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.
Jeremy Reid

My work ethic was adopted from my parents, and baseball coaches. I remember when high school became a challenge. Balancing baseball, marching band and school was difficult. My Mom pushed me and made sure I talked to my teachers, It taught me to be honest and work hard despite the flaws, you will get to the place you want to be. Read More>>
Willie Johnson

My work ethic stems from coding to brand myself above standard, self-starter, independent, open-minded, and expressive. These ideals and inspirations are obtained from family, mentors, and third parties. They are the voices that steer me toward productive values, a studious, observant nature, and the consciousness of the identity I aim for. Read More>>
Raymond Banks

I get my work ethic from my parents. Growing up I saw how hard they worked to provide a comfortable life for my brother and me. Their work ethic is why I push myself to work hard at everything I do and simply be the best at it. Read More>>
Laia O.

I get my work ethic from my mother and grandma. They both worked diligently to create an amazing childhood for me. Being raised by two strong & hard working women influenced me to start working at 17. At 18 – I started my first business. Although it didn’t go as planned, my mom encouraged me to keep going and chase my dreams. Years later I was able to create Castle Artistry & now it’s been 3 successful years of owing this business. I wouldn’t have been able to create it without the impact of my mom and grandma. Read More>>
Jared Vinson

My work ethic comes from a few places. My mother worked multiple jobs in order for me to have everything I needed and to be able to experience many things in the world. My father works very hard most days a minimum of 10-12hr days as a Lineman and has always been one of the first responders any time there is a hurricane. My work ethic comes from a few places. My mother worked multiple jobs in order for me to have everything I needed and to be able to experience many things in the world. My father works very hard most days a minimum of 10-12hr days as a Lineman and has always been one of the first responders any time there is a hurricane. Read More>>
Kyle Rose

I get my work ethic from my drive not to be the same as I was the day before. I am always looking for ways to improve and better myself in every capacity. I would say this stems from my background and not having much as a child growing up. I had to always push to get everything, and to this day, I work to take care of those who rely on me. I have big responsibilities and that is what pushes me and builds my work ethic. Read More>>
Brent Huff

I have always been willing to ‘pay-the-price’ if it is something I am passionate about. It started with sports in high school and college and then I just transferred that drive into being an actor, writer and director. You need action and discipline to achieve your goals. Putting in the work isn’t nearly as hard as being unsuccessful. Read More>>
James Kicklighter

I developed my work ethic out of necessity. Growing up in Bellville, GA, population 123, I didn’t have any connections to the entertainment business. To break in, I had to figure out how to do all of that work on my own — learning how to use a camera, edit, and craft a sensible story. Read More>>
Helena Brana

I learned my work ethic from my upbringing in a family where my father, a developer, demonstrated incredible dedication and commitment to his work. While I was always inspired by his work ethic, I never thought I would follow a similar path until I discovered my true passion for interior design in my mid-20s after completing university. Opening my own interior design company pushed my boundaries and fueled my creative spirit allowing me to channel the work ethic I had witnessed from my parents. Since then, my passion has driven me to apply that same level of dedication, and it continues to motivate me to this day. Read More>>
Stephanie Davis

My work ethic definitely came from my father and mother. My parents owned a restaurant when I was growing up and I was taught good customer service and strong work ethic from a very young age. I watched my parents successes and failures and I watched them do things always from a place of love and compassion and with a smile. Read More>>
Carmen Friday

I’m fortunate to have a lot of people in my life who have helped me develop my work ethic. Starting with family, they were and still, until this day are hard workers, and that encouraged me to follow in their footsteps. They’ve taught as well as shown me the importance and benefits of what hard work has to offer at a young age. This is why I’ve personally developed a mindset of never shying away from challenges. Read More>>
Brad Namdar

Thats a great question. A lot of times people don’t realize where their work ethic comes from or how it was developed.
In my experience, my drive, ambitions, successes, and life lessons I have learned have developed my strong work ethic. My work ethic is also derived from the countless unique life experiences, challenges, events, and people that I have met and learned from along the way. Read More>>
Lauren Murray

