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.

Timothy Sullivan | Designer Craftsman – Creekside Pottery

This is a very complex question. I was raised in the suburbs of Pittsburgh and received my B.F.A. in Painting and Ceramics from Carnegie-Mellon University and later my M.F.A. in Ceramics and Sculpture from the Art Institute of Chicago. When I couldn’t find work in the arts, I got a job working in office machine repair fixing IBM typewriters. For a few years I tried to do both, making mixed-media sculpture on nights and weekends. A subsequent marriage and the arrival of children led to a more serious pursuit of a corporate career and my direct involvement in the arts faded. Read more>>

Tammy Gormley | Owner of Timber & Suede Design

I was fortunate to be raised by my aunt and uncle in a rural area of St. Charles, Missouri, from the age of two. While they provided stability, my upbringing was marked by dysfunction, driven largely by the difficult choices and chaotic circumstances surrounding my birth parents and extended family. These experiences pushed me to grow up quickly, leading me to move out for the first time at 14 and graduate high school early to be on my own. Despite these challenges, I hold no resentment. I’ve surrounded myself with good people and made a conscious decision to break away from those family dynamics. I’m a positive person, and I don’t use my past as an excuse for any bad choices. Read more>>

Nichole Bain | Influencer & podcaster

I’m originally from Portland OR. After high school, I spent a year at Oregon State University before transferring to Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA. where I graduated with a degree in Graphic Design. Growing up I have always been artistic & involved in as many programs, activities & sports as possible. Such as cheer, dance, basketball, softball, NAACP Portland youth chapter & ACSO to name a few. Later becoming a member of a prominent women’s black Greek letter organization as well as joining toastmasters, Black MBA association & becoming a member of my undergraduate Alumni chapter. Read more>>

Steven Ferdinand | Chef

I am from York Pennsylvania, and grew up on a working 4 acre farm. We had Chickens, goats, cows, horses, an enormous garden with. a small orchard. That farm instilled. the discipline and work ethic at a very early age. It also taught time management as well as how to identify the best ingredients possible. to work with. I still remember when was 8 years old my grandfather had me in the garden, was showing me wild spinach and said this. goes with. that chicken we just butchered and those mushrooms we just foraged. The farm groomed me with the skills that I need to move forward with and excel in the best kitchen environments in this world. Read more>>