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.

Shawneé Owens

My parents created an environment where creativity was encouraged and supported, which played a major role in shaping who I am today. They gave me the freedom to explore my ideas without limitations, whether it was art, film, or any other passion I wanted to pursue. They never hesitated to invest in my future, whether through resources or emotional support, and most importantly, they never made me feel like anything was out of reach. That foundation of belief in my potential gave me the confidence to chase my dreams and trust that I could turn them into reality. Their unwavering support and encouragement have not only shaped my career but have also instilled a mindset of possibility that I carry with me in everything I do. Read more>>

Naya Ashley

My parents did literally everything right. They worked so hard to give me everything a child could ever desire, even in adulthood. They show up and show out at all times. My parents have always been super supportive of my dreams, and I think a lot of creatives need to experience that. They believe in me, even when I find it hard to believe in myself. And lastly, they’ve always instilled in me the importance of putting God first and trusting Christ Jesus. Read more>>

Grant Gruenhaupt (or Gru)

My parents empowered me to do what I was passionate about. Beyond that though, they challenged me to seriously and wholeheartedly chase after it. My parents have never worked full-time in a creative field, so it isn’t something that they fully understood when I was a young kid who loved to draw and paint. Despite this, they encouraged me. They believed that if I truly loved it, got the proper training, and worked hard, the rest would fall into line. With my parents in my corner, it allowed me to become what they believed I could become. In my career and life as an artist, I feel that it has been more about proving my parents/mentors right than proving doubters wrong. That freed me to confidently chase after what I was passionate about without wavering during difficult seasons. Read more>>

Angelica Taase

My parents are both immigrants from two different countries—Mexico and American Samoa. Though American Samoa is a U.S. territory, it was still a very different world compared to living in the states. Both of my parents come from humble beginnings, each with ten siblings. Despite being younger than most of their siblings, they often became the go-to people when someone needed help. I noticed this even at a young age, which taught me that a person’s capabilities aren’t defined by age. Read more>>

John Zupancic

I am lucky to be the son of Tom and Carrie Zupancic who reside in Indianapolis, IN. My parents are both incredible humans, and I am beyond blessed that they instilled their values and work ethic in not only their children and grandchildren, but also inspire every single person they meet. My parents have been married for 47 years and with that has come many obstacles. They are the epitome of what it means to be a team and work together to achieve their goals – no matter how wild and outlandish those goals might have seemed at the time. For example, pre-kids, they uprooted their lives in Indianapolis to move to Minnesota so my dad could chase his dream of wrestling in the Olympics. Trust me, this was no movie-like adventure. They struggled financially, their only apartment furniture was a mattress on the ground, and even chose which monthly bills to pay by doing a blind drawing of them out of a mixing bowl. However, it didn’t matter how difficult things were, my parents set a goal and were determined to do everything they could to work to reach it. After all of their hard work, my dad was able to become an alternate on the US Olympic Wrestling Team.  Read more>>

Qeona Pirtle

My parents have always played a pivotal role in shaping who I am, both personally and professionally. They taught me valuable lessons that have become the foundation of my character and the driving force behind my business. From my father, I learned the importance of kindness, integrity, and hard work. He demonstrated that doing things right the first time is not just a task but a principle to live by. This has taught me to approach my work with dedication and a strong sense of responsibility, ensuring that I deliver quality and value in everything I do. Read more>>

Baleiba Hill

My parents instilled being kind at a young age. My sisters and I were taught to treat others with kindness no matter the differences. My mom had babysitters for us from different cultures and me and my sisters didn’t see anything wrong as long as they were treating us kindly. This mindset has continued into my creative career and I still keep this at the fore front of my work. Read more>>

Cassidy Jade

What my parents did right… they always told me to do my best. I find this to be a blank statement and for me at the time “doing my best” never felt good enough. I always thought that I was capable of achieving more and when I say more I mean things that were highly unordinary and unrealistic at the time. When I confronted them on this at a young age they reminded me of one important thing we quickly forget about being human… Just because we feel like we aren’t doing our best or enough, does not mean we aren’t capable of more, rather we are striving to do all in that we are humanly capable of doing at that moment of time and that is enough. Through experience, failure and our individual uniqueness, we can achieve more. Read more>>

