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.

Rachel Bacon

Both of my parents, Brett Bacon and Toni Bacon (maiden: Radicioni) were stellar examples of living a life with full authenticity and enthusiasm. Read more>>

Holland Cartmill

My father was a professional soccer player for Chelsea, as well as a 2 time national champion for Clemson soccer. My mother is an intensive care nurse, and went to school at college of Charleston, where I currently attend school. Read more>>

Siege Lehman

For a long time, I thought my upbringing was fairly run-of-the-mill: just an average, little, white kid with two older brothers, supportive parents, room to roam, woods to adventure in, and a semi-rural suburban-type setting. Read more>>

Michelle Künzler

I’m grateful for my upbringing because my parents instilled in me the value of empathy and kindness towards others. I firmly believe in the significance of these traits, especially in leadership roles like that of a film director. Read more>>

Shannon Pfeffer

My parents never set limits around food. Everything – literally everything – was on the table. Cookies and cake weren’t just for special occasions; a confection was always in the fridge or pantry. Read more>>

Mackenzie Biehl

I remember my parents telling me from a young age to avoid pursuing something that could be learned in just a few days. Instead, I should look for a career that would allow me to evolve and learn new things constantly. Read more>>

Tori Bilas

I may be biased, but it seems like my parents did everything right. Career-wise, I grew up watching them both do what they loved, proving to my brother and me that we can – and should – follow our passions. Read more>>

Raymond Argumedo

Growing up in my household My parents are both immigrants from Mexico and always told my siblings I that we needed to be someone in this life And that they didn’t come to the US to have bum kids lol Read more>>

Alejandra Gotera

My parents created a safe space for my sisters and me to be whoever we wanted. They taught us we can do anything we put our minds to, and they are my most significant examples of “Never stop trying, no matter what comes your way .” Read more>>

Koron Wilkerson

I believe my parents role in my life is a large factor as to why I’ve been able to grow Jewels of Detroit the way that I have. Read more>>

Kiplyn Primus

My parents had me when they were still in college at Southern University less than 100 miles from where they grew up. My grandparents were good friends and they had known each other their whole lives. Read more>>

Nick Van Nordheim

My Mom was always into health food- she would drag my sister and I into these super small niche health food stores looking for herbal supplements. Read more>>

Christina Sacco Shea

My parents taught me to have a voice at a very young age. They always made me believe I could do ANYTHING. A defining moment was Take Your Daughter to Work Day when I was in 6th grade. Read more>>

Molly King

My parents are both huge fans of literature and the visual arts. They always encouraged me to create. I remember being 7 or 8 and gluing tissue paper to plastic cups, an attempt to make a tower. Read more>>

Natalya Natasha Nez

One of the best things my parents did for me growing up was telling me that, “There’s no such thing as being bored.” and for showing me that creativity, play and exploration are valuable tools at any age. Read more>>

Rhema Phillips

Sometimes I just have to take a long moment and look back on my life. I have to look back on everything that had to go right for me to be in the position I am now.  Read more>>

Brandon Mitchell

Growing up, I never realized how much my mom really had to do as a single parent, but never do I remember hearing her complain. Read more>>

Nicholas Buggs

That’s a really good question. In fact, I don’t think anyone has ever asked me that before. When it comes to my parents’ impact on my choosing a creative career, I’d have to say that the primary thing they did right was exposing me to a wide spectrum of art and to people from a wide array of backgrounds. Read more>>

Waverly McSwain

I’m from a large Christian family and faith has always been a driving force behind what I do. Regarding faith, my parents have shown me how to have faith and also how to be faithful to the people and things I love. Read more>>

Theo Boyd

My parents were the reason I am able to share my grief journey with others today in such an impactful way. I call this “More F Words” in Chapter 11 of my book, My Grief is Not Like Yours. F words like Faith, Family, Friends, Food, Foundation. Read more>>

Mike Laiuppa

My parents fed two sides of my personality. My Mother was always very supportive of anything I wanted to dive into whether it be music, martial arts, cooking, or visual arts. Read more>>

Rebecca Arbach

What did my parents do right? I believe the answer to that question lives in the life-altering decision they made in business. In 2006, my family left our hometown of Maguiresbridge, Northern Ireland in search of something better. Read more>>

Bola Shasanmi

My parents had a significant impact on me by the expectations they had of me. They let me know that they expected me to do well in whatever field or career I chose to pursue. Read more>>

Larry Dial Jr

When we were kids my mom had polio and couldn’t prepare meals for us, so her and my grandmother taught us basic breakfast foods to prepare while she was down. Read more>>

Ethan Mole

My parents are my role models. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them. They have been my biggest supporters since day one. My whole life, they’ve made me believe in myself and my dreams. Read more>>

Radhika Karandikar

I was fortunate to have been born in a family of artists. My mother is a musician, her brother is an architect and percussionist, my grandfather an actor and narrator in theatre. Read more>>

Abby Giles

My parents have had the biggest impact on my career in photography. They’ve done it all— from helping me get through art school (financially and emotionally), to cheering me on from the sidelines, to always answering a phone call at any time of day. Read more>>