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.

Tequilla Thomas | CEO “She Go Hard Entertainment”

The most important factor behind the success of my brand “She Go Hard” is truly GOING HARD. I went through a traumatic experience in my life and entertainment career, in the process, I lost myself. I became a shell of the person I was. I did not recognize myself when i looked in the mirror. When i realized I lost who I was, that motivated me to pick up the pieces, I lost my passion, I lost my outlet. I knew at that moment I had to Go Hard. Read more>>

Whitney & Debbie Tevis & Horton | Professional Organizers

The most important factor behind our success is hiring the right people! Our team is made up of talented individuals who bring their own unique skills to each and every project we work on. Read more>>

Shawn Russell | Author, Presenter, Tiny Habits Certified Coach

I think there’s two things that contribute to the success of Be Still, Little Tree, Be Still: 1) Authenticity. I’m very open about the experiences I’ve been and that I may be going through and I believe people connect to that. Those experiences, particularly around anxiety, directly inform the brand and what the brand offers to people. 2) Being ‘user focused’. I take into account the feedback I get from readers or people reaching out to me for coaching and advice, then I adjust what I offer in return with a focus on making it as simple and easy for them to accomplish what they want to accomplish as possible. Read more>>

Patricia Regina | CEO Owner

We truly focus on creating our pieces by hand and manufacturing all of our fine pieces within the United States. To us, it’s all about the quality of our pieces and will not skimp on gold, and hand select all of our stones large or small. Read more>>

John Layne | Western Fiction Author and screen writer.

Forming great, not good, but great partnerships with people and organizations that have skills and resources I either don’t possess, or don’t have the additional time required to reach the desired level of success. Read more>>

Marko Ramirez | Chef & Food Truck Owner

I’ve learned that having the right people in the right roles, supporting the business is what makes the difference between being successful and just surviving. I love what I do, and that’s a big part of it but it’s unrealistic to think that I will also be the best person at all aspects of what it takes to be successful. I love being able to focus on what I love doing and know that the rest of the business is being taken care of by the right people. Read more>>