Society has its myths about where we learn – internships, books, school, etc. However, in our conversations with some of the most interesting and trailblazing entrepreneurs and creatives we noticed the biggest lessons they learned about work often came from unexpected sources. We’ve shared some of those responses below.
Valeriana Wick
My grandmother taught most about work and the native way of using what the earth gives , to assist us in life. She is a small women, but a power house. She taught all of her grand children the natural way. From food source, botanical that help with medical concern and of course, how some herbs/botanicals that assist use with our external concerns as well Read More>>
Emilio Tirado
I only had a short amount of time with my dad in my life. Within that time before he passed away when I was 12, he showed me how important it is to work hard. Read More>>
Lily Jousson
My grandfather was the first one to recognize and nurture my artistic path. As a child, we would invent drawing games together; little worlds on paper that felt like secret adventures. As I grew older, when pursuing art didn’t seem like the most sensible path, he kept urging me to follow it anyway. Read More>>
Shenel Rimando
My parents taught me the most about work. As some people know, I was born in the Philippines, raised in Chicago, went to college in Houston, and was recruited to work in the construction industry in San Antonio 10 years ago. I would not have been this ambitious to move to different cities on my own had it not been for my parents. Read More>>
Dede Croy
My mom, who has since passed away in Jan 2024 taught me everything I need to know about work. She once told me to work hard. Not to expect someone else to carry me that I would need to make my own way. Read More>>
Emily Aborn
A strong work ethic and dedication are in my DNA. My grandfathers (on both sides) owned businesses. My mom’s dad (my Grampy) taught me the most about the power of customer service and work. He owned a general store on a peninsula in rural Maine, where I had the pleasure of working one summer. His commitment to his customers and business was unparalleled. Read More>>
Amy Adams
Although it wasn’t the healthiest relationship, my ballet teacher really taught me the importance of punctuality, professionalism, and trying ones hardest. Showing up consistently and giving 100% while there will go really far, as most people don’t have that foundation. You don’t have to be the most talented person in the room, you just have to show up for yourself. Read More>>
Sam Reti
The person who taught me the most about work is my dad. When I was twelve, I got my first guitar. My dad had been a professional drummer back in the 80s before moving into the world of technology, so I grew up in a house filled with both music and gadgets. But I was never pushed into either world. Read More>>
David Machuca
I attribute my strong work ethic to my parents. Throughout my childhood, I observed their unwavering dedication—regardless of the weather, they consistently ensured my siblings and I got to school before heading to work themselves. They rarely, if ever, missed a day. As soon as I was old enough, I began assisting my father with various tasks. Read More>>
Loren Lewin
My husband. His work ethic is unlike anything I’ve ever seen—when he sets his mind to something, he makes it happen. Watching the way he commits, follows through, and never wavers has been such an inspiration for me as a founder. He constantly reminds me that grit and consistency are just as important as vision. Read More>>
Silas Hite
My family has always been my example. My mother and father are self-starters, creating their own jobs and working hard to sustain their unique lives on their own terms. Many people in my family started their own companies and are self-employed, actually. Read More>>
Jackson Kibby
When I stepped away from the stage and into film, I didn’t do it alone. I had people who believed in me, challenged me, and showed me what it really means to be a filmmaker. Trevor Najera gave me the first push into seeing stories through a cinematic lens. Read More>>
Veronica Camacho
The people who taught me the most about work weren’t always the ones giving me praise—they were often the ones who showed me exactly how not to treat others. When I started out at 23 as an assistant stylist, I had the privilege of working alongside big-name stylists, directors, photographers, and celebrities. Read More>>
Kenyatta Ashford
My father, Leroy Ashford, taught me the most about work. He worked two jobs for over 20 years to provide for my siblings and me. He had a stable 9-to-5 job, which allowed him to afford health insurance, and was also an entrepreneur in his own right. Read More>>
Marin Davis
I’d say my entrepreneurial spirit began at a young age. I come from a multi-generational farming family in Kansas where my great grandfather started 4-H in Coffey County. I was a 4th generation 4-Her and Miss 4-H 2009. I also represented Kansas in D.C. Read More>>
Stuart Heir
When I was 18 years old I was a Photographer’s apprentice in a Japanese Studio in NYC. The hours were long and everything had a place and you were expected to do your best always. Read More>>
Desmond Ross
I’ll always be grateful for my parents who taught me the most about work. Their hard work and quiet strength gave me and my brother everything we needed, without ever showing the weight they carried. They instilled the drive in me to push forward no matter what. Read More>>
Althea Robotham
My parents. Being raised by 2 Jamaicans is no easy task. They were extremely strict and adamant about my going to school, getting a degree, getting a job, earning, and moving out in that order. 🙂 Along the way, I was taught many precious gems. Always show respect to others unless they cross the line. Read More>>
Leslie Short
My parents gave me my work ethic. They taught me that whatever I chose to do, I should do it to the best of my ability, and never measure myself against others. My first ballet teacher reinforced that lesson early on. In her classes and rehearsals were work. There was no room for distraction, no space for half effort. Read More>>
