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.

Akilah Releford Gould

I feel very blessed to have parents that are heavily involved in my businesses. They are truly my biggest cheerleaders and I wouldn’t be where I am in business nor have the confidence needed to succeed as a founder without them. My parents have always stressed the importance of “the sky is the limit” and that nothing is out of our reach. They want to be involved and participate in all aspects of building the business, and as a young founder, this kind of support is priceless. When I first started my skincare brand, Mary Louise Cosmetics, I told my dad and he had all hands on deck from the very beginning. Read more>>

Amanda Rief

I am very fortunate to have an undying support system from my own parents in my small business. They have both been my number one fans, and my biggest investors. They have not just told me but shown me that I have a support system that I can rely on as I reach for my dreams, and having that support is so impactful when starting a small business and dealing with imposter syndrome. And it never hurts to have an extra set of hands around too! Read more>>

Anneston Pisayavong

Growing up as one of the very few Southeast Asian kids in my town, I always felt unique. Growing up as an only child, I’ve always felt a sense of independence. Notice how I use the words “unique” and “independent” to describe my upbringing rather than “wierd” or “lonely”. I have my parents to thank for that. By them being who they are, I have become who I am. From taking me to dance classes to now traveling across the country with me for bookings, my mom has never ceased to support and treasure me, and my passion. And to know that she left her home country of Laos at such a young age to pursue life here in the states, is the most remarkable thing. She is the best momager, sidekick, and travel besti I could ask for. Read more>>

Bev Davies

My parents were always kind and supportive. They were both potters. I was an only child, and I have one child who they took for summers when he was young. We were a small family, us 4. They passed 20 years ago but are in our thoughts often. Their pottery is on displayed in both of our homes. Read more>>

Cedric Robinson

If you took all of the very best Mother’s Day cards, the elite ones – you know, the ones that really strum the heartstrings – and hosted a massive single-elimination tournament. Then hard stop at the Sweet 16, take those cards, and cobble that amalgamation into a human – that’s Mama. She continues to instill and distill a vast array of transformatively transferable skills, like: an ethos for delivering work you’re proud of, a pathos of caring for people in a way that they feel cared for, the quenchless and satiating quest of and for cooking, and an unwavering respect for our ancestors. We think it fitting to honor our first love alongside our culture in talking about one of our favorite foods that Mama makes, salmon croquettes. Read more>>

Christi Culpepper

My parents taught me the value of connection/community as well as the importance of being true to myself. My mom and dad showed up for the people in their circle and their circle showed up for them as well. They taught me that it was a blessing to be able to show up for others. I can recall plenty of stories, but one that sticks out in my mind was at the end of my freshman year of college. One of my classmates, who had become a friend, needed a ride home for the summer and her family was not able to pick her up. My father, who had traveled the 2 1/2 hours from our home to pick me up, offered to drive her home,. Her home was in a different state and in the opposite direction of our home. It worked out that she was able to find another ride, but I remember my dad’s words, “when you have the opportunity and the means, you show up for others.” Read more>>

Claudia Sandino

What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career? Maybe you can share a story (or stories) that illustrate the things they did right and the impact they had on you and your journey. As a new mother, I have been reflecting on my childhood a lot lately. Mostly because I am actually really proud of how my parents raised me. Everyone involved is human so by no means did I have a perfect childhood and I did not grow up to be a perfect adult, but I can tell you one thing for sure. I am 1000% the person I want to be at this very moment, and I have goals and aspirations rooted in the values they instilled in me, and that alone deserves high merit.  Read more>>

Denise “dancelegz” Wesley

I was an 80’s baby (90’s kid), so shows such as MTV, and magazines such as Ebony, Essence, and even Seventeen allowed me to desire an image for myself. My mother and grandmother allowed me to turn our home into a movie / music video set from as early as I can remember. From dancing to the music videos I gleamed at, or VHS films with scenes I could recreate. My parents monitored what I was influenced by, however there was no genre of dance or music I was not allowed to mimic. When it was discovered that I could pick up choreography, my mother (and grandmother) would move a chair out the way, or adjust a table so I could move freely in the house. Radios, or cassette players were introduced in all rooms of the house (in case I had the urge to dance or shake).  Read more>>

