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.

Terri Fè

I started a a food and fashion lifestyle blog in 2015 and have since worked towards added other extensions of this business such as a magazine and a fragrance line. Since starting my business I was always very hard on myself, I wanted everything to be perfect before I started or put out content but I’ve come to realize that there is no such thing as perfection, no matter your approach there is always going to be something that you could’ve done differently. Read more>>

Deaja Todd

If I was starting over today, knowing everything I know now I would definitely take more time perfecting my craft, and finding my own unique style as a lash artist. After practicing for a few weeks I was excited to start working on live models, and while I eventually got to the point I wanted to be, I know that if I had spent more time focusing on the fundamentals of lashing, I could have gotten there sooner. Read more>>

Kourtlan Carter

The marketing aspect of my company, The KCARTER Collection, is something I would change if I could start over. One of the most crucial aspects of running a business, especially in the modern world, is marketing. Since I never actually had a work for a long time, I was never able to “save” enough money to completely invest in my business and buy other items that would set me apart from competing businesses. Read more>>

Robin Kunzler Photo

One thing I would change if I were starting today is connecting with vendors earlier. I have made many connections with photographer and videographer friends, florists, venue owners, dress shop owners, makeup artists, etc. recently that I would have loved to make earlier in my career. These connections have led to lasting friendships and amazing collaborations. Read more>>

Kayla Bradford

If I were to start over today with my business I would only change one thing. That one thing would be procrastinating. I have procrastinated on a lot of goals and projects within my business that could’ve gotten me further quicker. I no longer procrastinate. I now better manage my time with breaks and planning. Read more>>

Joyce Salazar

What I wish I did differently is learn about contracts. When you have a small business, you think you won’t be in a position where you need one, you get contacted for a large order, then you’re scrambling. A contract will protect you and your client; it’s worth learning about regardless of your business size. Read more>>

Kariann Rugg

I think almost all of us would go back and do things differently if we could with the knowledge we have now. If I were able to start from day one of Cake Dame again, the main thing I would tell myself is to just have confidence. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and to do the things that scare you. I’ve learned so much and come so far even just in the last couple of months. My business is growing and booming and it’s so exciting. I can’t go back though, so I’m doing it now! Read more>>

Laura Tannenbaum

I would do a lot of things differently if I were to start my business today. When I started back in 2018, it was out of necessity and and I needed to get things up and running quickly. Within a month of being encouraged to start a photography business, I had my website, session offerings, and social media ready to go. If I knew then what I knew now, it would have been a much different process. Read more>>

Robnitia Weekley

I feel like I start over every day. Everyday to me it’s a learning experience, I literally learn something new everyday. I intake and learn from new experiences and apply them to daily life and how I view and approach situations. We’re in a state of constant change if we accept them as opportunities for growth. Read more>>

Heather Allen

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and start over, I would have focused on finding my niche so I could focus more energy on what my clients and I enjoy as well as what is most profitable. When I was getting started, I wanted to tackle everything; from chocolate and treats all the way up to wedding cakes. Read more>>

Di’Janea Williams

I would step out in Faith quicker than I did. I’m a firm believer that your Faith has to be stronger than your mind and starting my business made me stand on that. I was at a standstill because I was holding myself back and didn’t believe in me but I have a support system that go over and beyond for me and Believe in me and they pushed me to do it and my business wouldn’t be what it is without them. Read more>>