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.

Jimmy Douglas

We had a successful first year in market, but now we need to grow at a much faster rate. We’re becoming more disciplined as a team about about focusing our efforts on well-defined hypothesis-driven validation cycles, so we can prove or disprove small convictions quickly that compound over time. With the benefit of hindsight, I would have applied that framework and discipline much earlier in the process. Fortunately, we have the runway required to figure out an exponential growth path. Read more>>

Tyree Dones

Ouuu great question, So there’s actually quite a few things I would’ve done differently. 1st I would’ve gotten my license at 18, I didn’t get my license until I was 22. Then, I would’ve also kept working and did real estate at the same time. I also would have put more time and effort into choosing a brokerage. When I first got my license I was so excited and just went to the first brokerage I found. I literally got my license on the 22nd of April and hung my license the 23rd of April. Now even though I would change all these things, I do believe that God does everything for a reason, and if I never made the decisions that I made I wouldn’t have learned the lessons I learned or even connected with the people that I connected with. I feel that every step and lesson sharpened me into the person I am today. Read more>>

Justine Martinez

If I were to start over as a photographer, there are three key things I’d focus on to work more efficiently and grow faster: networking, continuous learning, and building a clear portfolio early on.

In 2018, I had a lucky opportunity to shoot my first show. I had never taken photos at a show before and had only taken a couple classes of Photography 101 in college; I was scared, nervous, and definitely under prepared but at least the show was outdoors during the day so lighting was one of the least of my concerns. Understanding what I know now, I would’ve networked more there, but also would’ve continued my journey. That was the first and only show I ever shot before taking a stab at finding publications in 2022. Read more>>