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.

Lynne Hugo | Novelist

I’m from New England, specifically Connecticut, and lucky enough to attend a truly excellent public high school. My English and writing teachers really encouraged me in that they both told me I was a talented writer and challenged me to improve by being both unsparing and sophisticated in their criticism and suggestions. They also prompted me to aim high in my college applications, and I’m so glad I did because my undergraduate and graduate educations have made all the difference in my life and career. I also remember my mother encouraging me to write and complimenting my work–and in my house, compliments didn’t come often so I’m sure that influenced me! Read more>>

Prixeless | Multi Disciplinary Creative

I’m from Detroit, specifically the West side of Detroit. I have to say that because here, that’s an important piece of who you are. But regardless of what side you’re from whether that be east, west, there is a foundation that is the same and that is The Motor City. That is the “muscle and hustle,” that gives me a go-getter mentality. Motown gives me spirit and soul, and is home to the Detroit players who are known for their great sense of fashion, setting trends like: the fur minks, Al Wissan leathers, Cartier buffalo frames, wood frames, or wire frames (depending on your mood or the occasion), which all really speaks to why I have my love for fashion. Read more>>

Eddie Saunders Jr | Christian – Husband – Father – Founder – Marketer

I was born, raised, and even ended up moving back to my humble hometown in rural Ohio. Even though I have never considered Ohio to be a part of the “Midwest”, I very much feel the good old fashioned Midwestern US roots are strong within in Ohio. Read more>>

Charity Adu

United States. My upbringing was deeply rooted in Nigerian culture, as my parents made sure our home was a place where our heritage was celebrated and preserved. Family has always been at the heart of my life. We shared a home filled with optimism, lively conversations, music, and the warmth of togetherness. My parents have always been incredibly supportive, encouraging me to pursue my passions, knowing that as long as I have something meaningful to strive for, that’s what matters most to them. Read more>>

Nicole D. Miller

Like many in urban communities I come from a single parent home raised by both my mother and grandmother. My family is filled with strong women who worked hard to craft better opportunities for their children to excel and thrive. My parents (both mother and grandmother) fought hard to keep me in good schools so that I could obtain these better opportunities. It was my apt for learning that aided me in taking advantage of the better education they fought for me to have. Read more>>