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.

Irina Alexander

I was born in Russia and moved to America with my family when I was 5 years old. Immigrating wasn’t easy, and my parents sacrificed a lot to get me the opportunities I have today. Growing up, my parents didn’t allow any English to be spoken in the house. I remember having mixed feelings about that as a child, but I feel really grateful for their pride in our culture, and their dedication to preserving it despite the pressures of acculturation. My 1.5 generation immigrant background absolutely plays into who I am as a therapist today, particularly with my eye towards systemic, cultural, and identity issues. I appreciate helping clients make room to explore their cultural backgrounds in sessions, while acknowledging and navigating the realities of systems of oppression that try to tear us away from our roots. Read more>>

Nicole Rourke

Growing up as the oldest of four children, I had the privilege of watching my mother embody strength, compassion, and resilience every single day. She was a nurse practitioner in pediatric cardiology, working on the hearts of babies—a job that demanded not just immense skill, but an unwavering calm under pressure. I remember how her presence could ease any storm. She was the most gentle, loving person I’ve ever known, and her drive to help others shaped my view of the world. Read more>>

Tina Tsai

I was raised by my mother, who was a single parent. She was a Traditional Chinese Watercolor Artist and was also juggling all sorts of jobs in order to support us. However, she always made sure to cook up some incredible, wholesome home-cooked meals. The average meal for us was a meat dish, a veggie dish, a seafood dish, served with rice, and there was also always a pot of soup on the stove! Read more>>

Andrea James

My biggest flex is my parents. Slightly weird flex, sure, but if you know them and the life that they have so selflessly provided for my sister and me all the way through adulthood, you’d know exactly what I am talking about. Against all odds, they both managed to escape poverty, segregation, Jim Crow, and raising some very opinionated young ladies. My parents met as teenagers and have been each other’s one true love since the 60s. They carried on 50 years of good decision making throughout the course of their marriage, built a life together that has been nothing short of beautiful, and I feel so privileged to have been a product of their experiences.  Read more>>

Shima Toyserkani

When I reflect on my childhood, one of the many things my parents did right was allowing me to experience boredom. While it might seem counterintuitive, being bored gave me the space to think and imagine freely, without any distractions. It was during these moments that I would often come up with my most creative ideas—whether it was inventing new games, exploring artistic hobbies, or coming up with ways to entertain myself. This early exposure to boredom taught me the value of solitude and self-sufficiency, which has been incredibly valuable in both my personal and professional life. In the world of interior design, creativity is essential, especially in the early stages of a project. We often start with a burst of innovative ideas, pulling inspiration from all around us. However, creativity is only part of the equation. The real success lies in the meticulous execution of those ideas, where precision, attention to detail, and careful planning come into play. The ability to combine creative freedom with a disciplined approach is something that was nurtured in me from a young age and continues to shape the way I design today. Read more>>

Emalea Carver

My Parents set me up for success as a young woman just by being there and showing me how important work ethic and sacrifice is impactful to your career. As a young woman I was always fascinated with my father and the dedication he had to his work from being a chief petty officer in the navy, to retiring after 20 years and continuing to further his career to the military on the civilian side. Up until his last years, my dad was and is the most respected hardworking man I have ever known. He and my mom always taught me from a young age that the stars are the limit. As some people say being a makeup artist or even cosmetologist ‘isn’t a real job’, I have been determined to prove not only to whoever doubts me but most importantly myself that I will achieve my dreams and go beyond my expectations. Read more>>

Lindsay Dyess

My parents never made me feel like I was less than for wanting to pursue a career in art. They never tried to talk me out of it or tried to convince me to do something that would bring in more money-honestly I never heard them say one negative thing about pursuing a career in art. As a child my mom always took time to do crafts or fun activities with me and my sister and as I got older my dad would let me use space in his garage to do photoshoots with my high school friends. Once when I was a teenager, I found a bath tub at a thrift store and I wanted to buy it to put in our yard and take photos with my friends. I called my mom and without hesitation she drove my dad’s truck down to the store and helped me load it up and take it home. From the museum trips to the art supplies, my parents’ always took the time to make sure my creative needs were met, and I will always be grateful for that. Read more>>

