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.

Abigail Steffes

I would encourage anyone wanting to jump full time into photography to find a good mentorship or attend a workshop. It’s something I wish I had done, as now I’m seeing there are things I could have learned all at once much faster rather than trying to learn them all on my own over time by trial and error. Networking and meeting people is also a big advantage and something that I underestimated the value of. You can do a lot with online ads and connections now, but in person relationships and a network of people helps your business when you least expect it. Read more>>

Vanessa Brito

If i was able to start over, I would do so many things differently. The knowledge i had then vs what i have now are two very different things. i always had the gist of things when it came to business, i knew the basics but i didn’t know how to apply it. If I knew marketing played such a huge role in the business i was pursuing i would’ve took marketing courses way sooner ! I would’ve also sped up the process on almost everything i did, including restocking on inventory, properly marketing them, and releasing them, instead of waiting for feedback from people. Read more>>

Alejandra Carvajal

I believe that even though we do not have the possibility to bring time back, life does give us the opportunity to start over and do things in a different way. When I first started my business, I thought that by doing everything on my own I would have more chances to make more. Now as part of my growing experience I have learned that having a partner not only makes you stronger but brings you further. Recently I had the chance to do something different with the company, and it was partnering up with someone that not only complements me as a planner but also brings our work to a next level. Read more>>

Paul Smith

One of the things that I have always concerned myself with is security. Even though I had the entrepreneurial bug from a very early age, I always valued security. My want for safety outweighed my desire to make my own way in life. That being said, I have always had a side hustle. In school, I had two part time jobs. Read more>>

Marquetta DeVille

If I were to start my business over, I would make sure to capitalize on the programs and support offered for new businesses. After being in business for seven years full-time I am just now really learning on business credit, Business start up incentives As my husband and I have carried our business and expanded our business from our own pocket up until this point. Read more>>

Diana John

I, like many mom-start-up businesses, basically started my business as a hobby, and didn’t have a business plan in place. I just saw a need for a product, sensory kits to keep kids busy during the pandemic, and started making and selling them locally and to friends. Then, as things opened up as the pandemic went on, my business grew, I got busier, and it was harder to catch up on finances. Read more>>

Joshelle Jackson

It’s funny because I’m at a point in my business where I’m actually ready for a rebrand and growth with Retro Elle. When I first launched Retro Elle back in 2019, it was based off my previous personal story of being a single mom that battled with postpartum depression after having my daughter in 2013. My background story was all about how I created simple, natural beauty and aromatherapy products that I used during my tiny moments of selfcare when my daughter was a baby. My mission was all about simplicity and minimalism. Even if you only had, 15 minutes to use for yourself, take time for you. Read more>>