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.

Sanya Kapoor

My parents have been my greatest source of motivation and support. They have always taught me to give my best in any situation, regardless of the outcome. I learned this valuable lesson from my father, a businessman, who instilled in me the importance of perseverance and maintaining a balanced perspective on success and failure. My mother, on the other hand, taught me to stay positive and be grateful in all circumstances. Read more>>

Stephanie Pearre

My mom and dad really raised me to the best of their ability, giving me love, patience and kindness as well as helping me persevere through difficult times. When I was in kindergarten I absolutely loathed reading, I never wanted to sit down and open up a book and to be honest, I just wasn’t great at school in general. I think a lot of people assume children are born with a certain set of skills when it comes to academics, sports, music, etc. and some parents would have thrown up their hands and hoped I’d excel in sports. However, my parents rejected the idea that I was just destined to not like reading, not do well in school and dread basically eight hours of my day. They both went out of their ways to encourage a love of learning. Read more>>

Lauren Gilhula

I grew up in a household that welcomed holistic and alternative ways of thinking. This gave me a strong foundation and permission to be curious about western societal norms and views and to seek alternate answers to the questions I have about health, wellness and belief systems that western views couldn’t answer for me. Read more>>

Jermaine Bollinger

I hear a lot of horror stories about how parents divert their children away from passions in life because the parents feel that it may not earn a foundational living, or may not provide as well as it should for the financial and social stability of the family.

As to former military, my parents were very disciplined in their approach to raising us, but I can never remember a time where my mother or father asked me to pursue a more equitable living outside of being a recording artist. Read more>>

Amy Rowan Abs Csc

My parents raised me in an environment where it was ok, and comfortable to talk about my body, what bodies did, and natural normal functions. My dad is a retired OB-GYN and my mom is a psychotherapist. I have many memories of overhearing my dad on a phone call with a patient, asking about things like periods, vaginal discharge, etc. It was normal. It was part of being a girl/woman. I don’t ever remember having “the talk,” but I know that I learned that information, organically, over the years, without shame, guilt or judgment. As far back as middle school, my friends asked me all the questions that they weren’t comfortable asking their own parents, or doctors. I would ask my dad, and bring back the answers, until I started learning the answers myself. Read more>>

Joel Barnes

I just wanna get on this platform and I thank my mom and grandmother for the way that they raise me. They understood what I was gonna need growing up the way things were they both had a feeling that things would eventually shift and in which they have now so I just appreciate the way they better prepared me for things. I’ve seen it from two different perspectives from a perspective of like in a group setting and then isolated with just me in a setting so it’s two different views. Read more>>

Billy Chanatry

My parents set great examples for me as a citizen, an individual, the kindness shown, support for creativity, and ultimately the support to help with Billy Beans Coffee. Whether that’s them attending events or helping set up for vending or spreading the word. They have been there for every step of the way through life. The importance of parents to support their child through their business is essential and as I journey to become a parent I want to do the same for my kids. The absolute best role models ultimately.  Read more>>

Charlie Huff

My parents always supported me and encouraged me to follow my dreams. I locked into the idea of pursuing a career as a storyteller at a young age, and they never tried to talk me out of it or cast doubt on my capabilities. Their love and encouragement means a lot to me. Read more>>

Megan Baca

When I was younger, I had wanted to be a fashion designer, I was obsessed with swimwear and sketched swim suits and print patterns, but my parents made it clear to me that I needed to go to a traditional 4 year University, not a design school. So, know this was the expectation, in high school, I became very focused on taking AP classes, my grades and getting into college. I excelled in Biology and was focused on taking that further as a Biology major in college. When I decided to go to USCB and started taking classes and meeting people, I soon realized that I wanted something else. I met so many people in my lower division Spanish class that were excited about trips they were taking, or semesters abroad they had coming up. Read more>>

Angela Hu

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to wholeheartedly support my dream of pursuing music. Neither of them has a background in music, but they have always been my biggest supporters. When they learned about the opportunity for me to study abroad, they made enormous sacrifices to send me to the United States to continue chasing my musical aspirations. They never expected anything in return; they only hoped I could see more of the world and broaden my horizons. Read more>>

Jacob Muniz

The number one thing that both my parents did was encourage me to take my own path. I knew early on that a traditional college route wasn’t going to be for me and yet they backed me 100% whenever I said I wanted to do an internship that would provide me hands-on experience from day one. Even to this day they support and cheer me on as I move forward and achieve more and more accomplishments in my career. Read more>>

