Deciding to work for yourself is often cited as the best decision folks in our community have made. Hearing the same response over and over led us to ask them about the next best decision folks have made and we’ve shared their responses with you below.

Sandra Orellana | Transformational Coach

Investing in myself! I learned that my personal growth and well-being are my top priority in my capacity to serve overs. I removed the guilt that came from prioritizing this over other responsibilities and committed to investing time and energy in experiences that expand my mind, open my heart, and nurture my creative soul. So I take a morning off once a week and let my curiosity take me out on dates that spark my creativity. I believe that if I ever stop being curious, or feel like “I have arrived” I will get stuck and stop being helpful. Read more>>

Ahna Abuvala | Founder & Creative Director

The most pivotal decision, besides embarking on the journey of self-employment, is embracing your worth and standing your ground with confidence. Understanding the value you bring to the table is key; it allows you to set fair prices for your services or products, ensuring you’re not selling yourself short. Equally important is establishing clear boundaries—defining what you’re willing to take on and when, safeguarding your well-being and work-life balance. Learning to say no, graciously but firmly, is another crucial skill. It’s about prioritizing opportunities that align with your goals and values, even if it means turning down others. By knowing your worth, setting boundaries, and confidently saying no when needed, you pave the way for success on your terms, fostering a fulfilling and sustainable business. Read more>>

June Luxama | Creative Director & Tech Professional

Other than taking the leap to work for myself I think the other factor that greatly impacted my success was knowing who to keep around in my circle of friends & associates. The saying “birds of one feather flock together” is one that I grew up on and has a lot significance/meaning to me. Growing up through high school my parents always reminded me that you’ll be as successful as the people you keep around & that doesn’t necessarily boil down to monetary success. Having folks who are as driven, hungry, passionate and willing to teach and learn from each other while enjoying life is one of the hardest yet most important decisions I had to make on this journey. You always want to keep yourself around those who steadily inspire you & keep you on your P’s & Q’s. I used to advertise being a one man army but as I progressed in the creative realm realized that sometimes that’s an equation for a burnout. Read more>>