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.

Kayla Leitner | Photographer & Model

Being in the art industry has taught me a lot about unapologetically exploring the world and inserting myself in it. While I started out with this sort of crippling anxiety I learned a lot about being confident in my inexperience, until it developed into being confident in myself as a professional. There’s something to be said about people who put themselves out and network with people even when “off the clock”. It used to feel very sales like to throw a casual pitch out in conversation, whereas now I don’t feel like I’m asking something of someone- rather I feel that I am offering a luxury to people. Or I am providing them with information to pursue this luxury if they so choose. Read more>>

Brenda and Cándido Martinez | CEO Que Botanas

My husband and I have learned a lot with being New business owners in the food industry. Something we have both learned is to take things slow. We are both very work-a-holic and there was days where we would work full 12hr shifts and having 3 little ones was tough. We took a step back and enjoyed our free time, work is our bread maker but my daughters are definitely a priority. We just have learned to balance our time. Read more>>

Bethany Meyers | Herbalist and Artist

Success is only what you make of the experiences and opportunities you have. You can achieve your goals and hit every milestone and still see very little profit. It takes time to connect on a personal level to your customers. They have to trust you and your process, this takes time not fancy containers or great social media posts. Read more>>

Juliann Johnson | Entrepreneur & Business Owner

I’ve learned an immeasurable amount in my first year of business. Most importantly, I would be nowhere without my team. I’m grateful for my friends, family, and my truly talented team who’ve been a true blessing and help throughout this year. I’ve learned how to produce and install products people love. I’ve also learned the value of publicity and how to negotiate with customers. I’m proud of our customer service and satisfaction. Read more>>

Emily Willhoft | Nutrition Coach

The most important lesson I’ve learned is that nothing is going to work out exactly the way you thought it would and that’s a GOOD thing! I’ve learned how crucial it is to be open, flexible and patient, which are all traits that do not come naturally to me. It’s funny to think of what I thought my business was going to be and how it has evolved over just one year. Since I believe everything happens for a reason, I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m so grateful for all of the unexpected twists along the way that are like little gifts, even if they make me uneasy in the moment. Read more>>