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.

Lexie Burton | Boudoir Photographer

The most important lesson I have learned from my business is to be myself. It seems so simple and easy but when you are in the service industry and food going on the table for your family is dependent on you providing the best service possible, it’s easy to fall into pleasing people and not being true to yourself. The moment I owned who I was and started acting like me, I found my groove and could provide the best possible experience to my clients because I wasn’t worried about putting on a front. My clients know, now, that I can relate to them. That I am just like them. That my intentions with their sessions are true. Given what I do is SO vulnerable, how on earth do you get someone comfortable with you if you aren’t comfortable with you. I go on this journey with my clients. The journey of self discovery and self love. Since I started boudoir, I have never been more comfortable with the person that I am and I have my clients and boudoir to thank for that. Read more>>

Alexa Conomos | Retired Broadcast Journalist & Real Estate Agent

The most important lesson I’ve learned throughout my career as a broadcast journalist and a real estate agent is the power of emotional intelligence (EQ). Emotional intelligence runs so much deeper than pure book smarts. It’s the ability to delve deep and understand and manage your emotions and the emotions of those around you. It’s the key to unlocking your true potential and to realizing your greatest level of authenticity. Having a high EQ empowers you to reduce anxiety, empathize and connect deeply with others, defuse conflict, improve relationships, effect change in yourself and others, and overcome life’s various trials and tribulations. Emotional intelligence gives you the courage and fortitude to turn intention into action and to take risks in life – both professionally and personally. So develop, nurture and respect your emotional intelligence, because with that gift, you can do anything. Read more>>

Eric Sacks | Owner & Director

It’s quite pertinent to do something you Love, because there will be hard times and challenges that you’ll need to overcome. But your love of what you’re doing will pull you through b/c you actually enjoy it, and are passionate about it. Read more>>