By far, the topic that comes up most in our conversations with entrepreneurs and creatives is risk. We’ve had conversations about risks that worked out and risks that did not. We’ve seen eyes light eye sharing about career-trajectory changing risks as well as folks sigh about the risks they wish they had taken. Below, we’ve selected and shared some of those thoughtful conversations.

Alondra Puentes Gallegos | Performing Artist

I think risk, while it is uncomfortable and scary, is inevitable, just like failure. Taking risks is part of life, and as humans, we are supposed to evolve. Personally, I am terrified of risks, but I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for taking risks. It is scary not knowing the outcome of a choice, but it is scarier knowing you didn’t take the risk and wondering what if. Read more>>

Avishag Eckhous-Cohen | Real Estate Agent

I’m a big believer in taking risks in my personal life and work. I was born and race in Israel. I did a bachelor’s degree in HR and a master’s in business management, specializing in marketing and international business. I planned to work in marketing after completing my master’s degree and build a career for myself. During the summer break that I had on my first degree, I flew to travel in the United States, and there I met my husband, Ben. Read more>>

Samantha Jezek | Artist

When I think back on the risks I’ve taken in my career and life I look at the times I’ve had to make decisions to help better my business. Whether that be try a different style, manage my time better, invest in something I think would be beneficial in growing my company. Sometimes it takes putting more of yourself out there in order to get the return you want. Making the best shoot possible and spending more than you’d like on the perfect frame for the piece of art. It’s all a risk. But in the end, I’d rather take the risk and see what happens. Read more>>

Déja Denise Green | Multi-Hyphenate Creative & Creative Executive

Once upon a time, I think I used to associate the word “risk” with “failure.” The word “risk” always felt so derogatory to me because of my ‘half-empty’ approach to life, the percentage of failure always seemed to outweigh the percentage of success. This perspective led me to only take very, very calculated risks (ones where the chances of succeeding were at least 80% or more). Read more>>

Anthony Cardoso | Photographer, Videographer, & Creative

Taking risk is a part of life. Not to sound preachy, but taking risks is one of the quickest ways learn. When something goes wrong, it is important learn quickly through reflection and avoid getting stuck in the feeling of  isappointment/“failure”. This is how I have learned where to make change in my life, ambitions, and strategies. Although I am far from being perfect a this, taking risks is one of the fundamental ways we can strive to be better. Read more>>

James & Ursula Hawthorne | Men’s Clothing Store Owners

Life is about taking risks. If you don’t take a risk you may not know what could happen. Sometimes we don’t know what could truly happen unless we take a chance and give it everything we have. If you don’t take a risk then you’ll always look back and wonder what would have happened. By taking a risk you’re acting on a vision and taking steps to make your vision reality. Read more>>

Angel Mikeska | Owner/Operator

In general, I am not a risk taker. I am very cautious, and tend to play out each and every possible scenario before making a decision, anticipating all potential problems and hoping to ensure as much success and harmony with the results as I can. As risk-averse as I tend to be, starting a business is a huge leap of faith and I found myself faced with the choice to continue down the safe and comfortable path or follow my passion and believe that the path laying out ahead of me was one that God placed there for me to walk down. Read more>>

Gabby Brooks | Hair Stylist

Taking risk are so important I’m my career. You have to take risks everyday in order to grow! I recently just took a big risk switching salons and it was the best decision ever! With doing hair you have to take risks everyday because you never know how your clients hair will take color and you just have to trust your gut it will work out, which it almost always does! Read more>>

Mikaela Womack | Licensed Lash Technician

I think when people say risk they get scared because you could lose it all by making that risk, but what if that risk changed your life for the better. Life is all about taking risks, you will never know what happens if you just keep “ what if” everything. You have to step out your comfort zone and take risks to succeed, your comfort zone will kill you. Read more>>