Every overnight success we’ve seen has been years in the making. And those overnight successes are rarely because of an amazing idea or a stroke of luck. We asked some of our favorite folks from the community about what characteristics are at the heart of their success story?
Shayda Torabi | Co-Founder, CEO & Content Creator
To sum it up in one word, I think it’s relatability. For as long as I can remember I’ve been fascinated with stories, creating and dreaming up my own, submerging myself in other worlds through books, music, and television. And as a result it’s left me with a sincere passion for human connection, and I think that’s what’s given me so much success is just being someone people feel like they can relate to. Now of course, it’s one thing to be relatable, but it’s another thing to apply that relatability into meaningful consumer interactions. Read more>>
Jacky Fae | Pro Makeup Artist
The most important factor to me is to keep God 100% first in every decision that you make. You literally have to fail multiple times in order to be successful. Even on days you feel the worst or laziest you have to find the energy to do something to help further your business. Like I always say, you are your biggest enemy, but you will will in the end. Read more>>
Trevor sales | Pitmaster & Chief Fire Officer
Having fun with it! The second you start to think about things too hard, the creativity gets sucked out of you.. We try to keep it fun, keep it creative and I think that’s what people love about our brand. We’re not your typical BBQ joint, and we intend to keep it that way. Read more>>
Zach Freeman | Founder & CEO
I always tell people that VMA’s success has primarily been because of the team that has guided and supported me along the way and because we have a faithful God. Trust me, if left to my own devices, I would have run the company into the ground very quickly. I was a 22-year-old recent college grad with a lot of motivation, but I certainly needed help, guidance, and grace to navigate and learn how to start and run a business. The team that helped me do that included a small army of people that all served a different purpose. Read more>>
Mr & Mrs Archer | Wedding Photographers & Educators
The most important factor behind our brand’s success is undoubtedly keeping our brand centered around who we are as people. Being a husband and wife team is at the core of everything we do, and it’s what our audience loves so much about us, so we lean into that as much as we can to serve our audience as best we can. Our audience connects with us and who we are before they connect with what we do or what we offer, so we are incredibly intentional about keeping who we are at the forefront of how our brand communicates. Read more>>
Jeanne Skartsiaris | Author
Success? Ha! A writer spends years crafting a book then pounds the pavement to sell it – or, too often, give them away. I won’t say I’m successful monetarily but feel a sense of accomplishment having written and published books. (I still have a day job). Writing is a part of me and I will continue to sit my rear end at a keyboard. Perhaps a spark will ignite and one of my books will take off. In the meantime, I’m grateful and appreciate the process of telling stories. Marketing is the hard part! Read more>>
Garrick Hutchins | DJ Entertainer & Alliance Entertainment Group Co-Owner
I believe the way you treat people (especially the first time you meet them) plays a huge role in how successful your brand/company will be. When a client is treated with respect and you deliver a quality product when it’s time to service them, this will increase your business opportunities through word of mouth. In my opinion word of mouth is currently the most powerful form of advertisement. Read more>>
Ann Augustin | Handmade Stoneware Pottery
Reinventing my work, while remaining true to myself, keeps my brand moving forward and thus contributes to my success. I always want my work to be recognizable by my targeted customer base but also fresh enough that they keep coming back to see what’s next. Read more>>