Today we’d like to take a moment to applaud the parents who despite many challenges, did they best they could and did right by their kids. We asked folks to share stories of what they feel their parents got right and have shared highlights below.

Angelo and Gracie Felix

Hey, I’m Gracie Felix. My husband, Angelo Felix, and I own Felix Wedding Films. We would like to share about what our parents did right and how that impacted our life and career. We both grew up watching both sets of parents start and manage their businesses. Even though we were both very young, we always noticed their hard work ethic, the ups and downs of them managing their businesses, and the benefits of them owning their own company. Read more>>

Jessica Zappia

Where do I start? They are my biggest cheerleaders. They raised me to be independent, tenacious, competitive, and always supported my ideas and ambitions. Since I was a child they’ve always shown up and supported my sister and I at school and sports events. Having a support structure like them to help me foster ideas and creativity is priceless. Read more>>

Valentina Juncaj

I learned so much from my parents by observing. Reflecting back, alot of their lifestyle and characteristics impacted a lot of why and how I started my business and journey. Both my mother and father had a very good work ethic, always going above and beyond for their jobs and employers. Related to that, they always believed in doing the right thing and caring for all they worked with and anyone around them. The other element was work life balance, in that they also made sure to make time for family and cultural events and occasions. Read more>>

Morgan Charles

Growing up I had a lot of freedom, this freedom led to a lot of mistakes and lessons but also showed me my strengths. My dad knows how to do everything, but mount a tv, yes seriously. I remember watching him, and not in a creepy way, I was eager to learn. I wanted to be able to fix things when they broke, change the way my room looked if I felt like it, and make the comfort food I grew up on when I needed it. Read more>>

Mariko Takahashi

My parents allowed me to understand the importance of hard work and taking pride within the work that I create. They enabled me to find worth in my art. Read more>>

Madisen Potratz

For as long as I can remember, my parents have been beyond supportive of my art. As a kid, they saved every art project and even had some framed and displayed on the walls. It was a clear signal to me that they thought I had talent and that art was worth doing. They were careful never to instill self-doubt in me, even though I definitely tested their boundaries when I came back from my first year of college and informed them I was switching from STEM to fine arts. In the end they trusted me, and a little part of me thinks they were excited to be along for the ride. Read more>>

Erin Duvall

I grew up on a working farm in Alberta, Canada with my parents and seven siblings. My dad was a farmer, and my mom was a full-time school teacher. I saw them both work hard day and night to provide as much as they could for our family. My dad had my siblings and I working in the fields pulling weeds from the sugarbeet crops, moving irrigation pipes, and I even learned to drive a tractor to help cultivate the wheat. Read more>>

Jasmine Chambers

When it comes to analyzing my own childhood, I like to look at it in the context of what I would or would not want to repeat now while raising my own kids. My parents did a fabulous job allowing my siblings and me to be individuals rather than conformists; “fitting in” was never the goal for us. This implicitly instilled a core belief that I could accomplish whatever I set my heart to regardless of what others said or expected. Read more>>

Sierra Powers

Growing up my parents always instilled in my siblings and I, to be hard working. We were blessed to have a large yard in the country, but with that came many responsibilities. Every winter we would split and stack wood for the woodstove and shovel paths through the snow. In the warm months our yard took 4 hours to mow and that wasn’t including raking the leaves and stones from the grass. Most of my friends would get allowances for doing chores, maybe even simpler than mine. We were taught to simply take care of our house and land we were blessed with. Read more>>

Tara Allred

My parents have always been advocates for health but not in the way you see on ads for anything promoting health and fitness. My mom has always promoted whole foods and natural remedies. I remember being jealous of friends when I was little who always got fun happy meals. Little did I know the damaging affects that kind of beef can potentially have on young girls at the time. My mom never forced me or my siblings to eat everything on our plate but did expect we at least taste everything. Read more>>

Jordan Luke

My parents made sure to set the tone with me early on as a child that having an education, being disciplined, and eager to listen more than speak would get me far in life. Through the ups and downs of life, I have been blessed to have two parents who are both street smart and book smart to put me on game early in my life. Every-time I face new opportunities in my life I reminisce and visualize important conversations that we have had before I go take care of business. I truly believe I wouldn’t be close to being the successful young black man that I am if it wasn’t for God and my parents. Read more>>

Arvat McClaine

My mom always allowed me to choose for myself, figure things out myself, and give my opinion on adult topics. She encouraged me to use my imagination and to never follow the crowd. In a nutshell, she encouraged me to think for myself. Because of this, I have always been an “out of the box” thinker. My perspective is usually slightly different than the norm, and, it is this difference that has consistently positioned me for success. I have tons of examples of this, but they all probably seem minor. It’s just that these small things were repeated over time, and I believe made the difference for me. Read more>>

