We asked some of the city’s rising stars about why they think they have been so successful and we’ve shared their responses below.

Cristen Geller | Photographer

Growing up, I had an interesting nomadic type of lifestyle. My father had a job where we traveled, moving our family to lots of different places, spending a chunk of my life going to international schools. This was grounds for meeting all sorts of people and seeing all types of lifestyles and culture. Not only was going to school abroad a cultural awakening, from a young age I was encouraged to find an outlet that I thrived in. Read more>>

Aj Byrd | Natural Hairstylist, Artist, and Entrepreneur

Great question. ‘Flourish with Aj’ has been open for over a year now. Honestly, I give all praises to The Most High and pray over my work and business every single day. I believe practice makes improvement, so I’ve been staying consistent in my craft. I am repeatedly working on my techniques to become even more efficient, managing my time, and making my clients look and feel good. Read more>>

Dean Manuscript aka Big Rip | Owner & Operator Tricoastal Radio & Media

The biggest habit that we formed is consistency, Show’s like Manuscript in the Morning, Rush It or Flush It & Hype Hour have become a staple and a identity of Tricoastal all because of being consistently on air and doing what I truly and naturally love to do anyway. Read more>>