I believe that my work ethic was instilled in me through my parents since a young age. They always taught me the importance of working hard for what you want and that it is important to give 100% in all you do. My work ethic propels me forward to continue improving and delivering my best even when life is at its most stressful. Along with desiring to grow everyday within the realm of photography, it is the ability to do something that I love. One of the best advices my dad ever gave me was to bring passion wherever you go, especially during the mundane or challenging parts of life. Passion, hard-work, determination, optimism, and gratefulness work together to form my work ethic and drive to succeed. Read More>>
Linnea

Honestly, I believe it’s in my DNA. First and foremost, it comes from my mother. My mother was a hardworking single mother. She was always working and making a way for us. She was always perfecting her craft and learning. She wanted to be great at whatever she did, and she was! She IS!! She provided me with whatever I needed, and whatever I wanted. It was embedded in me at an early age that nothing comes easy, and that I have to put in the work. Not only to just put in the work, but to put in quality work, consistently. The rewards, the benefits, and the success will fall naturally into place. I’ve witnessed my mother’s greatest accomplishments through this very formula. Read More>>
Jasmine Hill-Carter

I get my work ethic from my grandfather and my mother. They are both hard working individuals and will do anything to provide for their loved ones. Velz Monroe is a premium brand that provides quality branded jewelry which you can wear everyday. It started as a fast fashion brand in 2012 but transition into a more upscale brand in 2022. After a long run as a fast fashion brand, it was time for a change. Our customers gave a lot of feedback and it was taken into consideration because the brand already had a development of a more luxury branding identity. Read More>>
Jacob Niemeier

I definitely got my work ethic from my father who modeled to me how to work hard and still be a strong family man! Working hard was instilled in me from a very young age as I had many experiences helping my father with projects around the house from renovations to building retaining walls to doing yard work, but if I am being honest, the greatest source of my work ethic was simply watching my father work so hard in his career as a Chemical Engineer and yet still have time to do house projects and even more importantly make time to be a present and actively engaged father. Read More>>
GM

I get my work ethic from my parents and my children motivate it to be stronger. When i talk about what i do i don’t like to just narrow it down to one thing because in actuality i am a creator i create music i create experiences and I’m a dad so i create life (GM Laughs). I feel like I’m here to bring back hiphop, in my opinion it’s been on a decline and i have a sound that nobody else has. Read More>>
Gregga Prothero

I got my work ethic from my mom. Watching her come to the US to start over, showed me that you got to go for things even when it seems scary and challenging. To not wait and not waste time on possible opportunities. But while doing it, do it out of a place with integrity. Read More>>
Keva Morris

“I started working at 14 and later left corporate America to pursue a full-time career in hair styling. My work ethic is shaped by experience, necessity, and passion.” “I am a versatile salon suite hairstylist, catering to a diverse clientele and constantly expanding my skill set. Beyond the salon, I relentlessly strive to enhance my abilities, always preparing for new opportunities. In fact, I have recently relocated and revamped my suite, creating a modern and vibrant ambiance to better serve my clients.” Read More>>
Aswand Cruickshank

I am a 4x published author, and host of the number one show on Innovative Teamwork, named the “Move Swiftly Podcast.” The main thing that I do, is educate business owners on how to implement innovative teamwork. I do this primarily through workshops, both in person and virtual. Read More>>
Indrea Gordon

QUAD focuses on the female entrepreneur. I believe that the clothing is just the talent. The real gift is when you can build someone from the inside out and show them their value through how they dress.. whether it’s speaking engagements or a business branding shoot, we are a people driven company. We also have a fashion program for children and young adults with special-needs. We cater to a group of individuals whose society often count out. Read More>>
Kishana Holland

I am the Founder & Lead Brand Strategist at Holland Group Public Relations. I am proud to be a women-led public relations firm well versed in the business of building brands. Starting my PR firm was derived out of necessity; when despite my experience and media background, top-tier firms would not hire me. In lieu of being discouraged, I stepped out on faith and created my own opportunity while carving out a unique lane for myself in the communications industry. Read More>>
Desmond O’Hagan
I get my work ethic from my parents. Both my parents were born and raised in Ireland, and have a very strong work ethic. I’m a fine artist working in oils and pastels. My paintings are of urban scenes, figuratives, interiors, still lifes, and landscapes.I have been a professional artist for thirty five years. I live in Denver, Colorado, and can be contacted through my website, www.desmondohagan.com. Read More>>
Krysta Jones

