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.

Kerem SmithStone | Artist/Oil Painter

I was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and was lucky enough to have spent a significant portion of my childhood there before moving to the United States at the age of 10. My childhood in Ethiopia determined the direction my life would take, and had an unmistakable influence on me as an artist. I grew up In the town of Kirkos, just on the edge of the main part of the city. Read more>>

John G. Stargazer | Music Producer & DJ

My name is John G. Stargazer, and I grew up in Denver, Colorado. I was born in the 1990’s to music-lover parents whom prioritized taking me to live shows, and listening to new music whenever it was available. My dad was an avid collector of vinyl, and eventually, CDs. Read more>>

Novet

I come from a smaller city in Davenport Iowa. I grew up in the inner city which had it’s challenges but also helped build my character and perspective on life. Growing up I was always challenged by my parents to work hard, stay dedicated, and stay focused on what I wanted in life. I was able to take what I learned from my upbringing and apply it to my music. Read more>>