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.
Sarah McClure
If I were to start over today I would do everything in my power to educate myself on the best way to make my business legal and profitable! In my first year as a photographer I didn’t really know what I was doing when it came to finances or booking new clients, I was really faking it until I made it. I would have clients sign a physical contract in person, accept cash, and show up and do just about anything they asked me to. Read more>>
Jackie Martinez
If I were to start over again I would definitely invest more in training. A lot of skills that I know now is from trial and error but I do feel like proper training would of made me faster. Also what’s so important is being consistent. I started going solo in 2019 which only lasted 6 months because I had another job in corporate America so it was hard to juggle both and I just quit the beauty industry and then came back in 2022 to becoming full time as an esthetician and have been consistent ever since. Read more>>
Tracy Stegner
If I were staring over today, there are several things I would do differently. First of all, I would find a dedicated mentor to partner with-especially in areas of business I don’t feel I’m strong in. I would take advantage of grants, loans, and everyone who offered me help along the way….instead of either feeling like “I should be doing this on my own or at least should be able to do this on my own”. I didn’t know anything about the “business side of things” and was only focused on the relationship with the client and the “design side”. Read more>>
Ty Cohen
If I had to start over, knowing what I know now, I’d do three things differently—and they’d shave years off my learning curve.
First, I’d stop chasing “expert status.”
I used to think I had to be the best, know the most, or have some big credential before I could teach, create, or sell anything. Because I grew up poor, with Sickle Cell Anemia, and never graduated college, I lived with imposter syndrome for a very long time. It paralyzed my actions. That mindset cost me time. Today, I know that you only need to be one step ahead of the person you’re helping. That’s it. People pay for guidance, not perfection, and they will always appreciate you if you are sincere in your actions. Read more>>
Gilleon Smith
I’d get painfully clear on what I actually do and who I do it for, and I’d build my brand narrative around that instead of trying to be everything to everyone. Clarity over complexity—every time. I’d also invest in hiring a coach early on. Someone who could challenge my blind spots, help me focus, and hold me accountable to moving with purpose instead of panic. That kind of guidance would’ve saved me years of trial and error. Read more>>