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.

Isabel Francis Bongue

If I were to start over today, knowing what I know now, the biggest lesson I’d carry with me is to take myself more seriously, and criticism less so. Your desires are valid and important, and trusting in your own perceptions is key. If I could go back, I’d emphasize these truths, allowing them to guide my decisions. Read more>>

Shelby Sides

I truly believe that every mistake I made and the obstacles I needed to work around were all very necessary to shape me and this business. There are instances that have happened recently that truly would have been a lot harder to work through if I didn’t already have a reference point from past situations. Even the positive experiences and opportunities I have come across all feel incredibly necessary in the development of Studio Sides. I have really good examples of what is achievable and it helps put in perspective what is left to learn. Read more>>

Darrell Brown

Plain and simple, I would’ve started sooner. I was only vaguely familiar with the voice over industry prior to starting to take classes. I never considered it as a possibility for me nor did I have any ambitions of being an entrepreneur because I had a good job at the time with great benefits. However, once I started my education in the business, I fell in love with it and it sparked an interest that I couldn’t shake. Now that I am fully in it, I realize that the initial intimidation about running my own business was overblown. It is absolutely doable and manageable, and most importantly, rewarding. I would advise my past self to get started right after college. Read more>>

Santii Santiago

I think one of the main things I would do differently if I were to start over my rug making journey today would be, to not be scared of failing and believe in myself so I could have started sooner. When I first started my journey into teaching myself to make rugs it wasn’t pretty, I attempted to first learn with a tufting gun which did not like me. So I gave up for a little while until I learned I could do tufting by hand and that is called needle punching. With that I had finally found the confidence I needed to create the art I had always envisioned. Never stop trying to pursue your dreams, always find a way. Read more>>

Samantha Shannon

If I were starting over today, I’d invest back into my business differently. I think we’re often told to put profits back into our business early on, but never actually how to do that effectively. I spent a lot of time in the early years investing into professional organizations, equipment, and networking events. But when I invested into two specific things, my business grew more than it ever had: outsourcing and education. Read more>>