Parents teach us many things including how to be a parent. We can learn from their mistakes, sure, but we can also learn a lot from the things they got right. We asked successful entrepreneurs and creatives to open up to us about their parents and what they felt their parents got right.

John Roland Stahl

My parents always allowed me the freedom to form my own ideas and opinions. They had their own ideas, but they were always careful to allow me to make up my own mind about any idea or question that I might have. This has allowed me to develop an open mind to consider all sides of any question without being constricted into any kind of smaller box. Read more>>

Spencer Sanders

My parents instilled in me a love of music and arts from a very young age. Some of my earliest memories were perusing art galleries, attending music in the park, and listening to Rachmaninoff on the way to school. They taught me to listen to my gut, always stand for what’s right, and to make the world a better place by being in it. They’ve been endlessly supportive of my music, and I’ll be forever grateful. Read more>>

Elijah Malik

I was born into a family of professional musicians, so music has always been a fundamental part of my life. Both of my parents turned their passion for music into successful careers, earning a respectable level of recognition for their craft. Growing up with parents who achieved their dreams showed me that it’s possible to build a life around creativity and imagination. Read more>>

Lauren Hunter

Growing up, our mother Kate Hunter told my siblings and I that we could do anything we dreamed of. Her unwavering optimism and faith in our innate capabilities turned out to be infectious—we believed we could too. Growing up, I watched my peers question if opportunities were right for them, or if they should bet on themselves and take the risk. I now recognize the healthy sense of self esteem/efficacy I enjoyed was a product of watching my mother- live this belief through her actions each and every day. She single-handedly saved us from doubt. As an adult and mother myself now. I recognize the love and gift this is. Read more>>

Shinya Arasuna

My parents definitely influenced my musical career. My dad is a singer, although he had a full-time job, and my mom is a music lover. I started playing the piano at the age of 4. I don’t know why my parents wanted me to play the piano—strangely, I’ve never asked them before. I only remember my mom asking me if I wanted to learn how to play, and I said yes. That’s how my musical journey began. Read more>>

Kaelyn Ruas

Growing up, my parents instilled in me a strong work ethic and a sense of direction. My mom and dad were a great example of this willingness to try new things – after living in the same neighborhood their whole lives, we decided to leave Connecticut and everything we’d ever known for sunny Florida, just to take that chance to experience something better. That kind of spontaneity is hard to live up to. My mom loved to cook and bake, but what stood out more was her approach to experimenting with new recipes – it was less of a love for the warmth but a love for the challenge each new recipe presented to her skills. She cooked with confidence and competency. Read more>>

Erin Jackson

My parents, Pamela and Mike Jackson, have been a constant source of unwavering support and encouragement throughout my life. One of the greatest things they did right was instilling in me the belief that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. Whether it was signing me up for singing lessons (despite the fact that I’m not exactly Grammy material), encouraging me to write, supporting my attempts at learning guitar, or even standing by me as I embarked on the challenging journey of starting my nonprofit, The Jonathan Brown Mental Health Foundation, they’ve always been in my corner. Read more>>

Clara Woods

What my mom, Betina, did right was believe in me when no one else did. She saw potential in me that others couldn’t see and refused to let my challenges define who I could become. From the beginning, she motivated me to grow, to try, and to create. Even when things were hard, and the world didn’t seem to understand me, she never gave up on me—or on the dreams we shared. Read more>>

Jeyson Herrera

“My parents instilled in me the importance of honesty, integrity, and having unwavering faith in what I do. They taught me that success starts with believing in myself and in the path I choose, but always guided by values and principles rooted in God. From a young age, they emphasized that our actions must reflect a commitment to doing what is right, not just for ourselves but for others as well. This foundation of faith and strong moral values has been the compass that guides me in every aspect of my life, both personally and professionally.” Read more>>

James “b-tip” Brown

My parents did right, with giving me unconditional love. I remember having nice Christmases, father taking me to live professional sporting events. The biggest one was, Super Bowl XIV Steelers vs Rams. My mother took me to my firlst live concert @ the age of 4. The concert was “The Jackson 5” & Radio City Rockettes. They showed me you can be a business owner & have other good paying jobs. Read more>>

Hillary Kent

I remember every season as a young girl through memories on my skin – rough, dry dirt and scratchy branches on my arms and legs from crawling under bushes in summer/ the chill of wet leaves on my hands in autumn/ the bite of the winter wind on my cheeks while playing in the snow/ and being proud of my bruises and cuts on my legs in the spring from jumping off rocks and chasing lizards on boulders. Read more>>

Dr. Latoya Thompson, Pt, Dpt

The Foundation of My Journey: Lessons from My Parents My journey in both medicine and wine is deeply rooted in the values instilled in me by my parents. As entrepreneurs who fearlessly pursued their dreams while raising a family, they set a powerful example of what it means to work hard, dream big, and never let challenges deter you from your purpose. Read more>>

Taylor Williams

My parents have thought me everything that I know. They gave me all their knowledge and insight on things that they went through. They have been a huge impact on my life and career they have guided me to where I am at today. They are my biggest supporters and put me on the path I am today to start my career. Without them I wouldn’t be here so all glory to them. Read more>>

Clover Ford

My parents did right by introducing me to God and music, two pillars that have profoundly shaped my life and career. Being raised in the church gave me a strong foundation, helping me understand the “why” behind life’s triumphs and challenges. It instilled in me the importance of resilience, faith, and finding positivity even in difficult times. God has always been my anchor, and as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to see how He continuously lifts me up in ways I couldn’t fully grasp before. Through His gift of music, I’ve been deeply rooted in R&B, gospel, and other genres that not only brought me joy but also led me to the world of film and TV. Read more>>