By far, the topic that comes up most in our conversations with entrepreneurs and creatives is risk. We’ve had conversations about risks that worked out and risks that did not. We’ve seen eyes light eye sharing about career-trajectory changing risks as well as folks sigh about the risks they wish they had taken. Below, we’ve selected and shared some of those thoughtful conversations.

Stan Herd | Earthwork artist/ political activist

Risk taking is essential to innovation…..innovation essential to advancement and discovery…advancement and discovery…. essential to problem solving and creating something new. My life has been a journey to see the world in a new way….to think outside the box…to embrace the excitement of finding a new path through the jungle of old ways of doing and thinking. You must have an appreciation for conventional ways of thinking and doing…before you boldly walk past it. This— is what it means to be alive ..to me. Read more>>

Jessica Rosales | Licensed Esthetician, Lash Artist & Brow Artist

I believe taking risk plays a big part in growing your business and growing as a person. One of the biggest risk I took in my business was starting. While I was in Esthetician school my goal was to open my own suite/ salon, but I was waiting for the perfect time to do so. I would say “ I’ll start when i get a set clientele”, “I’ll start when I have more money saved up”, “I’ll start when I get more exposure” etc. After working at different lash studios, one day I decided I was going to take the risk to go on my own , and start my own business, although I wasn’t 100% prepared. I found a salon I liked and they gave me one month until I had to move in. So I had to get all my supplies, equipment, website, decor for my suite and my clientele ready in just one month! I was scared because I was thinking of all the what ifs, like “what if I don’t get clients”, “ what if my business doesn’t succeed”. I am so grateful that I took that risk and just threw myself out there instead of waiting for the “perfect” time, because ever since the first day I started I have stayed booked, and my business is continuing to grow! Read more>>

Celeste Seitz | Multidisciplinary Artist, Curator, Public Speaker, Educator

I fought Muay Thai in my 20’s, graduated from Fire and EMS Academy in my 30’s, and started painting in my 40’s. These experiences have definitely shaped my art and art career. Ask any artist and they’ll tell you: some days in the studio feel like being punched in the face. Repeatedly. Other days, being a creative & entrepreneur can feel like everything around you is on fire. Read more>>