Devon Gambrell

My parents were an integral part of my author and creative journey. At a young age, my father supplied me with books, audiobooks, read-along records (yes, I am that old!), and comics. My mother encouraged my writing process, even when some of my short stories might have been too dark for her. She always told me that I should write books. I would not be here without their support and guidance.  Read more>>

Ellie Gonzalez

As a 19 year old, I am proud to say my parents have been my biggest supporters. Hi, my name is Ellie Gonzalez. I am the founder of 5HelpFresno. 5Help National was started in New Jersey in 2020 at the start of covid by teens Drew and Heather Pagilia, to help first responds $5 at a time. Since then it has grown into an all teen ran non-profit volunteer group. I founded the 5HelpFresno chapter in January of 2021. We are the first chapter ever of 5Help national. Through all the good and bad, my parents have stuck around to help me and my team. Before I could drive, they were the ones taking us and picking us up at volunteering events. Read more>>

Emma Kanne

My dad has never done one of the cruelest things a parent can do: have aspirations for their child’s mind. The only expectation he has of me is to answer the phone. If I don’t, I receive an endearing voicemail, albeit with a tinge of irritation—always the same. It starts off passive, shows his lighthearted aggravation, then ends with him reconciling his annoyance and telling me he loves me. “Hey Emma, it’s your loving father, Dad. I was just calling to say hi, but you never answer the phone. Anyway, give me a call back. Love you! Dad.” Read more>>

Janet Kendall White

My Dad died when I was very young and my Mom raised four children. She was the leader of the house and in so many ways exemplified what good leadership entails. She knew each of us individually, handled us differently, gave our chores based on our interest at that time, willingness and skill, she showed tough love when needed, she coached and also rolled up her sleeves when someone struggled with an assignment to assist and teach but not do. She was a strong female role model for me personally including when I saw her vulnerable at times. Read more>>

Jessica Montour

I am the youngest of five children and I feel my parents really had it all figured out by the time I came along. Expectations were clear yet I was given the space to explore and be me. I never had the feeling of having to please my parents. I grew up in a safe space with just enough boundaries but not too many (if that makes any sense). As most teenagers, I had my “moments” and they made sure I knew there would be consequences yet never faltered in their unconditional love. Read more>>

Kate Spates

This is a complicated one, because it’s really more about what they didn’t do and what they got wrong that made me who I am today. I grew up in a very Mayberry type small town that has now become a big city in the Bay Area of California – Pleasanton. My parents were very social and sometimes the talk of the town (for good and bad). My brother was 7 years older than me and busy with sports. I was a soccer kid from the time I was 6 years old. We walked to school and were on our own when we came home as our parents both worked. Read more>>

Krystle Rogers

My parents played a crucial role in shaping my entrepreneurial journey. My mother, June Perry-Stevens, instilled in me business acumen by involving me in her non-profit organization, New Concept Self Development Center. I grew up observing her work, and after college, I worked as a social worker for the organization. Her example, along with the deep-rooted entrepreneurial spirit from my maternal family history, empowered me to take risks and confidently pursue my ventures. Read more>>

Lashana West

I really love this question because a lot of times, many people blame their parents, whether you were adopted, had a dysfunctional upbringing, or your parents did everything “right.” My parents instilled a line of courage and bravery in me that cannot and will not die no matter what. I was able to observe them bouncing back from adversity, working through being homeless, both having a drug addiction, infidelity, divorce – you name it, I’ve seen it! I call it drugs, sex, and rock ‘n’ roll. And still “we rise.” I think that some people don’t realize that no parent wakes up and thinks “I want to abuse my kid” or “I just want to suck at parenting today.” Read more>>

Lawrence Phillips

My parents allowed me to take risks, and I loved that about them. As a boy, they allowed me to ride my bicycle places and get lost. They believed that if I got lost, I would find my way home. After I was diagnosed with T1 diabetes, they allowed me to backpack for a month in New Mexico. That happened two weeks after the diagnosis. It showed they believed in me and understood when I got in trouble (not if I got in trouble, but when); I could get myself out of trouble. That is a lifelong lesson that no one can take away. Read more>>

