Every year, Caper provides Paul Mitchell students with a unique opportunity to gather for education, inspiration, and networking with some of the most legendary names in the professional hair industry. From hands-on training to live demonstrations, Paul Mitchell students from all over the country earn their way to see top hairstylists like Sharon Blaine, John Mosley, Diana Schmidtke, Dean Banowitz, Robert Cromeans, and Heather Ka’anoi in action.

The event was hosted at Disneyland Hotel, and if the dancing at Caper’s famous white party is any indication, the “the happiest place on Earth” lived up to its name. Even Mickey and Goofy dressed to impress, hanging out at the party to meet their favorite hairstylists!

The third day of the event is focused on inspiration and motivation with presentations from amazing individuals. This year, speakers included Winn Claybaugh, Kathy Buckley, Tim Storey, Patrice Washington, Geno Stampora, Paul DiGrigoli, and Sarah Mihalow. We had the chance to ask the speakers what piece of advice they wish they could give their younger selves and here is what they had to say:

What advice would you give your younger self if you could go back in time?

Winn Claybaugh, Author, Speaker, Dean, and Co-Founder/Co-Owner of Paul Mitchell Schools

That I didn’t need to be the smartest person in the room. For many years I thought I had to be the smartest person in the room to be successful. I don’t have to be the smartest. I don’t have to be the prettiest. I don’t even have to be the most talented person in the room. But I could be the most positive person in the room and that’s going to take me so far. And that’s what I worked on. Once I finally realized that, it made all the difference in the world.

Tabatha Coffey, Matrix Global Business Ambassador, Speaker on Behalf of Hair Aid Non-Profit

I think honestly to not worry so much. I think the thing that has always been consistent in my career and the thing that has never wavered is my passion. My passion for this industry has never gone. Even when I have bad days I will acknowledge that it’s a bad day, but the passion for the actual industry has never ever gone away for me. When you are younger and you are starting out in your career, you just have so much pressure on you. And now it’s even more—to have a huge following on social media, make a lot of money, to be able to sustain yourself, to get an education. It can feel overwhelming and I think we can burn out very quickly. My advice would be: If you always follow your passion, it will lead to where your next step should be and where the place is that you’re supposed to end up—and I think that’s a really important thing to know.

Tim Storey, Acclaimed Author, Speaker and Life Coach

If I was patient and continued to do the work, that it could actually work out for me. I think many times when you are young, you are working so hard and it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen. If I were speaking to a young Tim Storey today, I would say, “Just be patient, do the work, build your spot, and the spotlight will come out on your spot.”

Patrice Washington, Wisdom & Wealth Money Maven

One thing that I wish I could go back and tell my younger self is really to just enjoy the journey. I think especially when you are young, you’re racing toward some arbitrary finish line. You’re thinking ‘I have to get out of school. I have to do this. I have to do that.’ There are so many little miracles that happen along the way and when we are focused on that big thing that happens down the road, we forget to enjoy every moment on that path. I look back and the last 15 years have been a blur. I wish that sometimes someone would have said, ‘Hey, slow down. You’ve got your whole life to work and do different things, but just enjoy every piece of it.’ Even the pieces that feel like a struggle are really meant for your good in the long run, so enjoy the process.

For more information about Paul Mitchell Schools, visit paulmitchell.com and follow them on Instagram: @paulmitchellus

[Images courtesy of Paul Mitchell]

Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy