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.

Joey Kobana

If there was one thing that I’d start over and do differently, it would be to study my craft when I developed an interest. My advice to those who are starting something they’re passionate about is to not only to test the waters but do your research online to sharpen up your skills. I could’ve been further ahead if I learned more instead of only focussing on one skill. Even though I had a late start I on somethings, I am currently catching up on the things I’ve always wanted to sharpen my skills on. Read more>>

Marcus Celiano

I would go into the trades much sooner and not waste time in college. First, I would have went and got all my certifications/licenses (fertilizer, snow, pesticide, patios, walls, etc.). Then I would have worked for a company out of high school for a year or so to get a better understanding on the industry while building credit and saving money. After that, they I would have started business. Read more>>

Nelson Richardson

Starting over is powerful as a statement thatt speaks to the confidence in the path that you are currently traveling. If I were to start over I would exude more confidence much quicker. I initially was concerned about carving out my space as an excellent photographer ( photo taker). I remember asking my mentor when I would I know I was a professional photographer. Read more>>

Zamiyah Jackson

If I were to start over with the knowledge I know now, I would definitely stop continuing to procrastinate and comparing myself and my work to others. I feel like that played a huge part when I first started out doing photography because I just knew I wanted my work to look like whoever I was inspired by at that moment and I was overwhelmed by trying to get it done just like them. Also, I would’ve did more research about cameras, lenses, and what long term lighting, stands, and backdrops I would need to invest in. Read more>>

Amy Jacobus

I always say “I started my business by accident.” That is, I quit a full-time job that wasn’t fulfilling with no real plan on what I wanted to do next. I knew I wanted to help people with their marketing, and I also knew I could leverage my skills and strengths into services. But it took me several years to realize I wasn’t “just a freelancer” — I had an actual business. That’s when I started to build my business with intention. Read more>>

Elizabeth Mireles

If I had to start over, I would take a leap of faith and believe in myself. It took me years to do so. In high school, I applied into a cosmetology program and got accepted my freshman year. I would say about 60 other girls got accepted with me, however out of those girls only 25 were to move on to the sophomore level and take the next steps to getting their license. I did not get accepted. I was so devastated and continued my high school years with no hope to continue my education in the beauty industry. Read more>>

Morgana Wingard

If I was starting over again today, I would have studied business in undergrad and gone for an MBA — with a lot of classes on law because no matter what business you’re in you’re going to need to sign and create a lot of contracts. Then, I would have gone for what I wanted from the beginning instead of trying to take the “safe” route. Read more>>

Nichel Anderson

If I were to start over, and do thing differently I’ll make sure I know who I want my target audience to be. Build a community first prior to selling. I spent a lot of time in the beginning trying to sell to everyone just because they wore wigs, and that’s where I went wrong. It cost me time and capital because I didn’t know what to do and who to speak to. Read more>>

Brittany Fishman

Hindsight is always 20/20. There are so many things, looking back, that I would have done differently. Of course, I wouldn’t be where I am today if I had taken any other path, however the main regret I have when it comes to becoming a makeup artist is that I wish I would have started earlier. I was met with considerable push back when I first expressed I wanted to become an artist. Back then, the makeup world was nothing like it is today. Read more>>

Joy Maxwell

Eight years ago, I started my business from a very hurtful and frustrating place. I had not put any thought into being a business owner. I just knew that working in my classroom and teaching at night at our local college wasn’t cutting it. I was overwhelmed, underpaid, and overworked I needed a change and I need it to change quickly. Read more>>

Kennedie Scurry

If I could start over, I would make my life more about myself and not other people. Worrying about other people other than your life and what you need to do causes you to put yourself last. I’ve had my times where I had put myself first but I wasn’t consistent in the act. I would take saving more serious to make better investments to have ownership over my things. With the things I would posses, I would still have the humble heart along with it because I know that anything I gain can taken away just as fast as it came. Read more>>