Kelly Tolliday

My parents gave me the space to dream big as a kid. I remember as early as 6 or 7 writing out a Travel Bucket List with my Dad. I’ve always been filled with new ideas, passions and adventures for my life, and my parents did their best to allow me to see the possibility in each vision. When I was 7, I wanted to be a Radio DJ, so my Dad set up a call with a friend who worked in Radio. When I was 12, I wanted to attend a Leadership Conference in DC. My Dad made me “pitch” to him why he should let me go and helped me make a savings plan to fund the trip. As a teenager, I wanted to be a Music Journalist, so they allowed me go to concerts in my teens. As an adult, I created a hobby within the Travel Industry, while simultaneously working in Corporate Marketing, and this led to my current career now. My mom was the first one to sign up for my first Retreat in Costa Rica. Read more>>

Lauren Shaffer

Growing up, my dad was a Sears store manager, so every time he got promoted, we moved. Before high school I had moved 7 times, so starting a new school my freshman year was terrifying for me. I was very shy and had no friends. I would read a book in the corner of the lunch room during school and watch Hard Copy and do homework at night. Finally my dad told me that I need to do something for the rest of high school. I could either get a job or join a sport. I ended up making the decision that would change the trajectory of my life, I joined the cross country team. That decision led me to a full scholarship at the University of Pittsburgh for cross country, indoor and outdoor track. Read more>>

Alan Ladd

One thing my parents did right was nurturing my creativity from an early age. I can remember my mother bringing home a cheap set of watercolor paints when I was little; she had noticed how fascinated I was by color and shape. Instead of giving me coloring books, she encouraged me to paint what I saw in my head or from our garden, where she’d point out flowers and talk about their shapes and colors. It made me feel like my ideas had value, and that stayed with me as I grew older. This sense of freedom and encouragement to explore without limits has been incredibly impactful. It’s why I feel a natural sense of confidence and authenticity in my art and career choices, especially now as I sell my paintings. Read more>>

Santresa Hall

Growing up in a two households filled with love, faith, and hard work, I was fortunate to have been raised by my Mom, Step Father, and maternal Grandparents, who played a significant role in shaping the person I am today. My grandparents, Robert L. Toombs and Minnie Pearl Toombs, instilled in me a deep appreciation for music and arts. My grandfather’s reluctance to let me play with his musical instruments sparked my curiosity and passion for music, leading me to start playing the Violin in 5th grade, Cello in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade, and excel in both. His unwavering support and attendance at all my concerts taught me the importance of dedication and commitment. Read more>>

Kendra Fulmer

One very resonating thing my mom and dad instilled in me is the aspect of work ethic, consistency, and integrity. My dad’s treasured quote of “hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard” rings clear and true in my head till this day. When I graduated high school when I was 18, I automatically wanted to move to LA or NYC to begin my journey in entertainment, likely following the Disney and Nickelodeon roadmap. By the grace of God, my mom’s motherly instincts kicked in, and intervened in those inconclusive plans. She said to me that she would still support my music and performance career if I went to college and got a degree in something other than music or arts. So, after those four years, I still wanted to pursue those aspirations, and because I held my end of the bargain, so did she. And, I thank her for doing that, well, I thank the big man upstairs for divinely working through her to protect me in that way. The reasons for my gratitude is because during those very primitive years, if I were to have jumped the gun and went to LA or NYC, in hindsight, I was being protected from being another young Hollywood or industry statistic. Especially with the recent revelations of what we are uncovering about the industry, what my mom and my dad did, I am forever thankful for this particular impact they had on this life path decision.  Read more>>

Ardak Nurzhakanova

My parents are amazing people who played a huge role in shaping who I am today, and I’m forever grateful to them for that. My dad always taught me the importance of honesty, integrity, and generosity. My mom showed me how to be humble, kind, and always eager to pick up new skills. They’re both incredibly intelligent, kind-hearted, and positive people, always ready to lend a helping hand when needed. By their own example, they taught me how important it is to treat others with kindness, to hold back from judging too quickly, and to remember that we don’t always know the whole story. But I think the most important thing they did right was raising us in an environment filled with love, laughter, kindness, and a passion for learning. Their curiosity and adventurous outlook on life inspired me to be brave and to explore both myself and the world with an open mind. To me, the best thing parents can do for their kids is to be a living example by embracing life fully and with an open heart. Read more>>

