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.

Emani Jenkins

If I had the chance to start over, I would take my business a lot more serious in the beginning. In the beginning, I knew i could do hair. I knew i could make money off it but I did not take advantage of how far this business could actually place me. Earlier on, had I studied social media a little more, invested into products (i.e. ring lights, branded products) I would probably be a lot further financially and exposure wise. Read more>>

Alecia Daniel-Hall

If I were launching my law firm, Genesis Law PA over again, the first thing I would do differently is ignore the self doubt and scream to the world that I have opened the doors of my law firm and i’m ready to bring my services to the world. My business began to flourish once I became confident about telling people who I am, and what I do. The second thing I would do is embrace social media immediately. Read more>>

Kyle Smith

You know, its funny. I was thinking about this very question not too long ago when an industry group of friends were talking about it. My start in the wedding industry was a little bit different than most and honestly I think my specific approach was extremely beneficial to my growth and development as a filmmaker and as a business owner. Read more>>

Teri Cox

After being in business for 15 years, if I were starting over, I would have a mentor who specializes in the handmade jewelry business. Next, I would apply for one of the many accelerator programs that teach you how to start a business from the grown-up. Read more>>

Scott Weinmann

The hardest part about being a business owner is hindsight is truly 20/20. When I first became a business owner, I played it safe. I bought a retail business with positive cash flow, in order to support myself in the retail business I really was passionate about. Instead of “Going Big or Going Home” I decided to buy a furniture store and take on a business partner for that store so I could have a steady stream of income while I build my online presence for my guitar store. Read more>>

Joyce Smith

If I were starting over, I’d be more cognizant of how quickly time passes by maximizing every moment. One of the ways I’d maximize my time is by setting a schedule to address the business side of the entertainment industry. I’d reallocate a significant amount of my budget to marketing and building a social media presence. Finally, I’d take more risks; bet on me. Read more>>

Mari Fitz-Wynn

For several days a friend and I brainstormed several names for the business. Between the both of us, we created a list of at least fifty names. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel as though they captured the idea I envisioned for the company. Then, one night I had a dream. In my dream, someone headed me a book. Read more>>

Jorge Mercado

Natural Smiles was designed with the vision of providing quality and beauty while having a biological approach to dentistry. Unfortunately, dentistry as a profession has had a bad reputation, since we have been perceived as the villain in the narrative of health. Ask someone about which physician they dread to visit and will more likely mention the dentist. We are aiming for a better outcome physically and emotionally. Read more>>

Marisa Sturino

Lilacs have always had a special place in my heart. To me, they have always symbolized renewal, hope, and the faithfulness that God brings spring after winter just as surely as day follows night. In Montreal, the winters are long and harsh. Some people love winter, but I am not one of them! Read more>>

AnneMarie Krainich

I was a single mom with $500 in my pocket when I decided to go after my dream of opening my own salon. I was terrified but determined to set my fear aside and see it through. I wanted a unique name for my business that would stand out among the competition and also have deep meaning to me. My heritage is Icelandic and when I researched the word for “fearless” in Icelandic, I knew I’d found it. Ottalaus, pronounced Oh-t-Al-us. Read more>>

Alexandria Wilson

The name of my company is True Boss Beauty Co. I’ve always called myself Girl Boss Alexxx. When I started out I knew that I wanted Boss to be in my company name but I knew that I couldn’t use girl boss. To be a Boss you have to be True to yourself so I decided to use True Boss. As a business owner, I promise to be true to my current and future customers. Read more>>

Rachel Leins

The name 42N Naturals came from the locations along Lake Michigan that I had a vision of our retail stores making the most sense. 42N is the absolute location running from New Buffalo to Holland. Our storefronts and products are an experience for both local and touring families visiting and living along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Read more>>

Miray Diner

Our store is called 4moon, my Name is Miray meaning of moonlight so, Moon always had special place in my heart and once I moved to Moab I was obsessed with sky date and night cuz sky is in Moab the best you can ever have. Moab also has one of the darkest nighttime sky. I knew our store name had to have something from sky. After researching all the stars name and I really wanted to be “moon” then for the moon then utilized “4moon” ‘ Read more>>

Armine Zakaryan

Choosing the “proper” name for our toy store was not an easy one. We (me and my husband ) did our best to choose something attractive and meaningful for kids as well as to include our twin’s initials too. So after long negotiation, we came up with the name GN Universe. So… Why GN? My kids’ initials Garik and Narine. Read more>>

Simone The Mastermind

At the time that I established my business, Simone the Mastermind wasn’t created just yet. It wasn’t until about four or five years in actually. I always noticed that when people came to me about their business challenges or ideas, that was normally all they had. However, I have this ability to take that challenge and damn near immediately map out a potential solution. Read more>>

Lillie Desir

Something I’ve started that I were to start earlier if I could is networking. We had our social media marketing and even door to door introductions to market ourselves to businesses. I’ve learned along the way that being a cleaning company we are essential to every other company out there! Read more>>