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.

Cate Marchand

My parents really taught me the value of hard work and treating those around you with kindness and respect. I was fortunate to watch my Dad build his small business from the ground up. I witnessed the struggles and the triumphs and that has stuck with me as I’ve gone through my own journey of building a small business. When it was tough and he was told “no,” he worked even harder, persevered and ultimately became one of the best dog boarding facilities in the St. Louis area. Through him, I learned to take risks, believe in myself and push through the hard times. Whatever you believe will become your reality, so truly believe that you will be success and you will be! Read more>>

Bryshan White

Let me preface with this; my parents are a many things. What they aren’t is perfect and I love them for it. Not only have my parents helped usher in the validity of my self acceptance and expression, but they respect me (even when I know I’ve given them a hard time). For a while, I was fearful of my father. Fearful of his reaction to me being gay. Same goes with my mother. In fact, for years, that was single handedly the one thing I felt they’d be actually be dissapointed in me about. Turns out, like most things, the other side of my truth wasn’t all too bad and all the worry and stress was nothing more than a tale in my head, feeding all the negative self talk and doubt that swirled my brain. Read more>>

Julia Alexander

My mom taught me how to find my way home. As a child, I would catch a glimpse of her fiery red hair as she set off to pave her own way. I’d watch her step off the path she was on into uncharted territory. Usually she would just rent an excavator or some other heavy machinery to create a new path. I realize now as an adult, all of these divergent roads were her listening to herself- to understanding that she wouldn’t contort herself into an ordinary life. She was always just going home. Learning to listening to this inner voice- this compass, is one of the infinite gifts she’s given me. Read more>>

Perlizbeth De Leon

My dad was abusing my mom. When I started school, there was a really bad incident which ended in my mom filing a restraining order and they got divorced shortly after. My mom has been my hero my whole life. Watching her go through the worst and still stand strong after it all, I could feel her perseverance and hard work. Read more>>

Jerry Sible

My Dad instilled a work ethic in me, a never quit what you committed to mentality. My Mom was a hippie free spirited woman that always encouraged me to think outside the box and to remember that the sun is going to coming up tomorrow regardless of the challenges I’ll face today. Read more>>

Cate Marchand

My parents really taught me the value of hard work and treating those around you with kindness and respect. I was fortunate to watch my Dad build his small business from the ground up. I witnessed the struggles and the triumphs and that has stuck with me as I’ve gone through my own journey of building a small business. When it was tough and he was told “no,” he worked even harder, persevered and ultimately became one of the best dog boarding facilities in the St. Louis area. Through him, I learned to take risks, believe in myself and push through the hard times. Whatever you believe will become your reality, so truly believe that you will be success and you will be! Read more>>

Brittney McDade

Although my parents were absolutely able to for the majority of my childhood, they never GAVE my sister and I anything. High expectations were set and expected to be met before being awarded us with “wants” vs. our “needs”. Hard work and discipline were instilled at a young age. No was also a word used very often that I feel isn’t used enough in this generation of parenting. As you grow through experiences in life you gain wisdom. The no you received will always make room for bigger and better blessings. Read more>>

Matthew Woody” Wood”

I feel like I won the lottery the day I was born. Without being too bias, I must say that my parents are two of the most loving, supportive and wonderful humans one could hope to know. Luckily, I just happened to be their son. No matter what decisions I’ve made over the years they’ve been there to help guide and ultimately encourage my growth and success. Whether it was moving from city to city, bouncing between Universities, or simply needing a chat; they have literally been there every step of the way. Read more>>

Alliyah Dortch

My parents have instilled in me things that will always successfully get me through life. Even when I fail, their words of encouragement help me see that there is light at the end of the tunnel. They’ve allowed me to learn from their mistakes in life, and for that I’ll forever be grateful. I actually wouldn’t have completed cosmetology school at the appropriate time if it weren’t for my mom. I was discouraged and willing to cut my hours down, which would’ve taken me longer to complete my hours. Read more>>