Mark Moeller

I grew up in hospitality, not in the truest sense of being in a restaurant working at 8 years old but at home. My parents often had parties or we would attend them in NYC, filled with family and friends and everyone treated one another terrifically. We were always treated as a guest and returned the treatment when people came to our home. I was taught at a young age that when people come to see you, you pay attention to them, you get them what they need (they shouldn’t lift a finger) and you make them so happy that they have the best experience. My parents taught us that strangers are just friends we haven’t met yet. Treat them you would a guest in your own home and they will feel amazing and looking for the time they can return. Read more>>

Ariele Gent

My passion for documenting love stories in beautiful places comes from my childhood environment and experiences, provided by my parents. My inspiration comes from bathroom walls being painted with socks, National Forest Ranger applications, trash bags full of film photos, scenic drives, and so much more. Whenever my mom had a creative idea, it was getting done. Even in my adult life, my mom and I share the passion for art in all forms; painting, photography, home renovations, and music. My dad had one of the most unique souls I’ve ever known. Growing up we would lay in the street at night to look at the stars, and during the day look up to the clouds to create stories about what we saw. My dad passed in 2018, and a few months after his passing my uncle gave me a trunk full of old photos and documents that belonged to my dad. Inside the trunk contained National Forest applications my dad had submitted early on in his life, and knowing I have the same drive and passion for traveling as he did fuels my soul and connects me to him. My parents showed me early on in my life that it’s okay to be different, and to embrace it. Still to this day, whenever I have a photo that’s blown me away I immediately send it to my mom to share the moment with her. I have them to thank for my creative brain and the way I see art in the littlest of things. Read more>>

Emilio Justo, M.d.

My parents did many things right, but above all, they taught me the values of resilience, self-sacrifice, and the power of unwavering faith in both oneself and a higher purpose. One story stands out, a vivid reminder of their grit and love, which shaped the foundation of my life and career. When we fled Cuba, my father made a decision that has forever stayed etched in my mind. At a time when Fidel Castro’s government seized personal wealth through a currency switch, my father, distrusting the regime, buried his savings in the backyard. That buried treasure—a symbol of his foresight and refusal to surrender—eventually became our ticket to freedom, purchased through the black market with the help of a Canadian diplomat. Read more>>

Fon Khunsamart

My name is Jiraphorn Khunsamart, but most people call me Fon. I am the owner of Baker St Cafe – Thai Kitchen in McMinnville, Oregon. I was born in Thailand in a small rural town about an hour east of Bangkok. You asked me, “What did your parents do right, and how has that impacted you in your life and career?” My parents taught me to work hard, never give up, and always put family first. When we moved to the U.S. from Thailand when I was 14, we didn’t have much. We didn’t speak English or know anything about America, but we had big dreams and worked hard to make them come true. They showed me that family is the most important thing, and we should always support each other, no matter what. Read more>>

Rubi Villa

One of the most important lessons my parents taught me was to enjoy life. Yet, at times, I found myself complaining about it. I often notice how many people seem to lack that same sense of enjoyment, and it saddens me. My parents were always celebrating something, eating good food, appreciating nature or simply embracing life. I believe this is now part of my essence, and it continues to inspire me in my art. Read more>>

Vitali Zahharov

To answer that, I need to start at the beginning. I’m originally from a small country in Northern Europe—Estonia. Today, I live in Los Angeles, a massive leap for someone who might have once been considered just an ordinary guy. Making that jump wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. I managed to carve my path and relocate with my wife, starting fresh to build a better life. Now, I work as a Creative Director, helping startups craft their design language and elevate their customer experience. Honestly, I can’t imagine doing anything else. If the internet vanished tomorrow, I’d be completely lost because this is the one thing I know how to do and love doing. Read more>>

Andre Zemnovitsch

My Folks are my best friends. Their boundless love, wisdom and excitement for living is what is responsible for molding the Modus Operandi of my life! My Dad is going to be 83 years young in January; Mom just turned 70, God Bless their beautiful hearts. They’ve been married to one-another for almost 52 years. Read more>>