We’ve been fortune to connect with so many brilliant, thoughtful entrepreneurs and creatives and we regularly ask them about the most important lessons they’ve learned over the course of their careers. We’ve shared some highlights below.

Patricia Burmicky | Photographer & Founder of PhotoUno Photography School

Throughout my 10 years of experience as a photographer and owner of a Photography School, I have learned that providing an experience that goes beyond clients expectations, from the beginning, is a key success factor. Just as important, it is critical to surround yourself with staff who are aligned with your business core values. I had no idea how much these experiences would help us in a time like this. When we began social distancing practices due to COVID-19 in early March, it was very stressful. However, from day one, having a great team made all the difference for finding a solution that would help all of us. Read more>>

C.L. Brown | Poet & Author

The single most important lesson that I’ve learned is that success cannot be realized until you’ve learned to believe in yourself, in your work, in your journey. At the onset of my career, as an author, I had absolutely no faith in myself. And why? Because, I simply could not fathom the thought, or the idea of someone exchange their hard-earned money for a book that I had written. And so, to be quite honest, the first book I published was the end result of everyone else, except myself, believing that I had something worth saying; something worth hearing. Something that was worth paying for. Read more>>

Gabriela Marie | Hairstylist

Hard work pays off! It was not always easy, but I constantly reminded myself that there was an end goal. I worked full time while going to beauty school and I wanted to give up many times. But with a support system and hard work, I focused on the bigger picture. After five years, I just recently opened up my own salon suite, and I am looking forward to what’s to come in the next five years! Read more>>

Lisa Crichlow Helly | Model, Author & Non-Profit Founder

I have learned to invest in myself. When starting up, there are very few people who will be believe in your dream or vision and even fewer who will contribute to making it happen. It is usually after some sort of big success that we here the same naysayers then say “I knew you could it!” As frustrating as this is, I am a FIRM believer that everything happens for a reason. There are seasons in life where God will allow you to purposely be alone or not have the support of others, even though they love you. This is for two reasons: to get closer to Him and to learn to encourage ourselves. Read more>>