We’ve been fortunate to connect with so many brilliant, thoughtful entrepreneurs and creatives and we regularly ask them about the most important lessons they’ve learned over the course of their careers. We’ve shared some highlights below.

Christie Glascoe | Author, Screenwriter, Editor, & Creative Champion

The most important lesson I learned is not to take rejection personally. It’s a hard one to learn because, as a writer, you get rejected A LOT. And you literally sign up for it when you choose this profession! I’d get a thanks-but-no-thanks from a publisher or a contest and think, “I suck at this.” A friend introduced me to the concept of “The Four Agreements.” Number three is “Do not take anything personally.” It suggests that in most cases, someone not “getting you” or “getting your art” has everything to do with them and their preferences and absolutely nothing to do with you personally. So, I started looking at the rejection messages differently… for one, I started to READ them better. Read more>>

September White | Boutique Owner & Author

The most important lesson I can say my business has taught me is that without consistency you will fail. When I started my business, I messed up a few times. Each time I was so eager to just throw in the towel. Consistency was something that I really struggled with. I was just a get it done type of person. I thank God for showing me the importance of staying consistent. Being a boutique owner isn’t easy. You have to stay up on what’s trending, what the people may like or dislike and that takes consistency no slacking. I thank God for showing me the true meaning of consistency which is in order to fulfill your dreams and goals in life you have to get up every day and get to it. Read more>>

Sarah Raud | Welder & Metal Fabricator

To trust myself and to be patient. We tend to hold ourselves to a ridiculous standard, but we’re all human. I believe most people who decide to start their own business experience some level of self-doubt or imposter syndrome and I’m certainly one of them. When I first started, I’d second guess every decision I was making. I’d ask questions that I already knew the answers to and seek approval or guidance from anyone who’d give an opinion. It took a while before I started to realize that I actually was the qualified professional that my clients saw me as. I lacked experience, but was determined and resourceful. I’ve developed so many new and exciting skills since then that it’s hard to believe that there was ever a time that I felt I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. Read more>>