One of the most important lessons we learned is that our lives and our businesses will teach us along the way. We don’t need to know everything on day one because the challenges we face on day will likely be ones we are already equipped to handle. As we overcome challenges we get better and better and as the challenges increase in difficulty so too does our ability to tackle them.

We asked members of the community that we admire to share important lessons their business or career has taught them and have shared some of those responses below.

Regan Wolfrey | Makeup Artist

The most important lesson my career as a makeup has taught me is to have patience. Even though you can see the finish or taste the victory, it still takes time to make it a reality. The key is to stay consistent and never give up until you get there. Even then keep going and push yourself. Read more>>

Judith Martinez Sadri | Podcaster & Reinventor in Chief

I have learned that one must identify a purpose in every project, business, or job. There is a calling behind what you are doing, and that is a huge force of motivation and thriving. When you can find the purpose, it does not matter if the business or job becomes hard to accomplish, how long it lasts, or if it is over!
I owned a publishing business for a decade, and when it was over, I knew it had so many purposes and they were all accomplished, but the one I cherish the most, Read more>>

Marquis Williams | Fashion Designer/Entrepreneur

The most important lesson I’ve learned from my business is marketing. How you promote and present yourself and your brand willl bring the audience. Also taught me to keep trying new ideas and never give up. Read more>>

Dana Davidoff | Serial Retailer

So many great questions! In the late 80″s, I was working an extraordinary amount of hours in an office setting (getting paid for only 40 of the many hours) when I was leaving on a Sunday at 3 and my boss made some rude comment about “bankers hours”. I not-so-politely handed him the keys, walked out the door and swore I would never work for anyone else ever again…LOL! Shortly, thereafter, I decided that by the time I turned 30, I would be working for myself and I was…I opened a Mailboxes Etc. in 1990. Read more>>

TroubleChild | Musical Artist & Songwriter

Although having learned a lot I would have to say is be self motivated, there’s going to be some days when you feel like your ready to give up or this isn’t going how I planned it, There may not be someone in your corner all the time routing for you don’t get discouraged you have to remember your reason for doing it! Read more>>

Lashia Thomas | Quality Coordinator & Boutique Owner

The most important lesson I have learned in business is that it is very hard work. Some days you may get a lot of sales and on other days you may get none. I have learned that you cannot build a million-dollar business overnight. Many people get into business and expect to just take off right away, but it does not work that way. You have to really put in the work, get your business out there and most of all do not be scared to take a chance. But I have learned to keep going and to keep advertising my business. Read more>>

Raven Newcomb | Founder of Up On Deck

The primary lesson I have attained from my business is to have patience. It involves having the capacity to deal with or acknowledge challenges, delays, and suffering without being frustrated. Patience works cohesively with persistence, perseverance, and persistence. I have learned a valuable lesson about patience from the onset of my business, where I thought I would achieve numerous milestones in the first year. This was not the case, and I felt like a failure. In many instances, I questioned myself about what I was doing wrong, which led to doubts about my business success. Read more>>

Henry Woods | Digital Marketing Manager

To never give up or think your plan will happen exactly how you dreamed. For so long Read more>>

Dathan Thigpen | Singer & actor

In my music career, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to trust the process and trust my gift. In most cases I’ve learned that the process is not always exactly like I saw it in my head. God almost always has a specific plan that you never thought of. If I did, I wouldn’t need him. It’s important to stay the course to see God’s full plan. I’ve also learned that my gift is like no one else’s. What I bring is valuable to someone. People need what I have to offer. Some won’t appreciate it but I’m most concerned about the ones that will and do. Read more>>

Ashley Morris, Ed.D. | Director of MTEI of Atlanta

Relationships are key. People always talking about “networking.” However, I think although networking is important, developing relationships, beyond immediate acquaintances will help in so many areas. Adam Grant’s book, Give and Take, discuss this dynamic of interacting with people, offering support and helping people along the way! Read more>>

Drs. Amber & Ashley Goodman | Authors

The most important lesson our business/career has taught us as authors is that there is no right or wrong way when it comes to the writing process. Sometimes it can take years, months, weeks, or just a few days to write a book. A book can have a few chapters or many pages depending on how much you want to share and if there will be multiple volumes or a series. Read more>>

Princess & Madisyn Walton | Bath Bomb Creator, Student & Mechanic

Being a business owner comes with its ups and downs, however, it has taught us to keep pushing because our product is loved by many. Read more>>

Leia Avery | Founder of Just Play Entertainment and creator of Hip Hop Charades

You can’t let your fears stop you from reaching your goals or you may never fulfill your true purpose in life. Everytime I push myself to step out of my comfort zone and face my fears, the abundance of blessings come my way! I was very shy growing up, you’d never believe that I’d be providing fun experiences for a living. Read more>>