Masha Keryan

I was fortunate to be born into a family of open minded and kind people, who understood that each person is here to make their own choices. As parents they supported mine, even if at times my choices did not match their expectations or my own greater good. Without their flexibility, I would not be able to learn at the speed that I did. Growing up I watched them go through countless challenges: making living in post -Soviet Armenia, life threatening sickness, disagreements, immigration, building a life from scratch in a new country, building a family business, just to name a few. Read more>>

Mohajera Sekander

My parents did a lot of things right in regards to resilience, service to others, and fully supporting our family of 8. Their strong faith in God, leaving behind their life overseas (Afghanistan) to provide their children a better life and education. They have both managed to live the American Dream to make something of yourself as a refugee from a war torn country. That showed me the amount of sacrifice and resilience they had. My father opened his own retail business, in which I helped manage while in college. My mother was a stay at home mom and devoted wife who fully supported my father. They demonstrated team work and the importance of love and support.  Read more>>

Nakita Cronauer

Growing up wasn’t easy with a single mother of three kids. Looking back now and realizing how young she was with us three, she was growing up alongside us. This often meant I had to step up and be a mom to my younger brothers. This forced me to grow up fast. At a young age I was exposed to realities of life and how difficult it can be. As a kid I thought life was unfair as I grew up I realized every persons life is based on decisions and I knew I was going to make better ones. No parent is perfect the one thing my mother did right is flood us with unconditional love when she was around. I believe this made me a very confident child that created a characteristic that helps me run my business today. Read more>>

Nathalie Toomey

My parents did many things right, but what stands out most is their embodiment of resilience, generosity, and family values. As immigrants from Cuba they faced significant challenges yet remained determined to take a chance on their dreams of making better lives for themselves and their families. My father had an entrepreneurial spirit and transformed obstacles into opportunities constantly pivoting throughout his career. Despite facing many challenges as an immigrant, my father remained one of the funniest, happiest, and warmest people I know. Read more>>

Olivia Georgette

One of my fondest memories is drawing on the wall as a child and my mom NOT getting mad. Growing up in a Jamaican household, drawing on my mom’s nice clean wall was a daring task but art/creativity consumed me so much that I didn’t think before creating because it has been second nature for my entire life. The very first time, Im sure my mom wasnt happy but did that deter me? Absolutely not! Unannounced to me, that was the beginning of my life as an artist. My mom allowed me to express myself creatively. I had coloring books, I had easels, I had construction paper but something about that wall was enticing!  Read more>>

Rachael Cole

I am so priveledged…My parents have always been extremely enthusiastic and encouraging. My dad also had lots of experience being an entrepreneur and encouraged me to forge my own path with my business if that’s what I felt called to do. There is an infamous story in our family about my dad being so excited about a play at my brother’s baseball game that he just yelled “BASEBALL!” He and my mom both brought that level of enthusiasm to anything my brother and I were interested in. If we wanted to do it, they did what they could to help us explore that interest and dream. Read more>>

Reginald Forest

Have you ever heard the saying “it takes a village to raise a child?” Well, that was the case for me. Due to difficult situations early in life, I moved around a lot. I was raised by my family, not just mom or dad. The beauty of it all is that I can see every one of those family members represented in me now. Each of them passed on words of wisdom, taught valuable lessons, and/or nurtured some aspect of my personality and being. So, I truly would not be who I am today without the input of each of them in my life. Read more>>

Robin Lippin

They lived their lives with kindness, generosity, honesty and integrity. They also always believed in me and my potential. All of that impacted me to follow their footsteps in how I conducted myself in business and in life. I never felt by being a casting director, I had power over anyone or used my position to make actors feel less than. I’ve always tried to be fair and honest with actors and with agents and managers. I didn’t want to lead anyone on or make promises I couldn’t keep. If an actor read for me who gave a great reading but I knew their look or type wasn’t what the producer or director wanted, sometimes I would tell them directly.