Ashur Bratt

My relationship with my parents and their impact on my life and career is a nuanced tapestry of challenges and unexpected gifts. While they didn’t do everything right – and in fact, their unresolved issues created significant challenges for me – they also, inadvertently, set the stage for my current work as a connection coach. Growing up, I found myself in a position where I had to struggle to get my basic childhood needs of attachment, safety, clarity, stability, and more, met. This led me to become a people pleaser, an effective shapeshifter, and extremely empathetic, but also hyper-vigilant. These traits were survival mechanisms in response to my environment. Read more>>

Joya Gresham

My parents instilled hard work and core values. They brought me up with a firm belief in God and Jesus Christ. Those lessons will never be lost. Faith and prayer is definitely something they got right. Read more>>

Sara Willadsen

One of the greatest gifts my parents gave me was their unwavering support in everything I pursued, especially my studio practice. They encouraged me to be restless in the best way—always exploring new skills, tackling projects on my own, and chasing whatever sparked my curiosity. They nurtured in me a strong drive to learn and create independently. By instilling the importance of hard work and perseverance with everything I do, they taught me that true success comes from the dedication we bring to our passions. Read more>>

Tami Urbanek

My parents always offered direction and love. They often told me they loved me and were proud of me. This encouraged me to offer those to myself – in a manner that was not egotistical. They demonstrated / modeled communication and self-respect without comparing myself to others. They also demonstrated work ethic and compassion for humanity. They didn’t judge me. Even as a rebellious teen, they guided me and communicated without a sense of being wrong or negatively punished. Thankfully, I grew out of that phase at age 19. They will always be my role models. Read more>>

Tammy Menjivar

I truly believe that my parents played a foundational role in shaping who I am today, both personally and professionally. They instilled a mindset that has guided me through every aspect of my life, and their teachings continue to influence the way I approach challenges, opportunities, and success. One of the most significant lessons I learned from my father was the distinction between two types of people: those who make things happen and those who let life pass by without taking action. He always emphasized the importance of showing up, doing the work, being bold, dreaming big, and having the resilience to see things through. His belief that *you decide who you want to be* has been a driving force behind my ambitions. Whether it’s pursuing my career or personal goals, I’ve always strived to be the kind of person who takes action, embraces challenges, and pushes forward, no matter the obstacles. One memory that stands out is when I started my business. There were moments of doubt and uncertainty, but my father’s voice in the back of my mind always reminded me to take the leap and trust my ability to make things happen. Read more>>

Lauren Mallari-snyder

They were both present. I can’t recall a time that they weren’t both there to cheer me on at my dance competitions, track meets, graduations or there to console and support me through hard times. Or, if they weren’t both there, I don’t remember that, and I think that says a lot about how well my parents worked and loved, together. I guess I just always felt the double strength love of both parents, even if it was just coming from one! This impacted my life and career by giving me the confidence to try. It’s not in my nature to be brave. But, for example, when I did get the guts up to open our physical therapy practice, I knew I could do it because my parents knew I could do it and I trusted their judgement. So I kind of stole their confidence I guess. But it worked! Read more>>

Denise Lyles-cook

Both my Parents had a different approach to child rearing. My Mother did not spare the rod and my Dad did. My Mother was abusive to the point of drawing blood and unconsciousness. She would often restrict me from gong to rehearsals, yet was always the first one in the front seat at my recitals. My Father on the other hand would encourage me, drop me off and pick me up from rehearsal, when he could, yet very rarely came to my performances, as he was home caring for my invalid Sister, Bessie Maria. I believe what my Parents got right is that I had a balanced dose of life to live, and to draw from, and to take to the stage. Read more>>

