One of the best things about video games is the ability to restart – you can use your learnings to move faster and avoid obstacles. We often think about what we would do differently if we were starting over in business and we figured others probably think about this as well and so we asked the community to share their thoughts with us.

Adam Asdel

If I were to start from square one there’s a few things I would do differently, however one in particular stands out to me. My industry is known for the gear and equipment. Every year there are new and fancy cameras, lenses, lights etc. and I used to get so caught up in thinking I had to have it all in order to create the work I had envisioned. While it is true that all of those things can be necessary, it doesn’t mean you can’t tell your story without them. In hindsight I would have spent less time and money focused on the gear and more time on the stories I wanted to tell. Read more>>

Breanna Jones

If I was to relaunch Global Glamor I would have a strategic business plan and a mentor. I started doing makeup as a therapeutic passion that turned into a hustle. There was action but no plan. I would do makeup for any occasion (tv, special events, bridal etc.) and even though I would book clients I felt stagnant and confused. There was no sense of direction on how and what community I desired to serve, because there was not an overall strategy. Now that I have a business plan it gives me better clarity and confidence of what, why, and how I am to serve my community. Read more>>

Marlissa Collier

Simply put: If I were starting over, I would reject the embedded belief that there is more safety, stability or contentment in choosing 9 to 5 over purpose. If I could go back, I would send a message to myself, instructing the younger me not to internalize the doubt that would be sowed by society, family and members of the community – some well-meaning, and others projecting their own insecurities. I would tell young Marlissa to bet on herself, her gift and her purpose sooner. Read more>>

Cynthia Akita

Business is such a long journey filled with many great experiences and lessons. Personally, I wouldn’t change anything about the journey, but if I could, I would do the following things… Learn How To Do Things I personally did this very well along my journey, but if you are not creative, it’s important to learn how to do the things that you cannot afford to pay for. You either have time or you have money, you usually don’t have both. So if you cannot afford a service, find a tutorial that teaches you to do the things you need, until you get to place where you can pay someone. Read more>>

Kayman Mitchell

I would focus on the business side first. I took 12 years to obtain full knowledge of how to make money off of my music and brand. I would have not invested so much time in things that i thought where getting me steps ahead. I would’ve still showed the love i showed but knowing what i know now, I’d cut dead weight long time ago too. The steps I’d take now would’ve been more strategic and not so random. Mostly invest more into marketing. Read more>>

Austin Mullen

If I were to start over, I would focus on the things I truly enjoy to shoot. And not chase making it a business and monetizing shooting. Working with certain businesses and people have definitely made resent what I do from time to time. I would only shoot what I loved and follow that as much as I possibly can. I’m starting to do that now again, but if I were to change anything I would go back and tell my old self don’t do what you are doing. Follow whats real. Read more>>

Becca Ulibarri

I would be more direct and confident when dealing with clients, customers, etc… It’s can be challenging when you are just starting out to “know your value” — but the sooner you do, and bring that confidence with you to the table, the more people respect you and take you seriously. Finding that healthy balance of humility + confidence is hard, but always worth it and respected in the end! Read more>>

John Cao

Bocashade retractable boat awning was conceptualized in 2015 as an idea. After two years of development and testing, the first product was shipped to a customer in 2017. Since then………sales have doubled almost every single year. January 2022 started out as with a bang unexpectedly, surpassing even the wildest estimate vs. prior years for the same time period. In retrospect, Covid had a huge impact on the boating market with lockdowns and restriction. Read more>>

Kristen Washington-Scott

I would do so many things differently! Starting with school and accumulating student loans. Although I learned a lot during college that I can apply to what I do now, I’ve learned that being a business owner doesn’t require a degree. At all. I would’ve instead taken time to learn more about investors and business credit. I would’ve found ways to get my business funded outside of my personal pocket, which can be extremely expensive and not as profitable. I know those things alone would’ve got me to this point even faster, and I’d probably be even further along. Read more>>

Katherine Evans

When asked what I would do differently, if I was to start over, often I’ll respond with I wouldn’t change a thing. That seems like the right thing to say. It’s just not that simple. So many mountains were climbed to get where I am, and I’m still working my way over the hills and Vally’s. If I was told about a short cut, or if I knew of an easier and quicker way to get to my destination, oh I’d be all ears. Read more>>

Jessica Wayman

If I was starting over, I would have gone all in. I would have had my prices be representative of my time and skill, instead of restricting myself to what I thought people would be willing to pay. I would have focused all of my energy and time into improving and growing early on. I would have skipped the photography degree that I felt boxed me into a style that I did not enjoy. I spent years thinking that degree was what would help my photography and my art succeed, whereas experience and being unafraid of failure is what has really allowed for growth. Read more>>

Shea McGrath

I wish I would’ve taken at least one business or marketing class in college. When I started my photography business, I thought I would mostly be photography and editing but that wasn’t the case. It took me several years to realize that owning any kind of business, including photography, is just as much about business and customer service as it is about photography (if not more.) Read more>>

Calvin Walker

I wouldn’t spend as much time worrying about “making it.” It might sound odd as someone who still hasn’t “made it.” However, I think the beginning of my journey was too fueled with the desire to be seen by the right people. I started my filmmaking journey during a time when webseries started popping. Everybody was trying to create something that would make them go viral. I spent so much time trying to create things that I felt had viral potential that my art became sick. Read more>>