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.
Rafael Basurto
My parents have always taken such a low-key approach that it never felt like I was being pushed. They had this unique way of teaching me everything I’ve learned in life and in my career without ever being forceful or demanding. The most memorable example is in our family’s photography and video business for events. I’ve been around it my entire life because my parents brought me along to every quinceañera and wedding on their calendar, and I learned a lot just by watching. Instead of saying, “You need to do this,” they let me observe and absorb everything naturally. Read more>>
THEOPHILUS AGWUNWA
My parents never wanted me to study art because there’s a school of taught that most artists are poor. Along the line, they started seeing the true artist in me and how lucrative art business is. My parents really did well by supporting and promoting my art career. Their support so far has brought me to my limelight in my art career pursuit. Read more>>
Maggie Nelson
My parents were very open and vulnerable about difficult moments in their lives, the most notable being the stillborn death of my second oldest sister, Kathleen. After her death my dad created a business dedicated to families and the loss of children. He led group meetings, spoke at conferences, and wrote a book (A Guide for Fathers: When A Baby Dies) about his grief. Seeing that vulnerability on a daily bases made me feel extremely safe sharing my own experiences. Whether it was the challenges of gaining weight, the struggles of motherhood, my ADHD and depression journey, etc. I think that real life emotion is what we miss on social media but we desperately crave it. Read more>>
Samantha Nielsen
From a family of 6, my parents taught my sisters and me resilience and hard work. As a child, I was responsible for weekly chores which ranged from feeding the dog and cats to cleaning bathrooms and vacuuming the house. I got my first paying job at 11 years old teaching gymnastics at a local academy, which I absolutely loved. I loved teaching gymnastics from all the experience since starting at 6 years old. Read more>>
Lexi Palumbo
All of these questions are amazing, and maybe one that focused more directly on my business would’ve been a better starting point. But everything I do comes from my parents celebrating everything growing up. We used to have huge cookouts in the backyard almost every other weekend in the summertime. That feeling is something I’ve been chasing throughout my adult life, and it’s one of the main drivers behind my work today. Read more>>
Alejandra Reyes
When I think about what my parents did right, I immediately think of how they nurtured and supported my love for art from the very beginning. They weren’t just passive observers—they were active participants in my journey, and that made all the difference. Read more>>
Stephanie Robins
Entrepreneurship runs deep in my roots. My grandparents opened a jewelry store in Nashville, Tennessee, over 80 years ago—a business that has evolved through the generations. My parents ran it for years, and now my brother proudly carries on the family tradition. Growing up, I watched firsthand what it meant to build something meaningful and enduring from the ground up. But I also saw the challenges that come with owning a business—the long hours, the emotional investment, and the constant pressure. My family, knowing that reality all too well, actually encouraged me not to go into business for myself. Read more>>
Gonzalo Perello
I feel that since I was a child I was influenced by music, from the beginning my family played a very important role because in all our family events we listened to music and danced until late! I remember falling asleep in a bed that I put together with 3 or 4 chairs and they continued to party for hours!! Read more>>
Marlena Jayatilake
Growing up in Englewood from a child’s lens was amazing. My parents did such an amazing job, that I did not realize that I grew up in the “ghetto” until I was just about to graduate from high school. I had quite the childhood growing up in Englewood! Early on I was put on a path of education by way of private school filled with instructors and teachers who genuinely cared about my future. After my elementary school education, I went on to Von Steuben High School on the north side of Chicago. My parents made the very wise choice of putting me in a school where I was forced to open my eyes and see how other races, religions and people with money lived. Read more>>
Alyssia Dominguez
My parents have always been my biggest champions, and their support has truly shaped both who I am and the path I’ve taken in my career. I come from a family where hard work runs deep. My dad has always been the dreamer, encouraging me to take risks and believe that with enough determination, anything’s possible. That mindset has stayed with me through everything. Read more>>
Sira Toure
Growing up as the daughter of African immigrants who rose from humble beginnings to create a life of purpose and opportunity, I learned early on that “the sky is not the limit—there are no limits.” My parents instilled in me a deep belief that mediocrity was never an option, and excellence was always within reach if I was willing to work for it. Read more>>
McKenna Hutchinson
I like to think entrepreneurship runs in my blood. Both of my parents owned their own businesses, so I grew up watching what it looked like to build something from the ground up: through long hours, creative thinking, and a whole lot of heart. From a young age, they taught me that work could be something you’re deeply passionate about, and that doing what you love doesn’t mean settling for less, it means carving your own path. Read more>>
Aaliyah Johnson
They instilled in me perseverance. To not give up when things get hard. Read more>>
Cecilia Loretta Egidi
I strongly believe that one of the main reasons I’m so drawn to creative fields—whether in dance or architecture—is the ability they give me to explore and learn about different cultures and communities. Ultimately, that exploration becomes a way for me to research and understand the cultural differences and similarities within myself. Read more>>
Heather Becker-Andres
I believe what my parents did right is simple, but it has had a profoundly positive impact on my life. They loved me unconditionally, supported me wholeheartedly, and took a genuine interest in the things that excited me, no matter how small or unconventional those things may have seemed. Their willingness to be there for me, even when faced with something unfamiliar, made me feel valued and empowered, which in turn gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward with my passions. This kind of involvement showed me the incredible value of having people in your life who show up not only physically but emotionally, with genuine care and encouragement. Read more>>
Ward Alsaeed
All of my past successes were certainly not solely the result of my own hard work. I can’t deny the huge role my parents have played in shaping the person I am today. Since I was young, they raised me to be independent, confident, and passionate. They’ve stood by me through every challenge, constantly encouraging me to push through any obstacles in my way. Read more>>
Franky Renteria