Amya Martin

Parents or any adult figure in your life sets the tone for your success at a young age. I was such an active and creative kid that my mom and step dad kept me into new things to keep me on a good track. I played just about every instrument, swimming, karate, drawing etc, and anything i showed interest in wanted to pursue my parents were on it. I became multitalented with all these skills and was able to pursue anything i wanted just based off natural and taught talents & I’ve hit the ground running ever since. I also have to personally thank my father Stephen, he keeps me grounded in my adult years and makes sure I’m staying focused on any dream i have. Read more>>

Carly Means

I think most middle children can agree that growing up as a middle child is weird. Growing up as a middle child when your older sibling is special needs and non-verbal is sometimes especially weird. I say this because I took on the role of the oldest child and the middle child. Not many can say they’ve done that. Because of this environment, I didn’t get the opportunity to actively participate in a lot of activities as a kid. I was home a lot so I spent most of my time doing arts and crafts. Read more>>

Jennifer Pace

When I think back to my childhood, I immediately think of growing up in my family business. As a young child, my days were spent at the retail store my parents owned. I guess you could say I grew up there. I got to see first hand how hardworking, persistent, and business savvy my parents were. Most of all I got to see how kind hearted, generous, and selfless my parents were to not only me but all of their employees and customers. They took pride in owning a business that treated their employees like family and offering their customers with amazing customer service. Read more>>

Candace Davis

Growing up I always thought my parents were wealthy. My brother and I never wanted for anything. If we wanted something we had it simple as that. As long as we did as we were told and excelled in school the sky was the limit. My dad was military so he was very strict and my mom was a nutritionist. She was always so sweet and humble. I was the pain in the butt of the family. But even after all of that My parents never showed me that they were disappointed. Most importantly they never gave up on me. And that encouraged me to never give up. The same life lessons they instilled in me are the same lessons I use to raise my children. Now they think we are rich! Read more>>

Aliyah Bonnette

Without my mother, I would not be where I am at all. I owe it all to that woman. She was a single mom growing up. Seeing her get up everyday, drop us at school, go to work, and cook dinner at the end of the day prepared me to be independent and really rely on myself to get me where I am today. When she started her own business, I watched her take a risk and succeed massively. It showed me where working hard gets you and even though there may be challenges, there may be moments where you don’t want to continue, discipline and dedication will get you to your destination. Read more>>

Kaitlyn Kee

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been interested in drawing. It started out with a book that my aunt bought me from the Dollar Tree. In it, I came up with my own dress and outfit designs. We’d sit together for hours and draw and color dresses and shoes. Based on that current interest that I had, I remember my parents buying me a kit to DIY design Barbie dresses for Christmas that year. They also got me a light box that had silhouettes to put together to design your own outifts and draw them out. They’ve always supported me in all of the things that I’ve wanted to do and gifted me with items to help me succeed in those things. Read more>>

Denita Gibbs

I knew something was different about me at 12 years old when my seven siblings and parents would have movie nights. Instead of me staying and watching them with my family; I would get up and leave because I did not want with viewing those movies to contaminate my spirit… LOL, so I choose to go to my room and pray. It was through pray the calling and birthing, I learned that life is all about worshiping God and coming to the realization that my “Yes” to God would cost me. Later in life, I experienced so many life obstacles, but it was God and my music that kept me going. Read more>>

Jenna Poell

It is not until we get older that we are truly able to appreciate a parents’ love and the sacrifices they make. I have such admiration for my beautiful mother and the impact she has made in my life. My mother worked tirelessly to raise three children on her own, never hesitating to do what was necessary to ensure she provided a good life for me and my siblings. My mother embodies all the fundamental attributes of a strong woman with integrity. Not only is she kind, generous, and loving, but she instilled in me the fortitude to uphold my values and morals which have led me to become a strong and intuitive practitioner. Read more>>

