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.

Dariush Mash | Producer and Performer

That nothing happens overnight. To this day I’m still working hard towards this career, and the more I go forward, the more I realize the amount of work that this career requires. But also, another one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you never know who’s gonna be the one that helps you. You have to be nice to everyone, and never cut contacts with people, unless they are damaging you and your brand. Read more>>

Eric Anthony | Photographer

It’s okay to say no. All business is not suitable for the company. Our brand is a reflection of our values. Read more>>

Gabe Dennis | Model & Actor

The most important lesson that my career in modeling has taught me is that everyone is not going to see your vision or support your dream. I had a lot of people that I considered close friends say that I was crazy to put all my energy into modeling and acting. I had to learn quickly that everyone is not going to be for you and that I couldn’t let others opinions deter me from what I want for myself. Read more>>

Kennedy West | Instagram Influencer & Social Media Coach

The most important lesson that I have learned in my Instagram career is investing in my brand. When I say investing, I’m talking about financially, time-wise, and effort in networking. When I started taking my social media career serious was when I was featured on a police officer’s page (Officer Tommy Norman – @Tnorman23) that has over 1 Million followers. He displays bringing the community and also working hands on with the community of North Little Rock, Arkanasas. When people seen me on his page, and they found out I was going to college in Dallas, Texas…people invested in me, and they didn’t even know me. Read more>>

Tiffany Rose | Co-founder & Luxury Candle Maker

The most important lesson my business has taught me is that I have to show up. When I am tired, when I am not at my best, when I am uninspired. I must show up. Read more>>

Bita Motiie | Co-Founder/ Community Manager / Content Creator

I believe during my time working in social media and as a community builder, I’ve learned that showing up. Half the time others don’t go the extra mile, better yet they don’t even take the 1st step. I started by taking the 1st step in introducing myself whenever I met a really cool speaker or professor I enjoyed. Being able to go up and introduce myself to people helped me gain my 1st layer of confidence. Read more>>