Most people say they want success, but when you ask them what success means you get wildly different responses.  We recently asked some of the best and brightest in our community to tell us about how they define success and have shared their responses below.

Gaby Pineda | Wedding Photography

I define success with my happiness, not with how much money I will have at the end of year. Success for me is having the ability to wake up and get excited that I’m working on what I choose and on what sets a fire in my soul. Success, is having more and more knowledge on what I do and try every day to achieve a better version of me. Success for me is having the complete freedom to create my own schedule and to have time to be with my loved ones. And last but no least to be able to live comfortably and to have that extra money to spoil myself every once in a while. Read more>>

Melissa Robbins | Owner of Mama Llama Balloons

To me success and life happiness is yours for the choosing. It is your own attitude and state of mind. It cannot be defined by anyone else. I have always had a WHY for what I do that pushes me every day to reach certain goals to reach my personal definition of success. It encourages me to be a better individual and business owner. My business has allowed me to bring happiness and joy to many people for many different celebrations. If I can bring happiness or a smile to someone on their special day that passes on to others then my goal has been accomplished. Every day after school I ask my son “What did you do to be kind to someone today?” He knows that every day I will ask him this same question. As a result he goes through each day with the intention to be kind. Read more>>

Chloe Beaugard | Owner of Shady Baby Co.

My younger self would have defined success as having expensive things and a six-figure plus income. As I’ve grown older and hopefully wiser, my definition of success has changed. Now, I believe that success is not defined or measured by materials or money. For me, a successful individual is one who freely and unapologetically lives out his or her calling. A successful individual is someone who passionately does what he or she loves no matter how much money they do or do not generate from it. With all of society’s standards and sometimes pressure from family, it’s so inspiring to see people do what fulfills them even if it goes against those standards. Read more>>