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.

Steven Dyme

Beyond being raised with an ethos around justice and service (both values deeply engrained in my business), my flower story, and entrepreneurial journey, may have never existed without my parents conditions for selecting a college. Read More>>

Scott Parsons

What my parents got right, is their love. When they were postering the refrigerator with my drawings when I was quite young, they had no idea one could eventually have a career in art. Maybe it was because the first Lego factory in the United States was built an hour away from where we lived, but my parents would enter my Legos into these Lego building contests. I placed tenth in one international Lego building contest at age five, and then third place when I was seven. My parents would also my drawings into the local TV station which broadcast the Noell and Andy show. Read More>>

Michelle Yu

My parents are the founders of Shilla Bakery. They immigrated from Korea and started this business from the ground up—with no prior experience in baking or business. What they lacked in formal training, they made up for in perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering work ethic. They built something lasting through sheer determination, learning as they went, and never losing sight of the community they wanted to serve. Watching that unfold firsthand as a child shaped so much of who I am today. Read More>>

Grace Green

I am immensely blessed to have grown up with the parents I have! They are go-getters, hard-working and deeply committed people. They have taught me (and all of my siblings) what it means to work hard and never give up on your dreams, no matter how big they seem. I have watched them face trials, unexpected setbacks and uncomfortable challenges with valor and great faith while still finding joy in the process. In everything they put their hands to, they have given it their very best. My mom always used to tell me, “If you’re going to do anything, do it right!”. I watched my dad never turn down a challenge or let it get the best of him. I am certain that their constant example of courage and strength has made me who I am today, and helped me build the foundation of the my entrepreneurial journey. They have given me their unwavering support and encouragement, and I know Charisma Films wouldn’t be what it is without that. Read More>>

Meghan O’Malley

Boston, MA in the 1990s, I’m 12 years old, the epitome of glamour in my crushed velvet, midnight-green babydoll dress and a new leather choker. My parents took me and two of my five siblings to see Phantom of the Opera downtown. We sat somewhere that felt, to me, very close. Close enough that I was completely pulled into the magic of it all (that chandelier!), and also aware of how much work it took to make this magic on stage. Read More>>

Ally Rose

One of the best things my mom did was plant the seed, very early on, that the world was so much bigger than the small town I grew up in.

I was one of only two Black kids in the town, my brother being the other, and growing up in that environment, it would’ve been easy to internalize a sense of limitation or smallness. But my mom made sure we didn’t. She’d say it to us constantly, like a mantra: There’s a whole great big world outside of Windber, Pennsylvania. And she said it with such conviction that it became part of me. Read More>>

Rebecca Whitehead

My parents raised five girls within 8 years of age, with me being the youngest. My father traveled for work some and my mom worked in education. My parents prioritized education and modeled this passion for us by each completing several degrees. Life was chaotic much of the time given the size of our family, although I grew up believing that I could accomplish anything. One of my favorite stories of trying something new was in high school. I had several formals to attend as my friendships spanned several schools. I went to my mother and shared my dream of wanting to design the dresses I would wear. Read More>>

Katy Wing

My parents are my best friends, my mom just passed away from a 3-year battle with ALS and nothing will ever be the same.
She is the reason I’m starting my new career, changing lives through skin and growing my own business. Read More>>

Desiree Hill

One of the biggest values that I learned from my parents was the power of community. They didn’t preach it, they lived by it. Our home was always open, and everyone knew they belonged. It is a place of people, laughter, music, food, and stories. It was just second nature to them to make space for others. They showed me that love isn’t just something you give to family, it’s something you extend to neighbors, friends, or even strangers. And not just monetarily, but through time, love,e and the willingness to make room for others. That kind of home teaches you something deep: that you are not alone, and that being part of something bigger than yourself is both grounding and sacred. Read More>>