Demetra Markopoulos

My parents are entrepreneurs and instilled a strong work ethic in my siblings and I from a young age. My father is an immigrant, and my mom, born here, was raised by her immigrant parents. They were determined, worked hard, and always put us first. As restaurant owners, they were always working, while we were with our grandparents. They taught us the value of hard work but also family. When I was old enough, I wanted to go to work with my parents. They had me come, first to help in the kitchen, then to bus tables, later to waitress and bartend, and then finally, I learned the operations of the business itself. Not only did this teach me the value of hard work and earning money, but it also taught me what it takes to run a business- the good, the bad and the ugly. It was truly a family business and helping out at the restaurants also allowed for me to be with my family and contribute my part. My parents are my role models and the epitome of the American dream. My entrepreneurial spirit came from them. I saw firsthand what can be built and what it takes to achieve success. And for that I am forever grateful. Read more>>

Sierra Miller

My parents have always made it clear to me that they are on my side, no matter what I’m facing or what I decide to get myself into. I’ve taken many different life paths to get to where I’ve ended up today, and while perhaps those paths weren’t always my parent’s first choice for me, they’ve loved and supported me no matter what. When I was in college, I thought that my career path was going to be law school and become an attorney. My parents were all for it. My Dad helped me with law school research and my Mom helped land me my college job of working as a legal assistant for an attorney that she knew. They celebrated me after I took the LSAT and and celebrated me after I was accepted into several law schools. Only then did I decide that law school wasn’t the path I wanted to be going down. It was a shock to everyone, as I’d been pining for it for years and it felt as though so many people had put so much effort in on my behalf to accomplish that goal. An even bigger shock at the same time was that my boyfriend of 1 year and I wanted to get married and move across the country; how they were ultimately able to support me in that, I’ll never know. They’ve always been on my side with each crazy idea, ambition, and aspiration that I come up with. Read more>>

Sierra Starks

One of the best things my parents did was never place limits on my dreams. They didn’t carve out a specific path for me to follow, and not once did they dismiss a dream of mine as too far-fetched. I remember telling my mom when I was 21 years old that I was moving to New York City for grad school and to break into journalism. She had her reservations—understandably so, since I was young, single, and broke *laughs*. But instead of discouraging me, she told me if I really wanted to pursue this path, then she would wholeheartedly support the move. When I later got the opportunity of a lifetime to continue my career in Alaska, she was right there helping me pack and settle into my new life. Read more>>

Samuel Noyola

One of the things my parents taught me since I was a little kid is that hard work is always going to be a talent. If you work hard, and you keep being consistent, things are going to happen in the future. My dad was the owner of a little supermarket where he had to wake up super early to go to the market and get fresh products for the store. I remember him always making the customers laugh to give them the best service they deserve. This is something that made them come back. He didn’t have a lot of resources, but everyone on that street knew where the little supermarket with the best Cold coconuts was. They taught me the importance of having delayed gratification. I remember my dad used to tell me “You already have three pair of shoes, why do you want another one if you only have 2 feet? Why do you want another hat if you already have three hats, and you only have one head!” 😂😂 Read more>>

Kenisha Warren

I have always been a lover of art since I was young. I would incorporate art into school and any way that I could at home, and I could do so freely because of my parents. As soon as they saw that I had an artistic ability with drawing and arts and crafts they let me expand on it as much as I wanted to. I did so many things creatively as a child and having two younger siblings, it sparked me wanting to celebrate them visionarily and spend our quality time creating. I remember I was able to build a treasure chest out of some trinkets at home and created a treasure hunt activity for my little sister’s birthday with the help of my parents–something I will never forget because they never hindered my imaginative visions. I would have my siblings help me prepare art shows for our parents in our living room and our parents never hesitated to say yes. Read more>>

Meera Klein

I firmly believe I’m a product of my ancestors and continue to be motivated by them. My mother had a profound influence on me and my writing. She inspired my book, My Mother’s Kitchen: A Novel with Recipes. She was a tiny woman, barely five feet tall, with deep brown eyes and a shy smile. My sister and I called her “amma,” which means mother in our native Malayalam.   My mother’s name was Sita Lakshmi, but everyone called her Leela. Even as early as the 1960s, my Amma was different. She received her college degree when it was uncommon for women to attend college. One of my earliest (and saddest) memories was saying goodbye to her when she left my sister and me behind to get her teaching credential. She attended a women’s college (later it became my alma mater), which was about 8 hours by bus, so she stayed in the dorms and came to visit us on weekends. My sister and I were under the care of her aunt, whom we called “Muthi” or granny. Read more>>

