Helping more people thrive doing what they love or are passionate about means helping more folks learn from those who came before them and so we asked successful entrepreneurs, artists and creatives to tell us what they would do differently, knowing what they know now, if they were starting over.

Ashleigh Pandora Montford

Beginning from scratch, oh, what an exhilarating thought that I literally shared my sentiments about only a few hours ago! If I could start from scratch, instead of solely getting a BA in Journalism and Mass Communications, but I would have double majored in Journalism and Mass Communications and Marketing, and then minored in English and Africana Studies. Yes, that’s quite a load, but it would have propelled me further into my career and allowed me to have the knowledge for the price of one degree. Read more>>

Alicia King, MBA

Allow me to give you a little backstory first; when I decided to start my own tax company, I was unsure of how to run a tax business but I knew it was something I wanted to do. I was running my business like it was hobby, although that was not my intention, I had to be honest with myself. It wasn’t until well into my third tax season that I noticed I needed the proper guidance. At that moment I figured I would try a mentorship program. Not just any mentorship program, but I knew I needed a mentor who had taken similar paths as I did. Someone who was knowledgeable, honest, and critical, trustworthy and who would have my best interest at heart. Read more>>

Thario & Kandice Dorsey

If we were starting over, we would do a lot of things differently. For one, we’d charge what we are worth. Meaning we would charge for our time as well as our knowledge and expertise. When we started we were charging next to nothing and spinning all of our time working to get one project completed. To get to where we are today faster, we would hire talented Digital Marketers to do the bulk of the work. This would allow us to have more time to market our own business. We could also take on more clients and be more productive. Read more>>

Brian Guzman

I love this question! This is something I would recommend anyone in any field to ask their mentor(s). I remember sitting with my own Photography mentor, John Gress in a cafe this time last year, and just asking him this exact question. I still remember his answer. As short and sort of general as it was, it really was great advice for at least me. At that time I wasn’t just starting my business but I had also just started learning the fundamentals of studio lighting. Read more>>