Amy Jorge

Growing up, my parents were very encouraging and supportive of my desire to create art and run a small business. When I was 6 years old, they made me very own business cards for “Amy’s Creative Corner.” I’d set up a small table in the bonus room and sell my wares including hand-decorated t-shirts and socks. When I was 12 years old, my mom managed to get me into the adult’s Bob Ross painting classes. We would wake up early on Saturday mornings, and she’d drive me to this few-hours long class where my love of painting truly began and I learned fundamentals that I still use to this day. Read more>>

Juliana Meidl

I feel incredibly blessed to have grown up in a home where my parents not only loved my sister and I unconditionally, but they always believed in us. We grew up knowing we could accomplish anything we set out to do. They always supported our goals and dreams and when we needed anything they were there doing what they could. Growing up with that type of love and support built a level of confidence in myself that has continued throughout my life. Read more>>

Kiera McClellan

My parents did a great job with instilling certain qualities in me from an early age, qualities that have helped mold me into the person I am today. As cliche as it may sound my mom always made sure I was a leader and an independent thinker. She would say “Be a leader and never a follower. and ask me questions when I wanted to do some of the things my peers were doing like “If everyone is going to jump off a bridge are you going to do it to? My mother never accepted anything less than “close to perfect”and while now I am trying to unlearn some of my perfectionism ways, I definitely appreciate her for drilling the importance of being your own person in me. Read more>>

Funmi Agboola

One of the biggest things my parents have taught me is that we should do the best with the cards we’re dealt. And if we’re lucky enough to get opportunities to grow, we should give our best to maximize that opportunity. Not only for ourselves but for others if we can. Read more>>

Trevor Prioleau

My parents did their part. They let me embrace myself in the parts of life I wanted to grow in – accepting responsibility and being accountable for my decisions. My parents are amazing. From jokes, hard times, and moments of reflecting, I’m blessed to not only have them but to be able to grow with them. No life is perfect. We’ve overcome so much and it’s been beautiful being able to experience life with parents that teach their kids – but are also open to learning from their kids. Read more>>

DJ FLACO

Both my parents are the reason I am able to do this, they are my #1 supporters. They invested in me, and most important they believed in me. I been blessed to have such amazing parents that gave me freedom to go after anything I wanted, knowing they will always have my back. Early on my career, I was doing private gigs I’m talking about me being 14-15 years old. Private gigs require to take equipment to the venue like speakers, lights, stands, mobil stage, mixers etc. Read more>>

Esra England

One of the most important values that I believe my parents (Mother and Grandmother) instilled in me is a hard working ethic which values characteristics like resilience, commitment, and overall hard work. They always encouraged me to try new thing but to stick with them long enough to know if I have an actual interest before wanting to give up and move on to something else. Read more>>

D3mstreet

One of the biggest reasons why we do what we do and why we are where we are is because of our parents. They have NEVER forced us to do something but they would also be very honest with us. For them to be at every music performance, dance practice, dance competition, football game, etc. that gave us everything we needed. The support has always been unreal but it’s all we know. Our dad doesn’t say too much to us when it comes to our craft he lets us make our own choices and decisions and let’s us learn from them. Read more>>

Curt Bonnem

I feel incredibly lucky to have the parents I do and can honestly say they are a major reason that I make a living as a performer. There are both general and very specific reasons for this. First of all, my parents both encouraged my artistic side and very much enabled it from the time I was a child. My father, while being what many would consider a fairly traditional ‘businessman’, was also a musician and a singer. He taught me to play piano starting from a very early age as well as introduced me to my love of singing. Read more>>

Carol Tang

My parents were extremely hardworking. They immigrated here to the US in 1980’s, opened a Chinese restaurant (which was my second home) for the first 18 years of my life; eventually I learned how to manage the restaurant by the time I was in my teenage years. My parents worked 7 days a week, 12 hour shifts and only took off for Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. My parents impacted my life in so many ways, but the one that sticks to me the most was my mothers ability to take me to ballet class 30-45 minutes away from the business, and then would go back to continue working to then return 4 hours later to pick me up. Read more>>

