Our community is comprised of entrepreneurs and artists and creatives – folks who have chosen incredibly difficult professional paths that often don’t offer any safety nets or guarantees. Nonetheless, we regularly hear that being a parent is a far greater challenge and so we asked some of these folks to open up to us about the things they’ve done as parents that they feel will have a meaningful and positive impact on their child.

Toddraune Smith | Graphic designer/brand strategist

For me, I think the most important thing that I have done as a parent is be transparent with my kids. I try my hardest to be an open book. For example I make sure they see the process and not just the finish product. They understand that things have a cost, and in order to get the things you want from life, business, ect. you have to do the work even when no one is watching. I feel that if I don’t show them this perspective I am setting them up for failure, especially in the day and age of sharing only your highlight reel. Read more>>

Brittany Romero | Small Business Owner & Operating Room Registered Nurse

A big driving force behind starting this business was our children. My husband Anthony and I want to show our children that they can do anything that they set their minds to. As first generation small business owners, we take great pride in paving the way for them and teaching them the lessons that we are learning along the way. They are seeing the work that goes into our business, the time that it takes at all times of the day and week, and the sacrifices that we have had to make to start up this business. We would love to grow this business into something successful that they can choose to take over in the future, should they choose to. Read more>>

Danny Pando | Tattoo Artist

I think the most important thing I’ve done as a parent is cutting back on my work schedule and spending more quality time with my kids. In the beginning of my career I was driven to make the most money possible so that I could give them all the things I never had. Now my main focus is still providing for them but also making the most of our time together. Memories and quality time together are far more important than anything money could buy. Read more>>