We asked some of the most interesting folks in the community to open up about how they think about taking chances and the role risk has played in their lives and careers. Risk is by far the topic folks talk to us most about and we hope the responses below will help shed light on many different perspectives.

Lillia Whittington | Head Content Creator & Seamstress for Just Lillia

When it comes to taking risks, I am a jumper. I will be the first one to jump into an idea with full force if my heart tells me that it would help my community or my business. One major risk I took was in 2021, after many months of lockdown, I started an annual charity market for non profits here in the Denton Community. It was the first major market to happen post pandemic, meaning we really had no idea how the community would respond to a large public event yet. We just celebrated our second year and in total, we have raised just over $2,800 for non profits in our community. Read more>>

Julian Enriquez | Actor, screenwriter, director

I think about risk as not being a risk if that makes any sense. I just do the things that I want to do and know that I am going to accomplish them one way or another. I don’t know how long I got on this beautiful planet, all I know is that I want to live my life doing the things I love. So any risk I have to take I will take if that means it’s one step closer to my goal. Read more>>

Dora Tramel | Caterer/Private Chef/Food Delivery Entrepreneur

My Granny used to say “Nothing beats a failure but a try!” I have always chosen to face my fears even if it would end in my crying tears of joy or sadness, Throughout my career as a chef I have worked in various hospitality fields and cuisines but I had to take risks and face my fears as being a chef that did not go to culinary school. I literally worked my way up from dishwasher to prep to line cook to Sous Chef as a black woman in Texas. Every job I took when I walked into that kitchen, I was scared of being looked at for who I am not what I do or how well I do it. Read more>>

Kwaku Osei | Certified Personal Trainer & Graphic Designer

Growing up, taking a risk was something I just wasn’t going to do. I was an introvert, halfway shy, and only engaged in the activities I knew I would have a great opportunity for success. That mentality stuck with me well into my 20s to almost early 30s. It wasn’t until I got around some friends who exposed me to what risk taking really meant. To me, taking a risk meant it was a blind attempt at something you desired, but really didn’t know what you were doing. Now for some people, that is the case. But, then there’s the other side of risk; Read more>>

Demetrius Washington | Senior Manager & President

Jim Kwik wrote “Life is hard for two reasons: because you’re leaving your comfort zone or because you’re staying in it.” I think of risks as opportunities to grow and/or learn. I’m committed to being a lifelong learner and I’m always challenging myself to grow. Anytime I’m venturing outside of my comfort zone, there’s a bit of nervousness but ultimately I trust myself. I’m not a reckless daredevil though. I try to remain informed and prepared, then I take measured risks. Read more>>

Byron Miller | Podcaster & Content Creator

I’m a huge risk taker. We only have one life and you don’t get anywhere without taking chances and gambling big on yourself. Read more>>