We asked some of the brightest folks in the community to open up to us about the most important lesson their business or career has taught them. We’ve highlighted some of those responses below.

Augusta Foster | Author of “Divorced Dad Reset” and Host of “Mantalk Monday Podcast w/ Augusta Foster”

Born and raised throughout LA, CA (Compton, San Pedro, Long Beach, Watts, etc). Seeing the daily struggles, tribulations, violence, and lack around me did not mirror what was in my home. Despite this, I always wanted to get away or improve where i was from. Read more>> 

Alana Caston | Professional Dancer/Choreographer

I am from Myrtle Beach, SC. I started dancing when I was 4 with Myrtle Beach Dance Company, and have been at the same studio my whole life until i graduated. Shoutout to Ms. brandy for teaching me everything I know! Im a competition kid, so being around that teaches you the importance of professionalism, time management, and being a team player. Read more>>

Kassidy Jack | Social Media Specialist, Writer, and Content Creator

I am originally from Vacherie, Louisiana, a very small town between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. I grew up in a household where education was highly valued. I remember my mom using huge dry-erase boards to reinforce what I was learning in school, and she would create mock tests to prepare me for the actual ones. Read more>>

Nita Sizzahanz | Master Cosmetologist

I chose to pursue an artistic/creative career, because these aspects have always stood out to me in life. Doing hair was something that I knew that I wanted to do from a young age (at least 5-7 years old). I have always had a natural knack of anything artsy or expressive. Read more>>

Amber Reynolds | CEO & Artist

I chose to pursue an artistic career because it allows me to express my creativity and bring joy to others. I believe that art has the power to connect people and evoke emotions, and I find fulfillment in sharing that experience with the world. Read more>>

Kay Sauls | Minister, Singer and Actress

I can honestly say that this was not my doing, but it was God. All through out my life, God was dropping clues of what he wanted me to do from a little girl all the way to this day. When I was a little girl, he used to show me visions of me on stage, but I didn’t understand what he was showing me. I saw myself as a grown woman on stage singing. Read more>>

Ree Brewer | Model, Photographer, and Makeup Artist

From a young age I’ve always been creative. My mom and older sister were creatives as well. Some of my fondest memories come from doing artistic things like painting, drawing, scrapbooking, and photography with them. As I got older, I found photography to be my passion. Read more>>

Treone Lewis | Workforce Management and Content Creator

I actually ran from being in front of the camera. My degree is in Radio & TV and I wanted to work in radio. I wasn’t able to find a job in the field a few years after I graduated from college, so my career went down a different path because bills were still coming. Fast forward to 2019, I was going through a really wild time. Read more>>