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.

Rugged N Raw

I always wanted to have an outlet to display my more dynamic side. I have a lot to say and have a lot of energy, but I am really quiet. Making music helped to bring out the best in me. Being creative is very therapeutic. Whenever I had something I wanted to say, the pen and notebook were my go-to. Read more>>

Moe Amar | Photo taking, treasure guarding, inspiration seeking, meal sharing, lesson learning, human loving, loyalty respecting, show binging, wine drinking, hug giving, water dwelling, fish catching, motorcycle riding, rabble rousing, student of the universe.

Because I had to. I spent years as a firefighter. That’s what I was born to do, but I’ve always taken pictures. Once I couldn’t be a firefighter anymore due to injury, I fell into a very dark place mentally. My photography helped me find the light. Every time I’m able to help someone process a trauma through photos, it heals me as well. Read more>>

Linda Cranston | Graphic Design and Artistry

I have identified as an “artist” since I was 5 years old! I always knew that I would be in a creative career. My father was the one who suggested Advertising Design. He had to explain to me what it was. I went to the Art Institute of Colorado and got an associate degree and have been working in the graphic design field ever since. Read more>>

Madeline Wilson | Fine Art Photographer

I have been a serious photographer since I was in high school. It was like a calling supported by the inspiration I gained from the Masters of Photography. I was fortunate to attend a school that valued the arts and had a vibrant photography program. I was never interested in pursuing commercial work, though I have done my fair share throughout the years. Read more>>

Sage Storm Davis | Social Media Marketer, Artist, & Model

When I was in high school, I got really into both chemistry and makeup artistry-special effects, theatrical makeup, beauty makeup, etc, which lead me to going to college for a BS in Chemistry to work in cosmetics. I was paying for college on my own, so in my second year of school I started making jewelry to help pay for my degree and living expenses. Read more>>

Marc Waldthausen | Artist & Software Engineer

I didn’t start out looking to make a career from my art, and to be clear, I haven’t quit my day job just yet either. My artistic career simply began as an outlet from the analytical work I do as a software engineer. After my workday, I wanted to be able to shut down the logical side of my brain and open up the creative side to find a bit of balance. Read more>>

Jen Duran | Hairstylist

I’ve always been a creative person. I knew I was never the type to go into conventional education or career paths. If I’m being honest, the thought of falling into a career I don’t genuinely enjoy scared me more than anything. Hairstyling sort of fell into my lap from starting a little hair page to do friends hair in high school, to now living in a different state learning from some of the industry’s best. Read more>>