For most of us, the words of our fathers are pearls of wisdom that stay with us throughout our lives, and maybe, lift us to greater heights or comfort us in troubling times. As Father’s Day here in America quickly approaches, we asked some of our Creative Partners to share with us the best advice their dads ever gave them…

Mark Ingram, Mark Ingram Atelier: “There was a time, shortly before I opened the Atelier and just post 9/11, when I was anxiety ridden and a nervous wreck.  The mood in New York City was dark, sad, and unsure.  I was second (and third, and fourth) guessing my decision to move forward with my plan….to go out on my own and start my own business.  Fear and insecurity were creeping in and winning. I was spending way too much time in isolation and contemplation. One day my father showed up to my apartment, unannounced and alone, wanting to talk.  Although he was always present, loving and supporting, my father, like most men of his generation, was never very emotionally expressive.  We had an amazing conversation that day.  He talked about his childhood and my childhood, about how much he respected me and appreciated my talents, and his belief in my abilities.  He encouraged me to move forward and not to abandon my dream because of fear. His faith restored my confidence and helped guide me through the difficult days of starting a new, small business during a dark and difficult period. He continues to inspire me each and every day.”

Saraí Flores, Signature Event Consulting & Design, “Do what makes you happy, don’t spend more than what you earn and be careful with power: it’s not easy to handle and it can blind the most honest of people.”

Andrea Liss, Hannah Handmade: “My family is in its third generation in the oriental rug business on my father’s side. I grew up in the business and my childhood is filled with stories of time spent at the store and the office. The knowledge I gained there is immeasurable, but what stands out is something I learned from my grandfather, who died in his 50s and by that time had been gone for more than 15 years. Even after all that time, many customers, suppliers and employees went out of their way to tell me what a wonderful person he was – how kind and genuine and how much he cared.  No matter the situation, he always took care of his customers and everyone who crossed his path.  When interacting with the business, all these years later, they were still thinking of Milton Liss and how he made them feel. This legacy has stuck with me all my life. The business my grandparents started is now celebrating its 75th anniversary, and as long as there were people left who knew my grandfather, they were eager to talk about him and to share how he treated them in business. I have made this level of service and caring a cornerstone of my own business for the past 22 years and it is the foundation of all we do at Hannah Handmade.”

Amy Zaroff, Amy Zaroff Events + Design: “The greatest words of wisdom I received from my father: ‘All you have is your name, so use it wisely.’ Enough said.”

Colin Cowie, Colin Cowie Enterprises: “Best advice from my Dad – to live a full and passionate life with integrity and honesty. Do everything well, to be elegant and always with impeccable manners.   He installed a competitive spirit in me and a set of great manners.”

Zainab Alsalih, Carousel Girls:  “The best advice my father gave me was that single most important decision I will make in my life is who I marry.  Being happily married for 15 years now, I understand how profound and true his advice was.”

Emilie Dulles, Dulles Designs: “Shoot for the moon, you’ll either make it or reach a star.”

Andy Marcus, Fred Marcus Photography: “The best advice my dad gave me was to treat people the same way that I would want to be treated.   My dad was one of the most respected people in New York’s wedding industry.  He always treated people with the utmost respected and they always returned that respect towards him.”

Larissa Banting, Weddings Costa Rica: “My father marched to the beat of his own drum and was never one to back down from a challenge – he once got a job selling cars during the Depression to make good on a dare from his friend (turned out he was brilliant at sales). Air force pilot, politician, band leader, store owner, event producer, committed family man – Digby Banting was truly one of a kind. I learned so much just be being around my father, watching how he interacted with people. He made everyone he spoke with feel special and that they truly mattered. No wonder everyone thought he was incredibly charming! His advice to me was to not let anyone tell you ‘you can’t do that’. Dream big, be smart about your choices and forge your own path to find success.”

Crystal Adair-Benning, Distinct Occasions: “Growing up an only child and a daughter, my dad was influential in me becoming the strong independent minded person I am today. His advice to “just be you” sounded trivial as a child but has really helped shape my life. It made me not afraid to love 50’s fashion, adventure sports, or hopping planes solo to travel the globe in pursuit of knowledge and inspiration. Simple advice that has made ALL the difference.”

Debbie Geller, Geller Events:  “My father wasn’t one to give advice, but rather he lived his life by example.  By living honorably, and treating those around you with respect, you are giving your children better advice than words could ever convey.”

Kelly McWilliams, Weddings by Socialites: “I don’t remember a specific piece of advice that my dad gave me that was more important than any other.  That’s because so much of what I think has lead to my success has come from learning how he has been so successful.  He works incredibly hard on what he loves (and perhaps harder at what he doesn’t), has a never ending smile even in the most difficult of situations, and is genuinely one of the most kind and honest people, with the biggest heart you will ever meet.  If I can be even remotely close to who he is…”

Ceci Johnson, Ceci New York & Ceci Style Magazine:  “When I was having a rough day my dad always reminded me, ‘Your hardest day only lasts 24 hours.’ Also, this formula: Sweat + Sacrifice = Success is a great reminder that success is built on a foundation of hard work.”

Harriette Rose Katz, Gourmet Advisory Services:  “From the time I was a little girl, my father taught me that I was the master of my own destiny. That has guided me my entire life… I only wish he could be here to see the success I have made of my life.”

Kerry Harter, Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach: “The best advice I can remember from my dad is to ‘save your money and spend it wisely,’ to make sure to have what he called a Nest Egg and to have rainy day money! But he also offered smart relationship advice too like ‘Choose the man that loves you the most and you will never be hurt’ and ‘Every day you need to hold hand with your loved one, tell him you love him, greet him with a kiss and say good night with a kiss.'”