Scarlett Cowie

Starting my brand at the age of 13 means my parents had a significant impact on the growth and development of my brand. The most important factor in my growth is that they believed in me, and they weren’t afraid to let me pursue my dreams and help me along the way. Without my parent’s influence to truly just go for it i don’t think I would be where I am today. I am so grateful for them choosing to believe in me. Read more>>

Spenser Olson

Parenting has become a hot topic these days, and for good reason. The way we’re raised profoundly shapes who we become, both personally and professionally. From my perspective, one of the most critical roles of a parent is to lead by example. It’s one thing to tell your children how to be honorable and ethical, but it’s another thing entirely to show them through your own actions. My parents exemplified this in their daily lives, and it left a lasting impact on me. Read more>>

Suzanne Igoe

We grew up in Saluda, NC. A small town East of Asheville, NC. We didn’t have a lot of money, we had enough. So when it came to going back to school when we were 14 there was not enough money for new clothes. So my parents worked very hard to give us what we needed. They taught us we had to work for what we wanted. There are 3 girls in the family. My older sister Melissa, my identical twin sister Jenna and Myself. All of us began working at 14 to afford new clothes for the school year. Read more>>

Terrianne Butac Zonca

I’ve been asked in many classes that I’ve taught “Did your parents support dancing as your career?” and knowing why they’re asking me breaks my heart. My parents were the most supportive parents and did what they could to help support my dreams. They would reminded me that even though I had all the tools and passion to make my dreams a reality, it wasn’t going to be easy. There were times when I wanted to quit or I would call them crying because I didn’t book a job. They would listen and then tell me that this was the hard part, but if I still want it then I have to keep going. I’ve been in the industry since 2008 and I’m so grateful that my parents continue to support me and my dreams as they change throughout the years. Read more>>

Tisha Reichle-aguilera

I’m the oldest of four siblings and one of the oldest of dozens of cousins. I was put in charge a lot. (So it’s not my fault that I’m “bossy” now, is it?) My parents instilled a sense of responsibility in me at a young age: “Watch your sister,” “Help your cousin,” “Get your brother!” And they also modeled an impeccable work ethic that I genuinely believe is responsible for all my achievements: academic, social, and creative. I know that some people today frown on the productivity that I strive for on the daily. I’ve tried to be more laid back, hustle less and chill more. Read more>>

True Dream Juan

My mom working at the #1 radio station in our city showed me that I’m able to put myself here if I work hard towards it. My nana “Mary” being an English teacher gave me that structure and discipline by making me read and write down every word in the Dictionary and Thesaurus a few times. My mom showed me how to put choruses and lyrics together to make a rhyme scheme. I remember the song like it was yesterday. They both have passed away now and one of my only goals now is to show them both that their work wasn’t done in vain. Without those 2 and the rest of my supporting cast I wouldn’t be doing this still, I guess I’d be in another purpose. Read more>>

Virian Gonzalez Valdez

My parents did many things right, but what stands out most is their unwavering determination and strong work ethic. As immigrants crossing the border through the desert with hardly any money and no English skills, they faced tremendous hardships. Yet, they persevered and ensured there was always food on the table. Their resilience and commitment to hard work have profoundly impacted me and my career. Their example taught me to approach life and my music with the same dedication: never cut corners, give it everything you’ve got, and push through challenges. This mindset has shaped my journey as an artist, driving me to turn my personal struggles into powerful performances and to remain committed to my mission of helping others feel seen and heard through my music. Read more>>

Robert Rea

I am and was fortunate to grow up with a lot of people who love and support me. I was adopted and raised in Orange County, CA, and later in life, found my biological family in Michigan. Turned out my bio-mom and adopted sister (both “Deborah’s”, coincidentally) went to cosmetology School before me. Even though neither of them pursued a career in hair, I found a really creative outlet inside my role as a hair stylist. I also found that, much like my bio-mom, people were happy to pay me for whatever I could do to help them. I have mowed lawns, taught piano lessons, been a personal shopper/assistant, worked retail in a busy mall, made coffees and served meals, mixed drinks, and heard all the salon gossip… turns out, I really enjoy talking to people and helping them thrive! Read more>>