We asked some of the brightest folks in the community to open up to us about the most important lesson their business or career has taught them. We’ve highlighted some of those responses below.

Tracey Broussard | Writer & Martial Artist

When your work stems from love, you can’t lose. Everything and everyone is connected and paying it forward is the greatest of paychecks. Love of karate and wanting to see our virtues and techniques archived gave me the courage to start a small publishing company. My graphic designer, Melissa, became interested in karate while working on our books and became my student. She got to know some of our physician black belts and changed her college major. She is now a family medicine doctor with the V.A.. Rebekah was my karate student who proofread our books. She fell in love with martial arts and consequently felt the military was her calling. Rebekah served in Afghanastan and was named Chaplain of the Year in the U.S. Army. Read more>>

Paula Heaven-Swaby | Event Designer

Being in business has taught me many tough lessons. Most importantly, it’s not enough to simply work hard to succeed. There is so much more required. Some things are expected, while others are not. It’s the unexpected issues that you don’t have a plan for that can really take a financial and mental toll on you. I’ve learned that while planning is the key to success, you cannot plan for every possible scenario and you just have to create a game plan for things that are simply out of your control. Read more>>

Deja Elyze | Vocalist of Yardij

Someone will always want it more than you do. Don’t get comfortable, don’t push it off for tomorrow, and don’t wait for things to happen. Make them happen. And in that same breath, resting and resetting is still doing something. Be intentional with your rest. Read more>>

Njeri Plato | West African Folklore dance instructor, founder and executive director of Delou Africa.

As the founder of Delou Africa Dance Ensemble, which has been in existence since 1987, and continues to strive under the umbrella of it’s expansion as a non-profit 501 (c)(3) cultural arts community based organization, Delou Africa, Inc. has taught me determination, resiliency, accuracy, transparency, and being current. These are some of the attributes that has contributed to Delou’s success. Read more>>