Karla Vallecillo

Living in Nicaragua, as a single mother of 2, I know in my heart my mother did the best she could with the limited resources and education she had. Relocating to the Unites States to seek employment, resources and a better education for me is definitely on the list of things my mother did right. While it came with years of hardship, sacrifices, and leaving behind loved ones and our home, it is something that taught me to persevere regardless of your limitations and abilities, to explore and follow your heart, even if it means starting over. Read more>>

Mital Patel

My parents can sit and look back at how the cumulation of thousands of gestures, lessons and experiences they gave to me and my siblings has helped mold us into who we are. I am now a mom of two, Deven Patel (12) and Milana Patel (9), and I have the honor of molding them into young adults. This role has been daunting at times that I have thought so much about what my parents did right so I can attempt to emulate the same for my kids. Read more>>

Lexi P

People often ask me how I was able to launch my brand Curlanistas and the 1st thing I say is God and right after I have to say my parents. My mom and dad have always been my number 1 fans and mentors. I know they are totally responsible for me being the confident, ambitious teen boss I am today. My parents have always supported my brother and I, they let us be free thinkers and try out our different ideas even if its not something traditional. Read more>>

Allyson Matthews

One thing my parents did right and how that has impacted me in my life and career, is instilling a hardworking drive and work ethic. They always encouraged me and pushed me to my fullest potential, with anything and everything. They made sure I knew, that, even if the outcome wasn’t the best, that they were still proud of me, and wanted me to keep chugging along, and pursuing the goal that I had in mind. They always told me how proud they were of me, Which kinda gave me that push to keep going. Read more>>

Jessica McIntee

My parents have always motivated me to recognize my vision and stick to the plan. Both of my parents play a huge role in my life as well as my businesses. They have always prayed for me and supported my ideas even if they did not agree with them at the time. Read more>>

Princess Woodard

My mother and father individually instilled traits and qualities in me that have carried me throughout life, personally and professionally. My mother, Cherry, who passed away in 2018 instilled me the belief that I can truly accomplish anything. As a child, I was given the space to try anything, even if I wasn’t good at it. The first example was at the age of 7 when I wanted to join a local majorette team; I had no coordination or dancing skills, but my mother signed me up and encouraged me to participate and work hard to improve. Read more>>

Maria Villani

My parents have always been on the same page regarding their goals and how family is at the forefront of that big picture. They worked hard and continue to do so, always with the mantra that family is most important and so is time spent together. They also encouraged me to pursue my dreams and travel. This has played a monumental role in my life as I’ve chosen this career as a real estate professional. The ‘mental load’ and ‘work life balance’ is something that keeps me on my toes daily. Read more>>

Amelia Cantu

So many of go through different experiences in life. I am blessed to say that through my own trial-and-errors, my parents have shown me love, mercy and grace. This has helped me in my personal life, as a parent and now as having a prayer ministry called My Eternal Life In Christ the acronym for that is my nickname MELI.C Read more>>

Christi Bowling

My mom and dad always engrained in me starting at a young age that the sky was the limit and that I could do anything I set my mind to. I always had support from home no matter what career direction I decided to pursue. Read more>>

Delaney Yorio

Growing up my parents always insisted on me going to university and finishing school, as well as constantly reminding me to, “do what you love and the money will come.” I truly believed this idea because I saw my mom doing something she enjoyed and she excelled at what she did, same for my dad. I always felt if you are passionate enough about something you will push yourself to limits unknown to make it work for you. Read more>>

Ericka Narcisse

Growing up in a traditional, West Indian household, my parents instilled so many positive qualities into myself and my older brother. Both my parents are Haitian immigrants, and created a life for themselves here in Queens, NY. Truly challenging for Haitian immigrants in US, they managed to build an entire life, and maintain a family off of strength, hardwork and perseverance. Read more>>

Sean Nation

My mom bought my first Real professional camera back when I was serious about doing photography (I’m still am to this day) and my step dad bought over 1K of photography gears like back drops, lenses, camera backpack, etc. They were investing in my soon to be small business I would form. Read more>>

Mallory Strange

My parents instilled an entrepreneurial spirit in me from an early age and taught me that any dream, no matter the size, is achievable. In elementary school, I loved getting candy from bubble gum machines at restaurants, laundry mats, really anywhere in public. I would spend all of my allowance on these gum ball machines any time I saw one. So my parents scrounged up the money to buy my brother and I multiple gum ball machines to place around town to learn what having a business could look like. Read more>>

Alaina Bierema

My parents helped me develop my heart for others! I grew up in church. Every Sunday looked the same for us, get up, big breakfast, dress up, and off to church. As a child it can become incredibly mundane, and honestly, I don’t even remember so many of the lessons they taught each Sunday. But what sticks out the most, was the times we served. We spent countless weekends cleaning others yards, painting schools, passing out water bottles, and doing whatever we could to serve our community! Read more>>

Raymond Banks

I grew up in a two parent middle class family, so I always had two opinions and views when it came to life. My parents were very welcoming of my creative ability, they never shunned my creative light nor did they try to obstruct it. The impact of having supportive parents has played a huge role in where I am today in my life and career. Throughout my primary and secondary education my parents would always be hands on with all class projects I created. Read more>>

