So many of us parent the way our parents did – because it’s the only example we’ve had a chance to see up close. We think one of the ways to remedy this is to create a space where people can share stories of the things they feel their parents did right, so we can all learn from those examples.

Mélina Bernhardt

This is a question that has been coming up more often lately as people compliment me and my business model. The first thing that I feel my parents did right is to introduce me to nature and our interconnectedness. I grew up in the countryside, playing in the dirt, watching my parents garden and being ecologists in their own way. I remember when I was ten maybe my dad showing me why we did not buy this cookie box. Because the cookies came in a plastic tray, wrapped in a plastic foil and then in a cardboard box. Now I even go as far as saying that they are industrial and I’d rather make my own or buy them at a small local bakery.  Read more>>

Elicia Nademin

Pivot…this is what my parents did right. My father left Iran in his youth to start a life in a country he’d never been to. He put himself through school by working as a valet. Many years and 2 marriages later, he moved my mother from Iran to the US and together they welcomed me into the world. My mother, previously a teacher in Iran and specialized in grammar and languages, spoke no English and started again from the ground up, working as a cosmetologist/hairstylist over the coming years so she could contribute to their retirement and to comforts in my life. Read more>>

Josh Montag

I am very fortunate to have supportive parents. When I was a kid my parents encouraged me to find a passion, and when I discovered that passion was music, they put me in drum lessons, enrolled me in school band, and eventually bought me my first drum set. I still have a very clear memory of my Dad coming home from work on my 12th birthday and asking me to help him get the groceries out of the car. As I ran outside to help, I came to realize the groceries were actually a deconstructed drum set, packed into the back seat and trunk of his Jetta. Read more>>

Taylor DeSanto

I was raised by a mother & stepfather who worked multiple jobs to achieve a better life, not just for them but for my siblings and I. From a young age I watched them make sacrifice after sacrifice, spend long days– sometimes months away, doing everything in their power for their family. My stepfather served this country for 20+ years, my mother with three young kids holding down the fort, working three jobs while achieving her real estate license as he was away. What they did right was teach me what it means to earn something, Read more>>

Shelby Bagwell

Growing up with a single parent mom since I was 3. She definitely took on booth roles and is the biggest impact of my life. I would have to say that she did everything right and I’m honestly not just saying that just to say it either or that I know she will be reading this. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for her. I could and truthfully one day just might write a book on her. From growing up she taught me to be who I truly am. She let wear whatever it was that I wanted to wear, look however I wanted to, and be who I wanted to be. Read more>>

Brittany McGee

Both of my parents came from nothing & worked their way up in the world/their careers. They taught me what resilience looks like & how you create your own destiny. Success isn’t always an easy road & it looks different for everyone but you must put in the work. Read more>>

Meghan Allen

My parents had several business ventures of their own that I got to witness growing up. I watched them succeed and fail and pick themselves back up as business owners time and time again. I had no reason to believe that wasn’t possible for me as well. Another thing worth noting is that they never pushed anything on me. I never felt pressured to continue on with a sport or activity, and I certainly never felt pressured to go to college or pursue a specific career in order to be successful. Read more>>

Shante Griffen

I was raised by a single mother and my grandparents. I grew up seeing a woman that worked extremely hard to make sure that i had everything i needed. The most important thing my mother taught me was that nothing in life is going to be easy but as long as you work hard at what you want to accomplish you can do anything. My mother would take me to work with her and she would show me how to enter data into the system and file papers correctly, but most important she showed me how hard work will help you grow in any aspect of your life. Read more>>

Laurie Fuller

I was really fortunate growing up with parents who encouraged me to create. My dad was an aeronautical engineer by trade, but also had an artistic side and my mom was creative in numerous ways. Between the two of them they could design, build, sew, knit or cook just about anything we kids could dream up. When I started drawing at a very early age they encouraged me constantly and made sure I had plenty of paper, pencils and crayons on hand. The art supply stash grew with me – they were always willing to buy me something new I wanted to try – and at 14 they put me in private oil painting lessons with a funny and charming old man who I think of to this day when I paint. Read more>>

Valese Jones

I honestly could write a book about all the things my parents did right but, the most important thing they did was let me be me. And when I say that, I mean all of me, the good, the bad and the ugly. Instead of trying to make me into who they thought I should be they invested in who I already was so that I’d grow up to be the best version of myself possible. I have two memories that come to mind while answering this question. I was in the fourth grade and my teacher entered me into a writing competition against my will. I tried to be slick and not tell my parents about it so I could just turn something in and move on. Read more>>

Stefanie Davis

Growing up and now into my adulthood, both of my parents have served in the ministry. As a “preacher’s kid,” most people automatically assume stereotypical values just by that title alone. Some of those being: believing and trusting in a higher power (in my case, God), doing good, and resisting temptation. While all of those did have an impact on my life and journey, it is so much deeper than that. My biggest take away from my childhood was watching my parents love people for who they were, where they were, and serving them in whatever capacity was needed for their circumstances. Read more>>

Deniise

My mother , Whom is my ROCK ! Has always done everything right ,Even as a child When I thought she was so mean (lol sorry Mommy) she was doing Everything right, My mother instilled in me , Love, Patience, Honesty, Morals, & Faith. My mom Lana, has had and Stull have the biggest impact of my life, She’s really my Idol & Go hard for her, She brought me up in the kitchen showing me all kinds of techniques & lessons that as a child I didn’t think were beneficial in my life! I owe it all to all , I’m thankful to Jehovah God for blessing me with my Mom She’s truly my best friend & My earth angel Read more>>

Joshua Browne

Without the support of my Mother and Grandmother, there was no way for me to enter the video production industry. I started filming when I was 12 years old by total accident. On a cold January morning, my grandmother surprised me with a wonderful birthday fly lesson surprise, a two-seater Cessna 152. She purchased a small, inexpensive camcorder from Walmart to commemorate the flight. It was love at first sight when I got that camera in my hand. Read more>>

Elyse Berman

My parents were the kindest, most honorable people. They taught me to treat people with kindness and always take the high road, to do the right thing. Read more>>

Anahi Barron

I first launched my business during one of the hardest times of my life. I was grieving and after a few months I felt like launching my business would help me get my mind off of my pain. I had been a freelance MUA for about 8 years and I have always felt like makeup can really make a difference not just physically for emotionally and mentally for some. I first launched my brand with just lashes, happy to announce Dramatica now offers cosmetics as well and continues to grow. Read more>>