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.

Theresa Wilmot

If I was starting over, I’d start networking sooner! My business grew slowly over time as my 2 daughters grew up, and while I don’t regret the extra time and space I gave to my family, networking has taught me so much that would have been helpful even then. I have learned from others in their own journey, things that have helped me in mine. Things like how to properly set yourself up with a system that manages your client information, scheduling and invoicing, creating processes that make it easy for people to work with me, and having the right mindset to grow and achieve more. Read more>>

Michelle Mcglinn

I don’t regret anything about my path and the experiences I’ve had; even the worst moments have taught me so much about resilience, learning, communication, and passion. I worked in corporate before freelancing and though it wasn’t the right path for me, working in the corporate environment for so long taught me a lot about myself and others. If I could take what I know now and start over from 18, I’d likely take college a lot less seriously and use it as a chance to learn as much and as widely as possible. Read more>>

Stephanie Hudson

If I had it to do over, I’d have sooner surrounded myself with other photographers. Initially, my journey felt lonely. I wasn’t sure where to start as a low budget beginner. I was lost and nervous, just taking on random shoots for friends and family but not growing much. This went on for years. Gaining experience slowly. I didn’t even know what questions to ask, let alone who to direct them to. Read more>>

223 Youngan.

If I Was Starting Over I Would Minimize Who I Let Around Me and Focusing More On Myself. I Have A Big Heart and tend to look out for others before I do myself. I Believe I’m on the right track to where I want to be in the industry and It’s only a matter of time, I Just have to stay consistent, Drop All 500+ of the songs I have in store to drop soon, and Stay focused on myself. Gotta Stick to the plan and never forget where I came from. Read more>>

Michael Spielman

If I had it to do again, it’s entirely possible that I wouldn’t do it at all. I don’t say that with regret, but in recognition of the fact that it’s often better not to know the difficulties that lie ahead. It’s ignorance that allows us to take the risks we might not otherwise venture. The struggle is important. The mistakes are instructive. I’m not sure they can be avoided. I’m not even sure my future self could have meaningfully guided me in the absence of actual experience. That being said, I’ll still offer up some practical lessons. Read more>>

Anthony Young

If I had to start over I would be smarter concerning the people I have in my circle. I would invest in brand new equipment so I wouldn’t have to buy all over again Read more>>

Niki Brown

If I were starting over today, I would start by hiring a talented designer to work with me as soon as I can. When I started my business, I was wearing all the hats; designer, marketer, bookkeeper, procurement, and client management. Now, almost 5 years in, I see how having a team has enabled me to be the creative director and face of my brand. Read more>>

Shawn Barner

From the years of work I have put in, I’ve learned that this is a team-based industry. You have to put together a collective group of people to have long term success in content creative. That would be my main focus starting over instead of trying to wear a lot of hats. Sometimes, you may have to do that but don’t make it a habit. Read more>>

Anais Magee

If I were to start over, I would do a lot more research into different waxes and wicks. There are so many different waxes I would have tested a few more. Don’t get me wrong I absolutely love the wax I use which is a coconut soy wax. I would test a few different natural waxes. With Wicks, that is project in itself. You have to use the correct wick that works with the wax and fragrance oil. Speaking of fragrance, I would take time into researching fragrance and affects an individual mood. Read more>>

Kai’rys Slayer

Research, Research, Research!!!! A lot of avoidable mistakes are made either due to lack of knowledge or being too comfortable. Going into this business I had a plan. But that’s all it was. I knew the goal but had no research, no knowledge, no funding. All I had was a simple plan and a lot of energy. Read more>>