We asked some of the city’s rising stars to reflect on what made a difference in their journey. We asked them to tell us about what they think the most important factor has been behind their success.

Kelsey Royston | Functional Fitness Gym Owner

The most important factor behind the success of Dissent Athletics is solidifying and following our mission of helping people be happier and healthier. As a gym, there are many paths we could go down. The variety of services we could offer, types of clients we try to attract, add-ons to the business, but if it does not fall in line with helping that person be happier or healthier, we don’t do it. When we have a difficult decision to make this is what we fall back on. It has helped take some anxiety away from being worried about making the wrong choice as well as helped protect the environment we have built for our members. Read more>>

Leticia Rodriguez | Wax Pro & Business Owner

The utter most important factor to my success is definitely the support from my family & my husband from the very beginning. Starting with my decision of not wanting to go to college, I had told my parents that I didn’t want to go to college, like my older sister did. I wanted something to do with my cosmetology license, I didn’t know what but I wanted to be in the beauty industry for sure. To be quite honest, I felt disappointed in myself at the time for not wanting to go to college for the pure fact that my parents migrated from Mexico to the United States. Read more>>

AbdulRahman Marouf | Calligrapher/Painter/Mixed Martial Artist

Firstly, any success that I have had is all thanks to Allah SWT (God). Now obviously you cannot just rely solely on that. I like to think that god gave me the ability and enthusiasm to work closely with every client or customer. I like to communicate every single detail and try to live up to every expectation, while also giving my own input to make my client’s artworks as beautiful as possible. Read more>>

Nicolle Silva | Owner of Bella Bra Shop

The number one factor to the success of Bella Bra Shop is the customer service we provide. We strive to consistently provide the best service to every customer that walks through the door. We want every customer to feel comfortable and know that they are in a judge-free place when they shop at our store. We want to eliminate that dread/frustration of finding bras and make it a more pleasant experience. Buying bras can be an very intimidating process. Read more>>

Aiden Call | Actor & Creative Director

One of the most important factors behind my success is easily my drive to keep going in the face of any hardship or doubt. Throughout my entire career, I have found myself going above and beyond that of my peers in order to follow my passion and build my brand. In many instances, I have led the way for others to grow alongside myself. The reason I possess this drive is all due to a positive mindset and a high self confidence. When you’re an actor, the brand you are building is your name. It’s important to recognize that when you carry yourself, and especially when you interact with other people. Read more>>