Helping more people thrive doing what they love or are passionate about means helping more folks learn from those who came before them and so we asked successful entrepreneurs, artists and creatives to tell us what they would do differently, knowing what they know now, if they were starting over.

Tangie Jackson

If I were starting over, I would believe in myself a lot sooner. I spent way too much time doubting myself and my photography talent. I was afraid to step out and start growing my business because I felt like I was not as good as other photographers out there. I did not believe that my work measured up. If I were starting over, I would start with believing that I have talent, I am good enough, and I deserve to be in the photography space. Read more>>

Matt Palmquist

What I would tell my 20 year old self knowing what my 44 year old self knows now, is a great question! I would seek out mentors immediately! Like-minded individuals who are or were in the industry to help expedite knowledge! I didn’t know what I didn’t know! I so desperately wanted to be successful but had no idea how to. I would highly recommend identifying those mentors quickly, and when you do, listen! Stressing the importance of listening is essential to success. You will start to expand your network, learning the ‘language’ of the industry, but not only that, you will start to learn how the industry operates! Listening costs absolutely nothing except time. But from paying attention, you will actually save yourself time and headaches. Read more>>

Kristen Burdick

If I were to start over with KBPhotography, I think the only thing that could have changed my course of path would’ve been choosing to go to a bigger art school. Doing this, I could’ve really put all my time into perfecting my craft of photography and had an atmosphere where I was surrounded by other creatives. I think bouncing ideas off of other creative minds and having more people to work with, including models and even fashion designers, would have definitely helped me get to where I am today a lot faster. Read more>>

Johnny Wilson III

If I were starting over, I would change my spending habits. I would want to do better with saving my money instead of splurging thru it. I had/have this habit of if I see something I want I need to get it right now. When in reality most of the times things can wait for another better opportunity. Read more>>

Ramona J. Smith

I knew nothing about sustaining a business when I first purchased my LLC and created my business plan. I would have trained under an entrepreneur and hired a business coach to help me understand how to actually run a business. I’ve learned that it is too easy to start a company. Anyone can purchase the name, sell products, create a website and social media pages. However, most people do not know how to keep their businesses running, how to scale their businesses and how to identify trends and new innovative ways to improve their businesses. These are things we are still working on at my company. Read more>>

CHRIS MCCLELLAN

I would tell any new business owner do not be afraid to be yourself and make a start. The world needs your unique voice, there’s only one you. Share boldly, if you’re making mistakes it means you’re growing. Most importantly, keep going forward even if it means pivoting. My intuition has never steered me wrong….but overthinking and soliciting advice sure has. There’s nothing we can’t learn to do and there’s no harm in starting exactly where you are with what you have today. What I would do differently is trust myself more, let myself put out exactly what feels right to me and pivot when it feels right. No one else can make decisions for your business, your image, your brand as well as you. Trust yourself, forgive yourself, believe in yourself and keep going. Read more>>

Isabella Vildosola

4 Things I wish I knew before starting my small business 1. Did not have a target audience – When I started Lucrecia, my target audience was the whole world; I had no target market nor direction. I started seeing success once I found my niche. 2.Did not know how to price my items – I had absolutely no idea what my margins were for the first few months. I was just excited to make a sale and have people interested on my items. When I finally sat down to crunch down the numbers (boringgg) I realized I was loosing money or breaking even 3.Underpriced my products Read more>>

Jordy Wallace

I’ve been in business full time (without a outside job) since 2016. I did ok. I made enough money to pay all my bills but only just barely. In October of 2020 I was burning out. I was exhausted and not enjoying my work at all. My passion had become and underpaid overstressed job. I had given my self a year MAX to turn it around or fold and go get a job. My neighbor told me about a business coach he had started working with so I thought, “Hey. I don’t really know how to run a business. It can’t hurt, I’ll give a business coach a try.” Read more>>

Sammy Bertalotto

If I had the chance to start over, I would take advantage of the rapid use of social media. Although I had it when I started out, new applications like TikTok and Instagram reels have been introduced. I do not have a TikTok, but I love making Instagram reels! They’re such an simple way to reach thousands of people way beyond your own followers. There are plenty of small businesses who go viral everyday for showing off what they do. Read more>>