April Marie

As a child you’re always admiring those older & more achieved than you . We often want to be like those that impact us the most ; police , firefighters, doctors , etc . But the most important people in my life were the 2 wonderful humans that raised me & instilled lifelong values, my grandparents . One of the most important things I remember them always telling was , “I can be whoever I worked to be.” Not dreamed & thought of but WORKED to be . Faith without work is dead & I choose to have faith in myself & work to become who I was destined to be . I appreciate those words & they live in my thoughts daily . Read more>>

Latoya Smith Farmer

Wow this is a great question! My parents were always believed in me and set very high expectations, but If I had to sum it up in one thing I would say they let me dive head first into whatever dream I wanted to explore. I remember when I was around 7 years old and my mom took me to the candy lady’s house. When we left I said “ I want to open my own store”. The very next day my mom took me to buy supplies, candy and anything else I could think of and she let me open up my own candy store in our dining room! This may seem silly to some, however it gave me the belief that anything I wanted to do was possible. Read more>>

Nico Marie

My mother poured into our creativity as kids. As a child, I had activities outside of home & also had creative tools at home readily available. I remember there being lots of music, books, things to paint/draw with, in addition to being in dancing classes & choir. If we ever asked for anything creative, it was given to us. I’m so grateful for that. Read more>>

Sara Bullock

I am a first generation American who has parents of Cuban and Italian descent. I grew up all over the world because my Father was in the military. My mother was a Child Care Provider who worked out of our home at times so she could contribute towards the finances and still be able to stay at home and care for me and my sister. These are the building blocks of what I am comprised of today.  Read more>>

Samuel Choe

Now that I’m older, I really appreciate the tough love/ reality my parents have given me. My parents immigrated from South Korea to Saint Louis, Missouri and I’m their American Dream. They taught me customer service at 8 years old. They installed in me that being Korean…I unfortunately will experience racism, discrimination, stereotypes, etc. and will have to work twice as hard. And sometimes all that hard work will be for nothing. But it was important to never give up and play the corporate game differently. I literally will shrug off rejection and be like “whelp…on to the next. I know my worth”. Read more>>

Susan Winchester

My parents raised my brother and me on a farm. I have been riding horses since I was five, so in addition to my horses, we always had cows, pigs, chickens, dogs, and cats. While it was such a privilege, there was a lot of work involved. Regardless of the weather, we had to care for the animals every day. It didn’t matter if we were sick, or family was in town, or even holidays. They were the priority first thing in the morning and every night. It was a tremendous responsibility. Read more>>

Genevieve Douglass

My parents were both very entrepreneurial… my mom had a wallpaper business in California she started in the 80’s when she was just 18; “Two Girls That can Hang.” (Such a great pun). And my dad has had a construction company his whole life. He’s retired now, but still dabbles in “handyman-ing” when he can. They were both great at encouraging not just me, but my two siblings to do what we wanted career-wise. They pushed for us to go to college but not in one size fits all way. They encouraged our individual strengths. More that we should go to a school that fits us and see where it goes. Read more>>

Darius Cornelius

First off, I want to start by saying I have the most amazing parents anyone can ask for. When I hear “what did your parents do right?” I mean the list goes on and on. From always showering me with positive love and energy, to teaching me valuable life lessons that molded me into the man/chef I am today. My parents have not only showed me how to present myself and carry myself in a positive manor but also teaching me right from wrong, how to act in certain situations and the hardworking mentality I have today. I’m truly grateful for them and I can’t wait to fully repay them for all the things they’ve done for me. Read more>>

Jermeisha Blue

One parent was completely absent while the other was secretly battling drug addiction and much more while raising three children. Although, as a child my life with my parents always seemed unstable, they are also responsible for my drive and passion to become a better mother and entrepreneur. My father was always reserved and hardworking while my mom was stubborn but the life of the party no matter where she went. Read more>>

Hillary Lake

My parents have impacted my life and career 100% My parents grew up in the hippy era and were somewhat free spirits and didn’t give myself and my brothers a lot of direction or expectations, so the possibilities were endless. My dad was a truck driver and he worked long hours and was away from home a lot, he mostly came home on weekends. My mom was a stay at home mom raising five kids. Read more>>

Christine Ricci

My parents were amazing, though I definitely wouldn’t have used that word when they were raising me. One of the many great things they did for me was to let me fail. They didn’t solve my problems and they didn’t come to my rescue when I made poor decisions. They always let me live out the consequences of my decisions so I could learn, get smarter and better. Read more>>

Tyler Keye

What a great question. I consider my mom to be my biggest cheerleader other than my husband. Growing up, I witnessed her sacrifice for me and my brother in order to provide us with opportunities she never had. A lot of my creativity and determination comes from her; she never gives up and she always has an idea. In addition, my mother taught me to persevere through setbacks and it has served me well as an adult and business owner. Read more>>