We asked some of the city’s hidden gems to tell us about what they feel is the most important factor behind their success.

Sterlynn Jones

Every challenge I’ve faced, from personal setbacks to professional roadblocks, has fueled my commitment to serve others through education, empowerment, and lifesaving skills. My brand was built not just from a business plan, but from real-life experiences that shaped my mission: helping people save themselves before they save others. That deeper sense of purpose has kept me focused, authentic, and unwavering in my efforts to create programs that truly impact lives. Read More>>

Michelle Dee

The most important factor behind my success and the success of my brand is my faith in God, trusting His plans for my life and submitting to the plan, even when I did not understand. Throughout seasons of development in my life, my ears and heart became sensitive to the voice of God and He began to unfold the blueprint of His plans for my life. I learned to trust the plans He has for me and the decisions He makes for me. Once, I came to a place of commitment, my obedience became currency in every area of my life. Read More>>

Amber

I believe the most important factor is respectful professionalism. I have found that most people work from the perspective of, “If they respect me, I will respect them.” They break it down to a personal level. I believe that one should offer respect to others. As a result of treating people that way, one can hope to receive that respect in return. I approach every new meeting and new stakeholder with this in mind.  Read More>>

Marcela Peterson

The most important factor behind the success of FreshAir AC is trust, and that trust is rooted in hard work and integrity. The owner and lead contractor, and most importantly a father, built this company from the ground up as an immigrant with a dream not just for a better life for him and his family, but to actively contribute to the community that gave him a chance.  Read More>>

Sarah Gator

The most import factor behind my success is consistency and dependability. Parents depend on me to help take care of their of their dogs while they are away. I consistently show up for the dogs & owners. If you say no too many times, the owners can find a new walker, I want them to know they can rely on me. Read More>>

GileS

So far I’d have to say my high energy performances over the past year I’ve taken notes on the classic performance styles of R&B artists over time and for me to bring the audience in for a moment like that has totally changed the reception Read More>>

Jennifer Neal

Having just departed a corporate environment that focused A LOT on my shortcomings/weaknesses, I immediately focused on the areas that didn’t come easily to me. I told myself I had to get better at those things to succeed. Social media and digital marketing were this nebulous thing I kept trying to wrap my head around. I still struggle to enjoy it so as you would expect, I don’t do it consistently. Read More>>