We asked some brilliant entrepreneurs, artists and creatives to reflect on lessons they’ve learned at prior jobs. We’ve shared highlights below.

Ali Pilli

There have been more than a few experiences while working various jobs which have taught me about being an artist/creator. However, this one really stands out as an important experience in developing as an artist… I was working as a cake decorator, training alongside and to eventually take over for a bakeries head cake decorator- think cake boss. I had just finished my diploma in illustration a year before and was getting antsy about working as a freelance artist- this was a time of pre-social media so getting artwork out there was different and required a confidence level I was not yet at. Read more>>

Crown By Mimi

I use to work at Chase before becoming a full time entrepreneur. When I was first hired I was sitting orientation. We were going over the different types of customers that a representative could come across. How to adapt to each type of personality that way your able to help your customer without overwhelming them. For instance if you have a customer who shy you want to approach them with a softer tone. That always stuck with me because I service many of clients and they all have different personalities and still use that same approach. Read more>>

Jeanine Ertl.

One of the most impactful lessons I learned was while serving in the Peace Corps in a remote South American rainforest. I was freshly graduated from UC Berkeley, especially optimistic, and ready to experience the world beyond Southern California. Even though my travels led me to a tiny village tucked away in the bush where I was settling into learning a foreign culture and language, I quickly learned something very important — that everyone loves to learn! Read more>>

Eloy Manalo

Preparation is the number one thing I’ve learned that has helped me immensely in my line of work. As a freelance cinematographer and photographer in the entertainment industry, time spent preparing for your next gig is everything. The only thing it may cost is your time, but it pays itself off many times over. Read more>>

Marialaura Lucchetti

Before having my own design brand I have been working as product development manager for luxury fashion groups as Chanel and others. Those years working for such amazing companies gave me the chance to learn how the fashion biz works, basically the whole process from the idea to the finished product. In particular developing top quality products have given be the necessary knowledge of components and materials that is needed by a good designer to create good collections. Read more>>

NAMEFOREIGN

Biggest lesson I’ve learned during my career is to always be as prepared as possible and never let nerves get the best of you. First time I was asked to produce and engineer for rapper The Game, I was full of nerves and wasn’t really prepared for the session I had ahead of me. I was in Tucson, AZ at the time we got the call to come into Burbank, CA for a studio session with Game and was told we needed to be out there asap. The last minute call just never allowed me to really grasp mentally what was happening. Read more>>