Our community is comprised of entrepreneurs and artists and creatives – folks who have chosen incredibly difficult professional paths that often don’t offer any safety nets or guarantees. Nonetheless, we regularly hear that being a parent is a far greater challenge and so we asked some of these folks to open up to us about the things they’ve done as parents that they feel will have a meaningful and positive impact on their child.

Sam Matthews | Business Owner

As a parent, I feel that what we do in our personal life, closely parallels what we do in our professional. The values and virtues which I try to uphold for our business are the same goal lines which I try to instill for my children to strive for: Hard work, detail analysis, positive mindset, and a desire to contribute to the community. Read more>>

Maria Mihaylova | Skin Care Therapist

When I became certified as Oncology Skin Care Therapist, my son was six years old at the time. It was when he learned about cancer. He came with me to several events related to my studies. He came up with the idea to let his hair grow for donation. My boy found the only way for him to help, he let his hair grow for two years, and then donated it. My career advancement was the cause of his noble act, and I know that this experience left footprints in him forever. This is collateral beauty. Read more>>

Rachel Tate-study | Makeup Artist & Business Owner

I hope that I have taught them to dream big and reach for the stars. To choose a path that they will grow and excel in. They might have to get a bit uncomfortable to learn and figure out their purpose in life but they only have one so do what is going to make them happy! Read more>>

Shannon Moore | Wedding Planner

I am a firm believer in leading by example. As a business owner I put my blood sweat and tears into my work. I was extremely proud when my six year old son asked about starting his own business, a lemonade stand. He didn’t want just any lemonade stand, but researched what he wanted it to look like, came up with merchandise ideas, and even insisted on the quality control. We had the stand built to his specifications, tested out different lemonade, picked out the right glassware, and even bought sonic ice to make sure everything was perfect. His first day in business he made almost $300 dollars. Then came the lesson of deposits, taxes, profits and losses. I love that he too wants to be an entrepreneur. I think the most important role as parents is to prepare our children to follow their dreams. Read more>>