I get my work ethic from my Mother. Being raised by her and seeing first hand how she makes moves showed me there is nothing I can’t do. I have been in the commercial Cannabis space since the boom of Legalazation. Fast forward 15 years and I now consult and advise on projects across the globe. Read More>>
KIM POLOMKA

From my father, Brian Polomka a well known Adelaide South Australian architect married with my education at a Jesuit college. I attended an Art College Adelaide South Australia with a major in Fine Art painting. So this gives a clue. I starting having exhibitions in Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth Australia from 1974 to 1998, solo and group shows.. Read More>>
Nathan “Sloke One” Nordstrom
I am a full time artist from Austin, Texas. I started drawing at an early age. In 1990 I picked up the art of Graffiti and for the next 15 years painted all over the city. Since then I have transitioned into doing art for a living. I am currently getting ready to travel overseas for a Southeast Asia painting tour. I paint with the locals in each city I visit. Traveling and creating art has been a big influence for me. Read More>>
Sharelle Wilbert

My work ethic definitely come from my mother. My mother has always been a strong , hard working woman and she instilled that in me. I specialize in professional photography and I’ve been doing photography for over 12 years now and I would say photography is very rewarding! Photography is art to me and it truly makes me happy! This year I’m focusing on creating more projects and photographing fashion shows. Read More>>
Jared Shahn

First and foremost my mom my warrior and survivor and fighter she’s taught me everything in life to overcome challenges and all I also want to thank my supporters for pushing me and guiding me through obstacles in life when it comes to business thanks to my uncle for teaching me business ethics and planning things the right way Read More>>
Ashante Hamlett

Hello everyone! My name is Ashante Hamlett! You can call me Tae and I am a cosmetologist in Orlando, Florida that specializes in Natural Curly Hair, Layers and face framing or the “ Farrah Fawcett “ cut and foliage. I’ve been the industry for 4 years now and I love what I do! I provide the best customer service experience to all my clients and provide them with their hair goal dreams. Hair integrity is the upmost priority to me. Getting to your hair goals with the finest products this business has to offer. Read More>>
Alan Granger

Jprince taught me a lot watching him growing up. Studying the universe mastering emotional responses and practice makes perfection. Read More>>
Pierre Bustos

I get my work ethic from my parents. From a young age my parents always instilled in me the value of working hard to accomplish my goals. My name is Pierre I am a NYC born Tattoo Artist. I do original art based on my experience and what I see in every day society. I travel all over the world working on my art. My art is mostly floral color work. It is a fusion of different styles from realism to pop art. Read More>>
Toney Cosey

I gets my work ethic, from my Auntie and my team keep me going hard. I’m The Co-founder of Nu Level, and I’m New Money personal videographer.. I also write, produce and direct. Read More>>
Massiel Pena

Definitely my mom, I have never met anyone that works so hard and is so responsible with her work. Right now I’m working on growing both of my business the salon and the products company but I do have two other main goals and that is to have a nonprofit organization that can help with after school programs for kids 15 years and younger and to growth a small business I opened for my oldest daughter, as a mother I understand how difficult it is to find a good place for kids to stay after school and learn and craft or can simply be who they are. Read More>>
Idabagus Budiraharja

From my mother and my father. Im build busnises not just benafit our compeny also benafit our comunity. Get up early, nothing will be easy but if you work hard enugh everthing will be easy. Everything take time and anjoy your journey . Read More>>
Mrs. Katrina Scott

I started my company in 2019 along with my daughters. I do it all! (laughing) Really it’s like when you start a business. It is a dream come true because who would have thought this would be the plan 20 years ago. I love running the business and take pride in doing whatever has to be done. Rather it’s packing orders, answering emails, meeting with vendors etc. I love every aspect of running my business. I also, deliver orders locally to my older customers who can’t get around too good but really wants to support. Read More>>
Miesha Rice