Dr. Vangie Akridge

My parents separated just before I was born. Although they lived separate lives through out my upbringing and remained married until they were called hime to glory, not once did either one of them talk bad or down about the other. As a child, I was never privy to the circumstances that contributed to their separation. When they were around each other, they were always kind and respectful. Additionally, I was almost 10 years old before I understood that the woman that I referred to as my Auntie was actually my stepmother. Read more>>

William D. Tobler, Jr. MD, FACS

My parents were excellent role models for me as I grew up. I entered the field of medicine after watching my father, a neurosurgeon, passionately enter each day more excited than the previous day. His commitment to the field of Neurosurgery and his patients was significant. I had the opportunity to observe several operations as a child and was hooked ever since. At the young age of 5 years old, my father was called in for an emergency in the middle of the night. My mother and sisters were away and my father had no choice but to take me in to the hospital with him. Read more>>

William Montoto

My mom is a driving force, as well as one with which to be reckoned, as a child and even now in my adult years. She made a selfless decision to leave an abusive marriage to spare me and my three siblings from what she was enduring, before it got even worse, This resulted in her becoming a single mom, with three very rambunctious boys, and an extremely rough and tumble daughter. I witnessed her working two jobs to support us, and the struggle was, in fact, very real and very raw. Read more>>

Suzanne Anderson

As a youngster, I truly believe that you do not fully understand the importance of the lessons taught by your parents, though later, in hindsight, regardless of how resistant and hard headed you were (still are?), clarity starts to worm its way in, and the truth reveals itself. Using that rear view mirror perspective, I have realized that I was taught to be a kind, loving human, focused on making a positive impact on my community, and somehow, that soaked in, despite my impertinent youth. Read more>>

Kai Leigh

I come from a traditional household. My parents have been married for over 50 years. To me, they are different yet they are the same if that makes sense lol. I’ve learned lessons from watching them individually and lessons from observing them as a unit. My dad taught me to be ambitious, honest and respectful. My mom taught me how to be a lady, and how to be kind. Together they taught me what it looks like to be a part of a team. They taught me that there would be good times and bad times in marriage but life will still move forward. And when you love someone you work it out. Read more>>

Brian Pate

My mother and father were huge influences in my life. As an only child, I was given opportunities that many kids did not receive. Dad was a newspaper publisher and mom was the ultimate stay at home mom in the 80’s while also volunteering hundreds of hours per year. Dad pushed me hard in school. Even though I hated high school especially, he pushed me to put forth an effort. Looking back, I wish I had worked harder, but who knows what life’s path might have looked like. Read more>>

Peter von Taborsky

My family was never wealthy financially but we had great life experiences. Growing up I was always surrounded by amazing people. My parents pushed me to be active but let me choose the things that I wanted to take part in. I am fortunate to have many mentors along the way. My mom & dad, my older brother, friends & their parents, school teachers, scout & church leaders. They all had a hand in shaping me to become who I am today. It was definitely a community thing. Read more>>

Savanah Aguilar

Growing up both my parents had their own businesses and ran them successfully. My mother to this day runs her in home daycare, Nanny By Day, and my father was an independent contractor in construction. I feel like society pushes you into college and or the 9-5 job that kills your soul. My parents taught me self discipline, courage, hard work, and dedication can still make you successful even without a college degree. So glad I followed the footsteps of my parents of becoming my own boss and making my own schedule. Read more>>

Morgan Bullock

My parents allowed me to be the creative director of my life from a young age. They did whatever they could to champion me when I decided to take a path, even if they disagreed with the path I was taking. This led to me getting a full softball scholarship to FSU, and it also led to me entering a marriage that was doomed from the start. If not for my parents’ willingness to let me fall and make my own mistakes, I wouldn’t have the resilience and wisdom I have now. I think it’s essential for parents to implement structure in their children’s lives but not total control. Read more>>

