There is a wealth of academic research that suggests that differences in risk appetite are at the heart of differences in career and business trajectories.  We wanted to go beyond the theory and ask real people from the community about their perspectives and experiences with risk and risk taking.

Kari Presley | Photographer

I think risk taking is something we all have to do as business owners at some point in our journey. My biggest risk was quitting my corporate job to focus on photography full time. It was always my plan but my plan included having x amount of dollars in savings, to have lived in our brand new home for several month and to pay off both of our cars. Well that didn’t happen. I got to the point were the stress level was so high at my corporate job that I needed to make a move. That was a huge risk but it paid off not only in my career but in my personal life. Read more>>

Belinda Richardson | Owner/Artistic Director

Initially, I think of risk as a scary thing that involves an element of danger, there’s a potential loss of something that you won’t have control over. However, risk-taking is inherent in entrepreneurship and projects that you’re passionate about. There are a lot of small strategic risks that I take in running my business, such as: restructuring our tuition prices to stay cost-competitive, developing new approaches to teaching, upgrading the studio, etc. I aim to create the best experience for my clients and students. Read more>>

Lucero Cervantes Kilgore | Wedding and Portrait Photographer

My experience has taught me that risks can bring opportunities. I feel that photography is seen as a risky career field, many told me photography wouldn’t open doors, that few had a lot of success. At the time I started pursuing my college degree, it was not common among the Hispanic community, which I belonged to, that one pursued their passion. It was believed, in that community, that a person’s fate was destined, and that destiny wasn’t a creative career that will get you far. Read more>>

Mary Borjas | Owner and Hair stylist

Risk is always a choice. You either take or don’t…. I feel like everyday I take a risk with my, kids, employees, business and personal life. I think the risk that I have takin throughout my years for a stylist has made me who I am. Definitely has impact my life for the good and the better. Read more>>