Rio Brown

What didn’t my parents do right?! Honestly. I will never be able to find the perfect words to fully describe how wonderful my parents are and have always been. Growing up in a household with a dad who worked from home and a stay at home mom was a huge blessing. Watching my dad network, make connections and grow his own business was such an inspiration. He had drive, passion and hustle. He was able to coach my soccer team, we were able to take family vacations, day trips to Disneyland, etc…because my dad was his own boss and could take time off whenever he wanted to! I knew that was the life I wanted when I grew up. Having my mom be so involved in my education and extra curricular activities was life changing. Knowing she would always be able to chaperon field trips, host girl scout meetings, come teach art class at my school, etc…was so freaking cool. Her compassion and enthusiasm as a mom is undeniable. What an example she set for me! Read more>>

Paul Salfen

My parents have always provided me with unconditional love and support. They knew that I picked a field that could be unstable at best but never discouraged me and were always there to listen and to help when needed. What that has done is that it has taught me that I need to do the same – not only for my kids but for anyone that needs my support because not everyone was lucky enough to have what I had. Even though my parents were not in the business and didn’t understand it, they respected it and that’s what I try to do for others that look for help from me. Read more>>

Michelle Akama

My parents are African and they consistently demonstrated values in me like kindness, honesty, empathy, and hard work through their actions, actively listening to my thoughts and concerns, providing unwavering support, and encouraging me to be responsible and considerate of others, all while maintaining open communication and setting clear expectations for my behavior,I learned a lot from them and now it’s a blessing to me . Read more>>

Gloria Osborne-sheeler

My parents (mother, father, and stepfather) instilled the notion of “treating other people like you want to be treated.” Not only did they teach me this but they also modeled it through and through. My parents additionally taught me about love and being connected to the work that you chose to do on a daily basis. They were all very proud of me when I chose to pursue social work and become a therapist to assist others with mental health challenges. Read more>>

Diyach Thebo

Growing up, I always felt like I had an innate love for art, which I believe I inherited genetically. Even though my parents are doctors, they’ve always profoundly admired art and artists. In a society where artists are often seen as deviants or menace, I was lucky to be surrounded by a family that nurtured my creativity and curiosity. They allowed me to explore, learn, and express myself in ways that many kids in my environment didn’t get to experience. Read more>>

Ciara Morris

My parents ensured that I grew up with a solid foundation of values. I was taught to be kind to others, to be empathetic and understanding and that if you’re going to do something, you should do it to the absolute best of your ability. My mother encouraged me to be curious and never stop thirsting for knowledge. She also made sure that I understood that being early was the only option as being on time meant you were already late. My dad proved that hard work paid off and that just because you worked hard didn’t mean you couldn’t have a good time doing it. Read more>>

Dr. A.louise Bonaparte

I was raised by my incredible mother and grandmother, both of whom played pivotal roles in shaping who I am today. Their unwavering commitment to education, entrepreneurship, and community has profoundly influenced my journey. My grandmother, in particular, is a remarkable figure in my life. In the 1930s, she became a multimillionaire by owning several successful businesses at a time when such achievements were rare, especially for a Black woman. Her tenacity and vision laid the groundwork for our family legacy. I remember hearing stories of her navigating challenges, overcoming societal barriers, and building her businesses with grit and determination. These stories inspired me and instilled in me a belief that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance. Read more>>

Lentina Rogers

My parents were forward thinkers. They had the ability to dream outside of what was in front of them. They had the ambition to achieve and believe in theirselves. They planted healthy thoughts and ideas and strong work ethics in their Children. I was the oldest child and a lot was expected from me. I naturally possessed all the qualities to carry out the assignments they instilled in me. Without hesitation I accepted responsibility, accountability, tenacity, trust, and integrity. The self respect that was modeled by my mother and the confident she poured into me, created a confident, persistent, witty, caring person. All of my life experiences shaped and inspired how She Became Me, on purpose and with purpose. I believe some leaders are made and some leaders are born, but as a born leader that was made to strive.That is what continues to drive me in my current journey. Read more>>