My work ethic came from my Mother and my Grandmother. They were two very strong, resilient, brilliant, and hard working women who never gave up. My name is Miesha Rice, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I diagnose and treat mental health and substance use disorders. I am the CEO and Founder of Whole Family Healing Group, an outpatient mental health therapy practice. We are a healing place for the whole family. We help families, as well as individuals within the family system heal from past and generational trauma. We also work with children, military veterans and active military personnel. Read More>>
Cora Christian

I get my work ethic from my parents. I learned at a young age to work smart and not hard. I created an amazing product called Beyond Beauty Body Ice™️ The first of its kind created by a black African American it’s used To help all walks of life achieve their desired body goals without going under the knife. Read More>>
Raven Holmes

Im a major recording artist and business owner. My music career is more exciting to me, though I love everything that I do. I just released my new single Drippin Sava thats available on all major platforms. Read More>>
Sunny Love

Hi I’m sunny the owner of a amazing cbd holistic health business located in Atlanta Georgia I specialize in anxiety pain management I also educate people on the benefits of cbd and hemp it’s so many benefits to cbd health I’m truly grateful to share the knowledge Read More>>
LaDonna Walker

I got my work ethic from my mom. At an early age she use to wake my sister and I up early on Saturday mornings about . 7 am to wash wall , clothes and do any other chore. Those Saturday morning chores taught me as an adult to show up in time , be nice and neat and keep everything in place Read More>>
Randyman

My work ethic definitely comes from seeing the vision from start to finish and just being passionate about what it is im trying to accomplish. I’m a American rapper/Record label CEO of World Jam Music Group. I would have to say the most exciting and special thing about being a rapper, and CEO is just being able to reach others with the vocal pictures and even being able to affect someones life based of a situation that they may be going through. Read More>>
J J

Absolutely, I’m excited to share more about what I do and what I’m passionate about. I am the Chief Creative Officer and Founder of Greyson Enterprises, Business Consulting, and Design, located in sunny Miami, Fl. We are a full-service consulting and web design firm, providing a range of business solutions. Our services include: Read More>>
Kevin Jones

My work ethic comes from my mother. Growing up I always seen her work hard, keep a job, and put her best foot forward. I grew up having a passion for electronics. If it was reapairs, troubleshooting, selling I always did it all since the age of 15. After working for a major corporation company for 15 years I decided to start my own business and create generational wealth for my kids, while perusing my dream at the same time. Read More>>
Brianna Watts

My work ethic is inspired by other’s dedication to success and witnessing everyday people achieve their goals and dreams by simply putting in the work. “Employed Entrepreneur,” is how I would currently describe myself. I am the Founder and Owner of Brianna Watts Consulting and Services which is a Career and Business advising-service agency. I also work in the tech industry as a Talent Acquisition professional. Read More>>
Brianna Jones

I definitely get my work ethic from my parents.They both work super hard for whatever they want and they are both successful. I am the owner of BBrand Xtension hair company. We sell luxury hair bundles and also hair products like flat irons, bonnets, and we are currently working on getting hair growth oil. Read More>>
Micah Blair

BLERDOVER LLC is here to promote black excellence and P.O.C. (People of Color) excellence in the Blerd world. Also, we’re here to let the black community know that’s it’s ok to be different and to be yourself. If you are a Cosplayer, Artist, Actor, Author, Creator, Gamer, etc!!! We are here!! IF you want to join the Blerd world and you are looking for a start! We are here!!! IF you feel that you are alone and looking to meet Blerds, We are here!!! BLERDOVER IS A LLC NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION AND SAFE HAVEN FOR PEOPLE OF COLOR. We are here to motivate you and dedicate our time to promote your ideas to the world!!!! #BLERDOVER. Read More>>
Chris Morgan

As a child growing up. My Grandparents taught me very early…if you don’t work then you don’t eat! With that being said I was gonna work because I wanted to eat lol. That time instilled a natural habit of getting the the job done and not waiting for others. I’m very grateful for that time of my life. Read More>>