We asked some brilliant folks from the community to tell us about the most important lesson their business or career has taught them. We’ve shared some of those responses below.

Andrea McNair | Bookkeeper, Tax Professional, Notary, Insurance Broker, Travel Agent

Where do I begin, there are many lessons in starting and running your own business. One of the main lessons goes back to the biblical adage that faith without works is dead. It’s the same in business, you can have all of these wonderful glorious ideas but it takes hard work to not only make them come true but also make them profitable! Read more>>

Christopher Millsapp | Photographer

I would say the most important lesson I’ve learned is that networking is equally as important as your quality of work. You can have the most amazing art but if no one knows who you are, it’ll be extra hard for it to be seen. Read more>>

Ca$hAmillion Tha Don | Artist

I have learned the hard way that you cannot expect “ you “ outta somebody else. What you may do, another person may not, That and the other most important lesson I have learned is that your life beyond music has to have a balance, and finding it is up to me. Read more>>

Darius Martin | Culinary Enthusiast

For myself I’d say the most important lesson I’ve learned so far would be you have to remain authentic to who you are and be that. You’re not in your business, atleast this cooking business, to be a replica of what’s already out here. Being able to put out a product that represents you and your hard work and passion, and some one like it means alot to me. Read more>>

Julie Montgomery | Owner of Julie Montgomery Interiors and Founder/Creative Director of ThriveWell by Design.com

Be authentic to who you are. Have a regular 360 degree overview of you- what you’re doing, how you’re doing it, and why. I’ve learned that when I’ve strayed from what it is I that I know to be true for myself I either won’t succeed or I won’t feel good at what it is I’m doing. Don’t compromise what you know to fit an image or a pre-formed mold. I, like most, have had a lot of impactful life moments and lessons. I learned to look at the experiences (work and life) and to honor each one of them so that I can be of better service and my truest self to others. Plus, the right people will connect with you when they trust that how you are is who you are. Read more>>