Crystal Flynn

My greatest inspiration is my mother, a first generation immigrant. When she was seven years old, she moved from Seoul, South Korea with my grandmother to the United States. Despite the language barrier and culture shock she faced at a young age, she found a way to persevere. She is the strongest, bravest, and hardest working person I know. The determination and grit that she had to develop in her youth are characteristics that she thankfully passed down to me. Read more>>

Melissa Chin

I’m forever grateful for my mother. She set a high standard of excellence for me and helped me develop a confidence that I could achieve ANYTHING. I didn’t know at the time, but she was planting seeds of faith in God and a certainty that whatever I wanted, I could pursue and have. All throughout my life, this was confirmed through high school achievements, college scholarships, job opportunities etc. My faith afforded me so many opportunities. Not to oversimplify it but, I believed, and I achieved. Read more>>

Darina DeBenedictis

My parents are and always have been my greatest supporters and encouragers. In everything I have ever done, they have believed in me and supported me in every way. Through all my endeavors, they have been a crutch for me to lean on to ask one million questions to, seek advice from, and look to for practical next steps. Owning a jewelry making small business is equal parts figuring out logistics and harnessing creativity. From my dad, I learned how to build up a business and from my mom, I learned how to foster my creativity. Read more>>

Netelia Jackson

My mother pours a lot into me. She allows me to just be and supports my dreams. When I told her I wanted to start a t-shirt business, she invested in my idea. She even got me a storefront as a Christmas present. I am grateful for my mother. Read more>>

Brody Tippetts

Our parents taught us to always give back. We know that God has given us all we have, and He can take it away- Might as well enjoy the journey and give freely when we can Read more>>

Allison Kociuruba

My parents have always been supportive of me no matter what crazy idea I presented to them. From watching me as a competitive synchronized swimmer traveling all over the country to making it possible for me to go to University of Richmond and move far from home (I grew up in New York). They were always encouraging me and setting an example by working hard to achieve their own goals. My Dad made a brave move in the middle of his career, starting his own marketing consulting business and he worked from home before it was cool. Read more>>

Al Sauls

During my youth, I lacked the focus that was needed to be successful at anything. Instead of my parents becoming overbearing, they gave me options to explore my talent. They encouraged me to pursue what I felt I was passionate about and just lightly pushed me in that direction. At a young age, I was interested in art and art history and my parents saw that spark I had when I visited a museum or art gallery. This small act of letting me just ease into my passion was a game changer when I knew I wanted to make art a career. The support that my parents showed me was beyond helpful in shaping me into the artist I am today. Read more>>

Mary Satterthwaite

My parents are the BEST! The first thing they did right was move from Ohio to California before I was born LOL! I am such a southern cali girl, grew up in Carlsbad, always having easy access to the beach or a pool. Spent my summers with my girlfriends checking out the local surfer boys and laying days away in the sun. I sometimes wonder who i’d be if they decided to stay in Ohio…. Read more>>

Brendan and Liz Dochney

A commonality we both share, is that we were raised by kind, caring, and charitable parents. They taught us not to see the value in materialistic items, but instead see the value in people. Both of our parents have worked in the helping professions, teaching special education in the schools and working with individuals that had intellectual and developmental disabilities in a group home setting. Our parents have immeasurable amounts of patience, kindness, and love of people. Read more>>

Paty Sesma

This is a question I should answer while swaying on my porch swing with a warm cup of coffee in my hand. Where do I even begin? My parents are the most wonderful people I’ve ever met. They were fully invested, and a high-quality education was always a top priority for them when we were younger. I was born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico, a city I liken to the Titanic; your social status is as important as your last name and where you live. I was incredibly lucky to be a second-class passenger who spent my mornings with first-class passengers and my afternoons with third-class passengers. Read more>>

Katrina Williams

I have exceedingly wonderful parents. They have taught me many things. My father is my hero. He is the protagonist of every story, the guy everybody likes, and the guy everybody comes to when the going gets rough. Without a doubt, he is the most important and influential person in my life. As a child I witness him leaving for work while getting dressed for school and he would not return until dark. He did whatever needed to support his family. Read more>>