Are you a risk taker? Do you think you have a stronger appetite for risk relative to your friends and family? We asked some folks from the community about their approaches to risk and have shared their thoughts below.

Cecilia Esquivel | Personal & Fashion Stylist

Risk to me is putting trust into yourself. Oftentimes, when we take risks, we fear failures. Failure is part of growth, and if you’re taking a risk by doing something you’ve never done before, you quickly get used to failing. I have become aware of negative self-talk around not instantly succeeding and started to rephrase my thoughts around mistakes. I find failure to be critical to growth and have learned to become my number one supporter through failures and mistakes. Read more>>

Chan’ta Hunter | Designer-Architectural, Graphic, Visual, & Brand Identity Specialties,

I’ve come to realize, that risk-taking wasn’t as challenging as a kid, compared to how it’s become over the years. When feeding into what’s online, other opinions, and sometimes being your worst critic – I’ve grown to value taking risks as if I’m my childhood self again. You never know the what, when, or how, unless you take that chance with putting yourself out there but be sure to make fun of all the endeavors that come with it. For instance, one of the graphics I included in this interview, captures “Protect Black Women,” holding a powerful quote from the great, Malcolm X, above the woman’s crown. Although that design originated from a college design prompt, it was also a risk player. Read more>>

Burl Pete” Hampton III”

My thought process for starting my business came after the realization that I can make money by doing what I absolutely love which is telling a story through film and photography. One thing about my industry that outsiders are unaware of is that you can have the most expensive camera and equipment but if you don’t understand how to use it, you can still produce a bad product. I look at the word risk and change it to Faith. Everything I DO when it comes to business is driven by faith. I live by the scripture James 2:4 – Faith without works is dead. Read more>>

Jaudat Rahmani

Risk-taking is in my DNA; I have never been afraid to take the road less traveled. I was that kid who was always drawn to the unknown. Being an athlete in school taught me how to push myself beyond limits, Through sports I developed resilience that extended far beyond. I was 18 yrs old when I decided to leave my homeland, Pakistan & everything I knew including my family behind in the hopes of building a life at my own hands. I had $500 in my pocket, a suitcase & absolutely no plan. I was breaking cultural barriers & challenging traditional norms. I found work as a “threading artist” in a beauty salon while working towards a permanent solution to settle in the US. Read more>>