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.

Rick Caballo

Growing up, I was always taught by my parents that “your word is your bond,” meaning to be honest, do things right, and do right by others, and there will be no problems. That includes any work I produce, whether it’s writing a song, painting a portrait, building a website, or designing a logo. My best work must be produced to the best of my ability, not only for our clients but also for myself. I can’t let things slide and put out things I myself wouldn’t be happy with. Read more>>

Lori Bregman

My parents always believed in me they also allowed me to make mistakes and allow me to fall or fail. They could see that I was going down a path that I might get hurt but they trusted that I would find my way and learn from this. And they were there afterwards to help me process the lesson. This helped me believe in myself and understand that in trying something new I would sometimes make mistakes and fail and that was part of taking a risk, knowing that this was helping me learn and grow by finding what works and what doesn’t. Read more>>

J Quay

I remember sitting in my room at the age of 14 writing a song down that I’d written in my head. I figured after weeks of singing it I’d better document it fast. I took my last available cassette tape and recorded the audio for this new song over a radio mix I’d done. I later let my mom hear it. It was titled, “I Can’t Take No Lies”. Read more>>

joseph herrera

From Immigrant Dreams to Fitness Empire: My Journey to NXTLVL Success** My name is Joseph Herrera, and I want to share with you the remarkable journey that led me to become the proud owner of NXTLVL Sport and Fitness, a thriving gym in Orange County that will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year. This story is a testament to the enduring lessons I learned from my parents, Vivian and George, who immigrated to America from the Philippines and instilled in me the values of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Read more>>

Jorge Grau

Since I was a kid my parents gave me a strong education, sometimes a bit too rigid but full of humanistic values, strong beliefs, and clear guidance. At the same time, they taught me curiosity in the physical world (my dad) and in the ideas and philosophy (my mom). This curiosity came with acceptance and tolerance to understand others and their point of view. But over everything one of the most important lessons was one that my dad gave me. I was always very curious and sometimes I got into trouble. Read more>>

Mark Granlund

I am a third child, so my parents were kinda done doing any intense parenting by the time I came along. They kinda left me alone and let me sit in my own generated world of drawing and making up stories. Read more>>

Evetta Petty

My design talent was evident when I was 6 years old. I was already sewing, making dresses and little hats. I also loved to make costume jewelry. I was encouraged to create fashion in my own way. At christmas and birthdays, instead of a lot of dolls, I was given jewelry making kits, fabric and trims, and craft kits. Read more>>

Truly Yours Coordinators

Becoming a Business owner is a thought that crosses everyone’s mind but many don’t take the dive to do. There are many things that have driven us to want to create a Latina owned wedding planning company but at the top of the list would have to be our parents. Growing up a second generation immigrant we watched our parents work 6-7 days a week to simply ensure we had everything that life had to offer, never nothing luxurious but a monthly dining out was luxury enough for us. Day in and Day out we watched them wake up before us and go to sleep after us with barely ever sitting down to rest because working was all they knew to make sure they can provide for us and give us the life they never had in their native country. We didn’t know it at the moment but that really has made a huge impact in our lives, we always have a younger version of our parents in mind. Read more>>

Namrata Poddar

Many things but to list a couple: They loved me unconditionally and never questioned my desire to pursue my heart, in my personal or professional life. My mother instilled the values of education, community and financial responsibility in me; my dad instilled the love of music, language and art in me. Read more>>

Zukim Cisneros

My mom wasn’t the smartest woman, and she fell countless times while protecting me as I grew up. One thing she does right is that she never stops trying. She went on many paths and journeys to bring her life and the rest of our family back into balance. Despite facing failures upon failures, she got up and continued walking. She didn’t have the easiest upbringing, and she couldn’t give me the best start either. Read more>>

Cassandra Scerbo

I absolutely love this question because I feel as though proper support and guidance is imperative in life and business. Whether that guidance comes from your family or your chosen family. You are who you surround yourself with, and their support throughout your journey can make all the difference. I am grateful to have had a very supportive family and wonderful friends while embarking on my journey in the arts and activism. Read more>>