One of the most important lessons we learned is that our lives and our businesses will teach us along the way. We don’t need to know everything on day one because the challenges we face on day will likely be ones we are already equipped to handle. As we overcome challenges we get better and better and as the challenges increase in difficulty so too does our ability to tackle them.

We asked members of the community that we admire to share important lessons their business or career has taught them and have shared some of those responses below.

Janiel (Lopi) Lopez | Model & Fashion Influence

One of the most important lessons, I feel, I’ve learned throughout my career, is being able to understand people. Communication is a part of our daily lives and while building my career networking becomes one of the most important tasks you must carry out at almost every event. I gained better people skills and communication skills. This also helped me overcome a lot of my anxiety and tap into my true raw personality . Read more>>

Karla Aponte Roque | Registered Nurse & Miss Connecticut USA 2023

Working in healthcare has taught me that you need to find a moment to care for yourself. Working twelve-plus hour days and hearing stories that can tug on your heartstrings can have you feeling drained. For me, I get to recharge my batteries as Miss Connecticut USA. It seems strange to find joy and relief through competing in a pageant but it does! It allows me to be involved in my community and have a sense of normalcy, sharing my message of health in all aspects. Read more>>

Hiedi Handford | Healer & Wellness Consultant

Compassion for the human race. Read more>>

Emily Chan | Event Coordinator

In 2018, I was introduced to the one and only Jen So, CEO and Founder of Campfire Events by my cousin, Karen Chan at a Kate Spade Bridal Event. To say the least, that is where my journey in the event industry started! As an individual whose first job was in retail, I had no idea how events were managed, what vendor relations consisted of, and how much time it truly takes to put an entire production together. Read more>>

Alex Mendel | Assistant General Manager / Director of Residences (The Estates at Acqualina)

I would say the most important lesson I have learned through the Hospitality business is to treat everyone encounter, guests, residents, team members, vendors, etc. the same. I treat each interaction as if it is my most important as this is how I would like to be treated. This is something that allows me to focus my attention on that interaction and that person no matter who that is. I feel this is so important in my business as it is all about forming and keeping strong relationships. Read more>>