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

Nancy Farage

I dove headfirst into professional design in 2015, fresh out of my MFA in Interior Architecture & Design in San Francisco. I was as an entry-level Interior Designer at a design firm in the city, a level above an Intern, a level and several years below mid-level Interior Designer. I was green, dedicated, passionate and excited. I knew I was inexperienced and craved to glean every bit of wisdom from a mentor. My hope was that my superior would be that mentor. During the interview, the firm’s primary & leading Interior Designers seemed to really like me and were impressed by my MFA thesis project. They gave me positive and constructive feedback about my presentation of the MFA thesis. Read more>>

Tyra Johnson

Assume positive intent. If my old boss happens to be reading this (hi Shana!), she’s either smiling with pride or laughing at how stubborn 21-year-old me was! It’s such a simple point but goes so far. The short story is, I was fresh out of college and I interpreted an e-mail from a coworker to be much more than it was and reacted in a pretty passive aggressive way. Essentially, I raised a non-issue to my manager at the time who had been working with this person for years. She pointed out that our communication styles were just different and I needed to not read that far into it. Read more>>

julie smith

As a former Fashion Designer, attention to detail was crucial. In a world where 1/4″ means a different size, we were taught to take note of the tiniest of details. As in Interior Design, we needed to use both the creative part as well as the mathematical parts of the brain to create a successful product. This has helped my transition into interiors both as a Designer as well as a Business Owner. Being able to make a space look “pretty” is only one parameter in design. First and foremost it needs to function to the clients’ needs, be scaled appropriately, fit into some sort of budget, hold up to everyday life and then yes, look better than they could have imagined. Read more>>

Michele Liggett

The most important lesson I have learned throughout my career is that attitude is everything! Your mindset and the way you show up can have an impact (positive or negative) on your whole day (month and year)! As an elementary school teacher, I recognize the importance of a positive attitude with both students and other teachers. Everyday I make an effort to show up as my best self, maintain a positive mindset and practice gratitude. Read more>>

Sandi Barrett

I worked in marketing and fundraising before leaving my 9-5 to manage my own business full-time. When you work in fundraising you need to represent your brand 24/7. Additionally, you need to be extremely organized. These two requirements have translated well into my personal business. Read more>>

Joy Redstone

I have been a social worker for 27 years. My career has spanned prison work, ER work and homelessness, a well as my current job, running a low income mental health clinic. Being a therapist has taught my the importance of empathy and emotion, but also that the “devil is in the details.” Both of these lessons have been invaluable as an artist Read more>>