Christian Bizzotto

I come from a family of entrepreneurs, and my parents taught me three invaluable lessons that have shaped my life and career: have faith, be courageous, and follow your heart. These values were not just spoken—they were lived out in the way they approached life and business. Read more>>

Eddy Mann

My parents brought me up in an amazingly faithful, creative, and secure home. As I grew into a man I had the seeds of faith planted deeply, a well rounded background in the arts, and the confidence in myself to be an independent creative. As an adolescent I was allowed to pursue my faith, to search for my personal path without outside interference, and to find a deeply rooted relationship with my God. Growing up I heard all kinds of music and witnessed many different cultural influences that have enabled me as a writer and performer to draw from an eclectic background of harmony, rhythm, and prose. Read more>>

Dr. A. Cathleen Greiner, Phd

My parents were cattle and wheat ranchers in very rural Eastern Oregon. What they taught has impacted my career, both in terms of practical knowledge and characater. In 10 years of 4-H I learned clear eyed cost accounting for a total cost of operation perspective; regarding character, it is essentail in a small town that community and engagement are practiced in tough and good situations. These two elements have been impactful as an executive leader in higher education, especially in working with students and their future as small business owners and contributers to their families and communities. Read more>>

Priscilla Zambrano

I am the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants who built a life in this country for me and my siblings with little else but their own two hands. Watching their discipline, vigor, and drive was a major source of inspiration for me.

My parents’ unwavering faith in me helped shape who I am today. They always encouraged me to pursue whatever I wanted so long as it made me happy. Read more>>

Aleshia Moyamba

My parents have always instilled in my brother and me the importance of knowing who you are, whose you are, and where you come from. They believed a strong sense of identity would keep us grounded, making us less likely to succumb to societal pressures and expectations. Read more>>

Cay Fern Crilly

my father is the entire reason I have this passion and have pursued Makeup in the first place. He had such a passion for entertainment, from shows and movies to plays and musicals and concerts. He always took me to shows and concerts. My dad would share movies with me, and we would analyze them from the cinematography to sound design, and of course, Makeup and practical effects. One of my favorite shows we watched together was face off. I loved that they could bring whatever character they designed to life. Read more>>

Monique Gill

My parents did right by showing me the value of my body and the importance of moving confidently through the world in it.

Growing up, my mother never shied away from matters of the body. Whether I was alone or with friends, she would make sure we were reminded to clean in the crevices and folds when we washed our bodies. I observed how she nurtured herself by keeping new undergarments, taking long baths, and incorporating oils. There were always perfumes and makeup on her counter. She rarely, if ever, stepped out of the house without a little lipstick or blush coordinating with her outfit. My father always represented business by his presentation. Read more>>

Natasha Cox

I came from a loving and supportive family. While my mother wasn’t an entrepreneur, she was an incredibly hard-working woman of faith. She was graceful, humble, and deeply loving. My mother was my foundation, always building my confidence and instilling in me the belief that, with God’s guidance, I could achieve anything I set my mind to. She taught me the power of faith, and her words, “Ask God, and He will guide you,” became a guiding principle in my life. Read more>>

Annemiek Mackie

Running The Matcha Lab has been far from a linear journey, and the values and lessons my parents instilled in me have been pivotal in navigating those challenges. One of the key values I carried forward was my determination. My parents have always recognized this about me, whether they saw it as admirable perseverance or the occasional stubbornness that gave them stress! Regardless, this determination has been an anchor during moments of uncertainty, like taking the leap to expand The Matcha Lab into new markets or pursuing partnerships that pushed the business forward. Read more>>

Hunter Glew

I think one really wonderful thing my parents offered me was a sense of curiosity about people. From an early age they always prompted me to ask “why”, not necessarily to find the answer but to open my mind to other possibilities. One of the first times I recall this happening was in preschool. There was a girl at school who I considered to be my bully. I would come home and tell my parents about the things she had done that day. I was angry and sad, wanting her to be punished, but instead my parents said “I wonder what’s happening in her life to make her try to get your attention that way.” Of course, my parents knew something was probably happening in this little girl’s world that was making her life hard. Read more>>

Adama Jay

My parents shaped me in ways that continue to guide how I live and work. My mother’s love for gardening has always been a quiet, powerful lesson in care and patience. Growing up, I’d watch her in the garden, nurturing each flower with intention—pruning, planting, and creating harmony. From her, I learned that beauty takes time and effort and that even the smallest details can hold extraordinary meaning. This memory continues to inspire me to approach my floral designs with the same dedication and creativity. Read more>>