My parents have always believed in me and supported everything I’ve done. From sports to creative hobbies to school, they’ve been by my side, offering unconditional love and encouragement. They would do anything for my younger brother and me, and I feel incredibly fortunate to call them my parents. They’ve always encouraged me to do my best and, more importantly, to do the right thing. Read more>>
Gayle Gross
My parents were separated when I was two years old and then my mom worked hard for the rest of her life to put food on the table for eight hungry children. She probably would have liked to spend more time doing the fun things in life and I remember when she was able to take us to the farmer’s market and how much that meant to all of us. We didn’t always get to buy what we wanted but there was a love there that helped me appreciate the small things and how much of an impact they could make. It also helped me to be creative in how I explored the world. Walking in the forest was free. Packing a light lunch and hiking to the top of the hill to where I could look Read more>>
Erin Hendriks
I grew up in Michigan as the youngest of seven children, and one of the things my parents did right—especially my mom—was fostering a love of learning and curiosity. My mother was a teacher, and from a very young age, she encouraged us to explore, ask questions, and stay curious about the world around us. That environment really shaped me. I remember being fascinated with science as a kid, and I’m pretty sure I decided I wanted to become a doctor while I was still in elementary school. That early support and sense of possibility made all the difference. Read more>>
Jeremiah Wenutu
I was very fortunate to be raised by a mom that never let me waste away in front of a TV or play video games. She bestowed upon me her love of nature and would often send me outside if I was bored. My insatiable interest in nature and the world made me curious and I’d often seek out perspective in the little microcosms that surrounded us where I would let my imagination run loose. She was also an incredible storyteller and would often opt to make up a story, as opposed to pulling one from a book, and would tell me fantastic bedtime stories. All of these seeds of creativity and storytelling would help shape me into the filmmaker that I am today. Read more>>
Mariah Barnette
One of the most impactful things my parents did right was instilling a deep sense of independence and a strong work ethic from a very young age. They believed in preparing me for real life—not just by telling me about it but by giving me the space and responsibility to experience it myself. Read more>>
Reem Faruqi
I’ve been lucky in that my parents have been supportive of my writing. When we immigrated from Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, to Peachtree City, Georgia, when I was thirteen years old, my box of diaries came with me. I don’t remember packing them, just that I always had them. Those journals have been a great resource for me when I write children’s books. I can take a peek at my old diaries and see what my voice sounded like at different ages and get closer to the character. Read more>>
Shamara McKenzie
I know my parents did the best they could with what they had and one of the most valuable things they instilled in me was the importance of respect. From an early age, they taught me to treat people the way I wanted to be treated, no matter who they were or what their title was. Read more>>
Jen Wireman
My mom has always been my biggest fan. Her family came here from Vietnam when she was only 2 years old in the 1960s. They struggled against racist hate and the difficulty of being a military family moving across the country multiple times. My mom was very close with her parents, but often struggled with feeling like she was good enough or living up to their expectations. Read more>>
Claudia Shivers
My parents always told me two things when I was growing up. 1. Can’t is not a word. 2. You can do anything you want. Looking back, I realize they probably said it more like a thing that you tell a child so that they learn to tie their shoes, or make straight A’s. I took it, though, as they were telling me that I was unstoppable. Until about the 3rd decade of my life, I exactly and precisely knew that “can’t” was not a word. One of my children said “can’t” and without thinking I replied, “Can’t is not a word”. Their reply had me stumped. Read more>>
Leigh Ann Root
I had a solid middle-class upbringing where I was loved, supported, and protected. This was not a stated thing; it was felt. It wasn’t until later in life that I realized this was the foundation for my well-being and good relationships, and it helped when faced with challenges. I was born in 1968, the youngest of three, with two older brothers (6 & 8 years older). My position in the family was advantageous and comfortable. I grew up knowing that I was loved no matter my missteps or mistakes, it was unconditional. The best gift I was given growing up was their time. Read more>>
Jianna Barnett
From the moment i was was able to comprehend what was goin on around me my parents introduced me to the arts. I was put into a multitude of after-school programs involving academics, music and visual arts. They made sure u was exposed to a wide spectrum of hobbies and that i was never bored, there was always something do, someone to meet, something to learn; because of this i grew very curious and artistically adventurous. My view on the world was important and i have every right to share it, they always supported my artistic abilities even when others would judge me for them. Read more>>
Dan Kulp
I was my parents’ 5th child, and in 1971 they gave birth to their 6th. Matthew was born with Down syndrome. At that time, many people told my parents they should get rid of him by putting him in an institution. One suggested, “forget he was ever born.” My parents didn’t like that idea very much. They decided to keep Matthew and raise him along with the rest of us. Matthew was such a blessing to the family, my parents eventually ended up adopting 3 more children with Down syndrome. And this is how I grew up. My older siblings were all much older than I and moving out and beginning their own lives, but me and Matthew and my new siblings were all close in age. Read more>>
Pearis Eller
Everyone says they have the best parents in the world; in my case it’s actually true. My parents have done everything right. They have loved me more than any daughter has ever been loved, anchored me to my faith in God, illustrated kindness, compassion, determination, dedication, and poured all of their efforts and financial ability into my education. My parents have stood back to watch me grow personally and professionally, always celebrating my accomplishments, no matter how small. Read more>>
Mary Frances Millet
I’m the product of two very forward thinking people who encouraged my creativity beyond the scope of most parents in the 70s. They let me paint a huge 6 foot banana on the inside of the garage door, a 3 foot rose on my bedroom wall which my mother wallpapered around with matching wallpaper. They also let me paint a mural in the hallway of our home. I didn’t realize it at the time but they were paving the way to creating a very adventurous soul. My father in particular was interested in every project I did, even accompanying me to various mural projects I was working on in the Capital District of NY. I’ve had a brush in my hand for as long as I remember. Read more>>