Shoot your shot? Take a chance? Society bombards us with messages, phrases, examples and stories of how taking risk is the key to success, but is anything ever that simple? We asked some of the brightest folks we know to tell us about how they think about risk. We’ve shared their responses below.

Sy’Kia Studios | Film Director, Producer, & Photographer

Well, about two months ago, I transitioned from working a full-time 9 to 5 to working only for myself. I was doing both, but I knew it had become time to choose the life I want to live. I felt in my heart that it was now or never, and I had to either take the leap of faith or stay in that same position working full time at a job that didn’t suit me. I took that leap, and everything aligned perfectly. Now I make more a month than I was making a month at my 9 to 5. Trust your intuition. Trust your talent. Trust yourself. Read more>>

Neil Tigner | Baker

Knowing when to take a risk has been a significant factor throughout my career. I tend to be risk averse in most situations — you won’t catch me jumping out of a plane or swimming with sharks — but when it comes to work, I find that calculated risks get you much further than sitting back and waiting for things to happen to you. In fact, I wouldn’t be where I am today without having taken a giant risk: after 20 years at a comfortable, corporate job in the financial services sector I resigned and, after some serious soul-searching, decided to go to culinary school. Read more>>

Kelli A, McEwen | Sacred Fantasy Published Author | Poet | Spa Owner | Influencer | Goddess

I absolute love taking risks! I’ve grown fond of putting myself in uncomfortable situations to help shed my social and professional insecurities. Risk taking is a major part of my career as a spokenword performer, uncensored author, event curator and entrepreneur! Every time I step on stage to perform my work, I take a risk. The risk of exposing my most intimate thoughts to a crown of strangers not knowing how they will receive my message. It’s one of the most nerve-racking yet powerfully liberating experiencing every single time! I would not be as wise as I am today had I avoided all of the uncomforttable situations in my life! Read more>>

ASHLEY JOHNSON | CLOTHING DESIGNER/OWNER

My thoughts about risk at first, were negative. Like “oh, if I do this it might fail and I’m back to square one.” Now I view it in a positive aspect, because if I didn’t take a risk I would not be in business today being my own boss. So risk are necessary from picking a risky outfit for my collection to launching a different collection. I have learned that it comes with the territory. Read more>>

Mallorey Atkins | Executive Chef/Business Owner

I am known to not be a gambler. I don’t touch the slot machines, lottery tickets, stocks, etc. Of course, running your own businesses means taking risks. I learned through mistakes and through success that the best method for me is to trust my gut. I know in my heart what needs to be done and it usually involves a stress in the personal life, such as; less time with family, financial strain, little sleep, wear and tear on the body, spending less time with friends, risking falling asleep at the wheel, etc. No matter what, when I trust my gut the risks almost always pay off in some kind of way, and it is well worth the minor set backs or losses that can occur. Read more>>

Vicious Vision | Artist/Song Writer

I’ve took financial risks plenty of times behind my music for the simple fact, I always want my Vision to come to life in every song I write & also every Visual create. I’m from Kansas City, MISSOURI / Killa City, I recently moved to Texas so I can network more & get into Real estate. Read more>>