We asked some brilliant entrepreneurs, artists and creatives to reflect on lessons they’ve learned at prior jobs. We’ve shared highlights below.

Latroyia Gallatin

My background prior to Real Estate was Retail. I started at Forever 21 as a sale associate in 2010 and climbed the ladder to management. In 2015 I wanted to challenge my career and create a more streamlined customer base. I applied to multiple luxury brands and landed at Lacoste as an ASM. Read more>>

Jamie Akers

Communication. The best lesson I have ever learned from a prior job is communication. I worked for 15 years as server/bartender at the Shellhouse Restaurant in Savannah, GA. My manager, Phil Cooper, taught me many things but the most important would be communication to your client/customer. Read more>>

Maleah Wilson

As a young chef, I discovered early on that working in less-than-perfect kitchens can provide equally valuable lessons to working in 5-star establishments. My first internship was at a 4-star resort in Florida, where the Executive Chef was well-liked, made a substantial income, and lived a cushy life as the members chef. Read more>>

Nai Shobowale

I remember when I first started Black Marriage Club and had no married friends. All I could remember are the words from my mentor “find a need in the community and fill it”. I knew that most African American children grew up in single parents households but never wondered why. I felt that if can provide a safe space to provide the example of two parent homes, it would make a difference Read more>>

Jake DeMarco

I worked in a kitchen for a while, and the shifts would get pretty long. It taught me how valuable time is especially when making time for practicing or writing. If I only had an hour between class and work, it was gonna have to be the most productive hour I could get. It also taught me how valuable energy is. Read more>>

Cassie Malina

The most important lesson I’ve learned is that the only constant is change. I always aimed to help facilitate a system that worked. One in which you knew exactly what to expect and you could rely on it to be what it was. Yet, every time I would start to feel like things were settling into a predictable, comfortable routine, there would be my boss to shake things up. Read more>>

Jessica Petrus Aird

Before landing on my work with families and Burgeoning Bud Postpartum, I tried on and wore numerous professional hats. In fact, my most significant former career was that of a professionally-trained classical soprano. My work as a musician, soloist, and ensemble performer taught me many foundational skills that I continue to use in my work serving families every day. Read more>>

Kierra Dixson

Several things come to mind as being valuable lessons as I reflect on my career so far – finding a team and company with the right culture fit, working hard and being results-oriented. But what I have taken heed to as a business owner is to document EVERYTHING! Read more>>

Amy Scruggs

In 2001, I stepped into the mortgage industry as a sales professional. Eventually I became a manager, helping my teams communicate more effectively, grow their networks and increase their sales. I did not anticipate that business was about to take a shift in 2007. When the mortgage industry collapsed, Read more>>

Mark Mendez

As a photographer and in the service industry I have learned thru the years that if your good to your client and give them the vip treatment no matter who they are it always comes back 10x fold Read more>>

Cristina Castrillon

In acquiring hours for my licensing I worked as an intern for many years at an outpatient clinic. The population was primarily severe and chronically ill individuals who struggled with and were tremendously impacted by their mental illness. I believe a lot of the general population tends to place labels and stigma on the mentally ill, Read more>>

Iliana Soltani

One of the valuable lessons I learn in my previous positions was how to manage time and became detail oriented. I worked in the accounting field for over 10years. I learned to be responsive to completion of tasks on timelines and always be open for new responsibilities that eventually open doors to new opportunities. Read more>>