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.

Neah Barnhart

If I were to start over with all of the knowledge of self and business that I have now, I would focus on bringing in enough profit to hire additional help. I have done a great job of making my lifestyle sustainable enough to be free and operate my business out of love. Where I lack is making my business profitable to where I can hire the help needed to expand on a larger scale. Read more>>

Chilli Cornell

If I were to start over, I would have definitely been more upfront with my words and trusted my talent and skills. I would have listened to myself instead of trying to please other people (family). At the end of the day. I don’t regret starting later in the beauty industry as it made me who I am today, so am very grateful. Read more>>

Jasmine Bivins

If I were starting over, I would make sure I have certain aspects and ideas in place before trying to launch. It’s difficult to always know what’s ahead of you once you decide to put your brand out in the world, but once it’s out there, you learn what you should’ve done differently. I’m grateful to everyone who has been lenient and understanding through every step of the way and there are others who may not share that same understanding, but I think it’s important to always be open to learn and adapt. Read more>>

Jason DuFriend

If I was starting over, I’d start saving money sooner for sure just to move up the timeline. Everything moves pretty fast, and the faster you get your products out there the better Read more>>

Megan Murchison

So many lessons learned. 1. Start small. Use supplies/equipment/skills you either have already, or can obtain without too large of an investment. As you grow, have your business pay for additional equipment/skills allowing you to offer more. Read more>>

Jade Dixon

If I were starting over, I would definitely lay out a more efficient game plan for my business. I kind of just jumped into the nail business and hoped for the best. I’d also try to gain more knowledge from someone in my field that’s been in it longer than I have. Having a mentor could have saved me a lot of time & money. Read more>>

Rockim Williamson

I’d definitely understand the importance & practice the art of consistency at a sooner state. Throughout this journey I’ve been learning discipline & consistence, two qualities that could’ve skyrocketed my career had a started sooner. I also would’ve started taking classes at YouTube University a lot sooner lol Read more>>

Lindsay Parrott

I would invest more into my company immediately – advertising/marketing, educagtion/workshops, styled shoots and networking opportunities. In two years in Vegas, I was able to do what I couldn’t in Chicago in 8 years. The only difference…Styled Shoots. Read more>>

Dimitri Cotman

If I were to start over, one thing I would do differently is finalize and understand the business aspect of running a business. Once I had the idea of Z.Nith Point and started pouring candles I remained in the creator mindset wanting to constantly evolve my products to the luxe affordable level I aspired them to be and not working towards being a business owner. The issue with being stagnant in hopes and dreams is that the reality of your buisness doesn’t have a foundation and that’s where I failed. Read more>>

Alicia Elatassi

When I first started in business, I was very reluctant to ask for help. I didn’t think I needed it. If there was anything that needed to be done for the business, I wanted to do it. I wanted to do it all. So I wasted precious time figuring things out when I could have hired help. The sooner I could have realized how I needed someone with the skills that I lacked, the more faster and efficiently I would have grown. Hire people to help! Read more>>

Rikki Fernandez

I would advise anyone interested in following the same career path to be as confident as possible even when they aren’t feeling confident. Especially if you are starting out young. As a hairstylist starting out in my early 20s, I let all of my clients take control of the appt because most of them were older than me. This would lead to not having the best result at the end of the appt. I would forget that I was the professional and they were there for my professional guidance. Read more>>