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.

Jackie Tate-stewart

I am so blessed by my childhood and my parents. We grew up poor, but I didn’t realize it because of the love we had. We had farm-to-table food before farm-to-table food was popular. We worked hard on our farm to raise food and the things we needed. I remember when we received some donated clothing. There was a pair of black leather shoes that was too big for me. I didn’t care. I wore those shoes for three years. My parents taught me to appreciate what we did have instead of focusing on what we didn’t. My momma was my person for honest feedback. I keep a picture of her as I draw. I still ask her questions, listen to the words she spoke to me, and let those words speak to me now. Read more>>

Frankie Byrd

Ever since I was little, I’ve always been creative. Growing up, I was surrounded by music, and it’s had a huge impact on where I am today. My parents work in the music industry and have very successful careers doing what they love. My mom is the founder of a boutique Public Relations firm, Kayos Productions, Inc. and has worked with and managed many notable Rock and Roll artists, such as The Rolling Stones, The Who, and KISS. My dad spent over a decade as a member of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts as a guitarist and vocalist. He’s currently an independent singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Having such an unconventional upbringing gave me a new perspective on life and solidified that no dream is too big. Read more>>

Jack Jackal

Both of my parents have been supportive of me throughout my life. They were both school teachers and got to see a lot of different types of parenting styles as well as the ways that might influence a kid- and the one thing they’ve always tried to instill in me is the idea that I could do whatever I want with my life. So I took that idea and decided to be a weird little freak pretty much full time. Read more>>

Tassiana Laurre

One of the most impactful things my parents did was take the time to truly listen to both my sister and me. Their unwavering support, especially in a career path as distinct from their own as mine, has been invaluable.

Starting my design studio while still a student brought a unique set of challenges. There were moments of uncertainty and setbacks, but my parents consistently emphasized the importance of resilience and resourcefulness, and learning through trial and error. They taught me that mistakes are not failures but learning opportunities. Their unwavering support helped me navigate the complexities of starting a business, and they consistently reinforced their belief in my vision, even when things were difficult. Read more>>

Tamara Thomas

The most important thing my parents did right was to instill the idea of self-determination in me. When I was a child, our family was not well off financially. However, my parents encouraged me to pursue any goal I was passionate about. I think the fact that my parents were my biggest cheer leaders, helped me develop enough confidence to see past the obstacles and continue to chase my dreams. It was never a question in my mind if I would achieve my goals, it was more a matter of time. Read more>>

Asha Taitt

My parents are innovators in their own right. My mother is an author and a business owner who conducts life coaching. My father is a writer and a professional track coach who coached me throughout high school. So it’s only right that I came out a chronically creative kid, and I owe them everything for that. Read more>>