welding, plumbing and electrical all while being a pastor and working a farm. So hard work has been regular to me Read More>>

DJ Spen

When I was young my parents would take me to where they were from, which was a rural part of Virginia in the states where they had tobacco farms and during the summer. My uncles were very involved with the tobacco business showing it to myself and my cousins, there was that and both my parents worked. My mum was an occupational therapist and my dad worked at a steel mill in Baltimore. They both worked for 30 years they had me later in their lives so watching how they operated and did things really helped to shape my work ethic. It trickled down to me and my brothers. I had two brothers in the military as well so all of things combined helped to create my work ethic. Read More>>

Louie McMillan-Grant

In short, from my family. Growing up being largely raised by a single mum, I saw her do everything from putting herself through nursing school, to building decks and chicken coops on her own. I learnt from her that a job worth doing should be done right. She was a person with a lot of responsibility and not a lot of help, and through her I learnt that with some jobs, even if they’re not a one-person job, you just have to work twice as hard. I’ve tried to bring that into whatever work I do, acting or not. Read More>>

Vu Lam

I get my work ethic from my family and personal experiences. Growing up, I watched my family work hard every day, no matter the circumstances, and that really shaped how I approach everything I do. When it comes to MacroMealz, I’m passionate about what I am building, and that passion drives me to put in the effort, stay disciplined, and constantly push to get better not only for myself but for my clients. Read More>>

John Rotellini

My work ethic comes from a few different places. To start, I’m very fortunate to come from a close-knit family full of good, hard-working people. The examples set by my parents and grandparents early in life helped instill a strong foundation—one that values hard work, putting in the effort, being smart and thoughtful about how the work gets done, taking healthy pride in the results, and being willing to be wrong, own mistakes, and learn from them. I’ve also benefitted from a very supportive community growing up that made it possible to chase some very big dreams. Read More>>

Valentina Shelton

Work ethic is the one thing one can control, cause the rest of world, especially in the arts, is all out of our hands.
In college I was in the vocal and piano studios in jazz conservatory, even though I wasn’t allowed to get 2 degrees on paper. But I didn’t care about the units/degree. I wanted to just keep learning piano (as well as voice) because I loved it with all my heart, and I wanted to be a professional one day, singing and playing those two instruments, at the same time. So I showed up to every lesson, class performance, I did twice as many units as I was allowed but I just kept watching and listening how the other guys were playing. Read More>>

Tyler Middendorf

I think my work ethic comes from a combination of factors. First, I’ve always been driven by a sense of personal responsibility, I like knowing that I’ve done my best, no matter the outcome. I also grew up around people who valued hard work and perseverance, so that mindset was instilled in me early on. Seeing others put in the effort and push through challenges really motivated me to do the same. Read More>>

Candice Lambert-McAndrews

Both of my parents worked while I was growing up, and I watched them show up every single day with dedication and purpose. My father, a general in the Army, lived by a strong personal ethos—he always put his soldiers before himself. My mother broke barriers in her field, becoming the only female manager at a company focused on intelligence and scientific work. Read More>>

Ian Coulter-Buford

I get my work ethic from my village—my family, the people I grew up with. For example, my mother worked a full-time job, went to school full-time, and raised me as a single mom. Watching her navigate all of that taught me that nothing is just handed to you. The people in my life have always shown me that wanting something isn’t enough—you have to work for it. And if you stay committed, put in the effort, and have faith, it will happen. Read More>>

Lindsey Madison

I get my work ethic from my mom—hands down. One of the greatest lessons she ever taught me was the value of hard work and education, and that your happiness and success should never depend on anyone else. She was a single mom raising two babies while working three jobs just to make ends meet, and not once did she ever complain. Her strength, resilience, and determination shaped so much of who I am today. By her example, she showed me that women are capable of incredible things—and that we deserve all the love, happiness, and success we work for. I carry that with me in everything I do. Read More>>

Dr.Richa Gupta

I inherited my strong work ethic from my family of doctors, where discipline, dedication, and compassion were a way of life. Growing up in a medical household, I witnessed the value of hard work, long hours, and the commitment to helping others. This environment instilled in me a sense of responsibility, resilience, and a deep respect for excellence in everything I do. Read More>>

Sherrie Storey

I get my work ethic from my own self-worth, self respect, self esteem, caring about how I show up for myself and others in my circle and protection of my name. My name invaluable. I go above and beyond expectations. Read More>>

Erin CarrZ

Definitely the way I was raised. We were taught to work hard, have resilience and always have a purpose.

My dad was a business owner himself and worked very hard over the years. I think my siblings and I just always watched that and knew that if we wanted to create a nice life hard work & a good work ethic is what it takes. Read More>>

Siedra Loeffler

I grew up watching my mother garden in the summer until it was too dark to see and the bats were out. She would come into the house with dirt encrusted knees and a smile on her face as she offered me and siblings the sweet lettuce and snap peas she had grown. Working in the garden is still her happy place- a place of optimism and slowing down, a place of nourishment. Read More>>

Gary Barker

Because I love what I do, creating art on the Garfield strip or comics or teaching at Ringling College. There are times that I have to motivate myself but my career has been about deadlines and that keeps me motivated. Read More>>

Christin Sofka

I think my work ethic definitely comes from my mother. She raised my sister and I with the mindset that nothing in life is free. So, from a young age, we did chores around the house to earn money and the freedom to do things we wanted to do. As I got older, I did work for neighbors and family friends until I was able to get a “real” job at the age of 16. My mom was extremely supportive and made sure I understood how important it was to do my job well. Read More>>

 Judy Redlich

I grew up in a home where we learned how to work hard from our parents and other good role models along the way.I saw a plaque on one of my boss’s desk that said “The only way to fail is to give up. and my own moto is “nothing good comes easy” So you go after your goal till you either reach it, or Read More>>

Norma Monterroza

Honestly, I get my work ethic from my parents. They’ve always led by example I saw them put long hours, and always committed even when things got hard, just showing up every day and getting things done, I grew up watching them put in the effort, whether it was at work, or at home. They’ve always worked hard to give my siblings and I everything they could give us, it may not have been much, but we were blessed. Read More>>

Sierra Sturgis And Hannah Winiger

Our work ethic began with the strong desire to grow, lead, and refine the beauty industry.

We want to create beauty with our art, but more importantly, we want to create an atmosphere of relatability.

We’ve both been in the beauty industry for years. We’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. The beauty industry can be competitive and cutthroat- and as much as we love a challenge, the bigger challenge was making our clients feel comfortable, heard, and seen exactly where they are. We don’t ever want to change who someone is. We want to meet them where they are at.
Our work ethic comes from our passion for the above sentiments. Read More>>

Alyssa Lioce

In my life I have been fortunate enough to have great role models, my father and my grandfathers. They gave me my work ethic and taught me that hard work really does pay off. My grandfathers migrated to the United States with nothing and built a life for themselves and their families. My papa successfully created a restaurant empire while my nonno taught himself all contracting functions and established a career. My dad worked three jobs to support his wife and three children. Read More>>

Makenna Woods

I take pride in my strong work ethic, which I inherited from my family. Coming from a long line of dedicated individuals—from farmers to social service professionals—I’ve learned the value of hard work and the commitment that comes with long hours. Read More>>