Parents teach us many things including how to be a parent. We can learn from their mistakes, sure, but we can also learn a lot from the things they got right. We asked successful entrepreneurs and creatives to open up to us about their parents and what they felt their parents got right.

Nathaniel Navratil

Growing up in a small town there wasn’t much as far as organized things to do, especially in the summer. When we would pester our parents for something to do when we were bored they never tried to entertain my brother and I. At the time this was frustrating, but now I understand they were intentionally making us be creative and use our imaginations. Whatever our ideas were however they fully supported them, whether it was putting up a mural in my bedroom or building a ramp in the driveway. Read more>>

Sydney Simpson

“Don’t ever let anyone outwork you” …is not a quote ever said by either of my parents, rather a motto they seemingly lived by. At 14, my dad got his first job scrubbing dishes at a gas station. He worked hard and moved up (moved out, rather) He kept working hard, he kept moving up. Read more>>

Christine Veit

I always felt completely supported by my parents, almost too much. I remember dreading going to gymnastics class, and instead of forcing me to comply, they let me quit. Later on, when I didn’t like the way I felt in dance class, I no longer had to go. After receiving my black belt in tae kwon do, my parents congratulated me and again — let me quit. Read more>>

Jen Maddock

My parents were both business owners, and they did a lot of things right. They instilled the value of hard work in me. It was not uncommon to see them working unconventional hours and doing whatever it took to improve sales. My dad had his own restaurant for over 30 years, and my mom is a realtor. They both have had challenges, but they’ve both been successful because of their strong worth ethics. Because of them, I never give up. Read more>>

Angela Petta

Both of parents taught me the importance of listening. You do not realize how important this skill is until you go to school, attain your first job, your first love, etc. An example highlighting this important skill is with my first job with a corporation. During my interview, I was asked a series of questions. I thought about what was being asked before I gave my answers. When I did share my answer, I first repeated the question that was asked by the interviewer. She nodded in agreement. I proceeded with the answer. Read more>>

Tehya Maxwell

My dad played a massive impact on my art and career. He was by far my biggest supporter, and I wouldn’t be where I am at today without him. I even stumbled into my apprenticeship because of him. My dad passed away when I was 12, this led me to lose my motivation for drawing without even realizing it. Looking back on it now, I think I understand it was because I couldn’t share my artwork with him anymore. Read more>>

Joyce Akrasi

My parents especially my mother has always been encouraging of economic independence. I have always loved being creative and wanted to start something that would give me an outlet for that. During lockdown I became fascinated by the making of fabric flowers and headbands! I wanted to decorate my locs without using metal cuffs that can thin my lovely locs. Read more>>

KB Vega

Growing up in the restaurant business, I had no choice but to start working at a young age. I think that’s the best thing my parents ever made me do even though I probably hated it at the time. I mean, what young kid do you know, would rather bus tables or wash dishes than play with their friends? By making me go to work, my parents taught me hard work ethics at an early age. As I grew older, I learned more and more about the ins and outs of the family business. Read more>>

Michael Garcia

My parents taught me to get it on my own, wait for no one. I was taught to be tough and not feel sorry for myself. If something stumped me it was up to me to find a way to work around it. This impacted me because it made me carry myself with pride and respect. Read more>>

Eden Lew

When we’re children, we believe that the adult world has no time for fun and games; but as I grow into the age when my parents had me and my sister, I’m realizing that for them, play never stopped. My parents actively made their interests our interests, and it all has culminated into my career in designing unique experiences and installations. Read more>>

Tiffini Holmes

My parents challenged and modeled for my brother and I to dare to be different. They always taught us to be true to our values and beliefs, pursue things that made us happy, and be willing to stand alone knowing that no matter what we would always have their support and unconditional love. That is what gave me the courage to leave a six figure corporate career path and become a plus size health coach. Read more>>

Jared Richmond

My parents gave me a strong foundation in 2 keys areas. My Christian faith and a good work ethic. Because my brother and I had an innate artist talent, and won numerous competitions, scholarships and the like. They saw the potential to get sidetracked from actually most important, that’s spirituality and giving back not just to the creator, but to fellow man. So they reminded me to always keep focused on what’s most important, and being true to one’s self. Read more>>

Namakula

My parents raised my sisters and I to be respectful, educated and self reliant. Outside of those core values, there was never any pressure to be a certain way. This was key and indicative of the mind set of having immigrant parents, (from Jamaica and Uganda) from exemplary families. We were expected to uphold these standards and take pride in ourselves and where we came from. Read more>>

Melissa Oleson

My parents taught me the importance of building relationships, supporting one another, and how to truly listen. These are all aspects of being part of a family, treating someone like you would like to be treated and that has translated into my career 100%. I always treat my clients exactly how I would expect my mother to be treated. Read more>>

Kelly Roncace

My parents were simple people, but their values & lifestyle had huge impacts on my life. My father was an educator and also my high school principal; my mother was a homemaker. was always interested in art, but growing up in the 70’s, there wasn’t a big push for a female to go out and be an artist; it was more common to suggest a career teaching art. I eventually went on to makeup artistry & raising 3 wonderful people, but now in the later stage on my life, I have my business, Sixteen Sisters, Hand Painted Leather goods. Read more>>

Jose Sime

As a kid born with a gift one of the things my parents did right was recognizing the talents I had naturally displayed, and enabling me to pursue my interests. I showed my passion in arts at a very young age. My parents realized my potential thus they always provided channels for me to explore my talents. As a kid, I was always doodling in all my schoolbooks, drawing random Anime-inspired characters, and anything else that would come to mind. Read more>>

Dee Cumberbatch

My parents were my first teachers. Growing up, we always had people at our house communing. My mom taught me to connect with people; she had never met a stranger! She also taught me how to analyze dishes and always find ways to improve my craft. My dad taught me to have a business mind and market my talents. My dad is the best hype man because no matter what I did or pursued growing up, he told me how great I was. Read more>>

Joseph Alexander

My parents are both violinists, and their parents were also musicians. They stuck a violin in my hands when I was 4, so music has always been an overwhelming force in my life. What they did right was give me the space to explore music for myself, and not keep me in a box. They always supported me trying new things and experimenting with music (as long as it sounded good!), and that support let me find my true passion in pop music. Read more>>

Alisa Hayes

My parents did their best in every way when it came down to me. Everything is always out of love. All decisions may not be the best one but it was their best one. I appreciate them for choosing me and loving me with the best of their ability. They only wanted me to have a wonderful life full of love. I can truly say that I feel that’s exactly what I was given and more!. Read more>>

Steve Chamberland

My parents instilled a strong work ethic in me from an early age. Especially my dad. My dad was a crazy hard worker until he passed away. My mother died from Alzheimer’s when she was young as well. I work hard everyday to make them proud of me. I wish they could have lived long enough to see what I did with the charity. Read more>>