Tom Baxter

I grew up in a multi-generation home, with my Mom, Grandfather, Grandmother and Aunt. They really created an environment that fostered creativity and hands-on learning, which has had a lasting impact on my woodworking. Growing up, I was surrounded by artistic influences and was so amazed watching my mom and aunt drawing or painting. They encouraged me to explore my own creativity as well. That support helped build my confidence in trying new things and expressing myself artistically. On the woodworking side, my grandfather played the biggest role. He not only taught me many of the woodworking skills I use today but also always gave me access to tools and encouraged me to keep learning. If something didn’t work, it was a learning experience rather than a failure, and that mindset has stuck with me. I’ve always had the space to grow, and there is always more to learn. Read more>>

Sandy Scheller

My parents were in the Holocaust. Those are six words, not many people can say now. And I can go one step further. My mother survived three concentration camps including Auschwitz. I understand that is a mouthful but when you break it down it’s a mouth wide open. With all the freedoms that have been taken away from my parents, they gave their life to make sure that we, the children never suffered or were discriminated against. The price of freedom was expensive but very worth it. My parents know they could not live our life, although they did have opinions that were respected. Any parent communication should. Here we are today, as I honor my parents in my community with Holocaust exhibits, hopig to make a difference in understanding, peace, humility, humanity and so much more. Yeah, they did something right.  Read more>>

Kat Morga

My Mom was given the opportunity for an International Assignment. She had never left the USA (other than a Mexico trip or two) – and she took 2 BIG suitcases and headed to Switzerland. My brother, Dad & myself quickly headed over to meet her – and our lives were forever changed. Taking that type of risk wasn’t easy for her or for our family. It was scary. It was unfamiliar. We lived in a Studio Apartment for that summer. We all learned a lot about one another and ourselves at the same time. That opportunity changed my life. Read more>>

Amy Lesemann

My mother had a tough beginning in life, but she got past that and eventually became a senior vice president in a bank. She was very good at it, but found it, frankly, boring. It brought in money to send us to expensive colleges, but after we kids were safely launched, she said wanted to go to art school. This woman, who had shied away from any craft my whole life! She had this secret side to her! She asked me, “Are you going to laugh at me? Is it too late?” OF COURSE I wasn’t going to laugh at her! She started at the bottom, going to the Art Students League, taking life drawing lessons, stressing about everything, fearful, but showing up five days a week. She took the buses and trains from northern NJ into NYC. And over the years she produced amazing portraits. You can still see a video of her work, Joan Lesemann, on Youtube.  Read more>>

Siarra Morris

Growing up, my relationship with my mom was complicated. She fought her own battles—surviving sexual abuse and struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. These challenges often pulled her away from being the mom I needed, leaving me with my own childhood trauma. Yet, amid our struggles, my mom taught me something powerful: “Be a leader, not a follower.” Those words became my guiding light. They reminded me that I had the strength to forge my own path, even in a world that felt unforgiving. Like my mom, I faced my own hardships. At 17, I was shot in the chest, narrowly missing my heart, and by 19, I was a single mother. I felt trapped in a cycle of trauma, burnout, and unhappiness. It wore me down, and I knew I had to change. Read more>>

Gyasi Tsarnas

My parents always encouraged me to follow my dreams and do whatever my heart called me to do. When I took an interest in photography as a kid, they got me a Canon DSLR and told me to take pictures and videos of whatever I wanted. They wanted me to try and find my own style and to learn as much as I could, which I will always be grateful for. So, as I got older and started to get more equipment, make better projects, and develop my own way of doing things that encouragement from them continued. Whenever I felt demoralized about something or I had that urge to give up, they would always tell me to keep at it. I always keep their kind words in my head when I’m dedicating myself to a project, because I know that if I gave up or let the struggle get to me then their work to support me was for nothing. Read more>>

Dan Guy

I am forever grateful for the way my parents raise me and my siblings. My mom was a stay at home Mom which I think was really important in how we were raised because we always knew we could count on her to be there for us. Driving to sports events, chaperoning field trips or just being there after school with us with a snack; she was always there to unpack the day with us. My Dad worked really really hard to support our family and it truly showed us what hard work looked like. He travelled a lot globally throughout his entire career but somehow he intentionally never missed anything that was important to us. So not just telling us how to live but demonstrating what a healthy work/family life balance looked like was extremely impactful for me. Read more>>