We asked some of the city’s rising stars about why they think they have been so successful and we’ve shared their responses below.

Sean Phillips s | Hiphop Artist & clothing industry.

The most important factor to my dice would have to be the hard work day in and day out. Always remaining humble and focus. When it comes to my Brand me and a Team work hard together if one person slacking we made vow to have each other’s back at all time. We motivate each other everyday. Read more>>

Justin Dial | Jewelry & Apparel Designer

These go hand in hand. When a brand is a representation of the person behind it, the person has to be genuine & transparent. Consistency is the key. It’s really come down to getting right with myself. I’ve overcome some really difficult times. Some self-induced and some forced on me. Read more>>

Jacqueline Elkouby | Founder & CEO of Heatless Hair

I believe the most important factor behind the success of Heatless Hair, is that it is a product that makes peoples’ beauty routine, dare I even say their lives’ easier. The Curling Ribbon is something that can make someone feel glamorous with minimal effort. I created what would become the Curling Ribbon after being inspired by a TikTok trend. Read more>>

Radiance Bean | Community Organizer

The most important factor behind success for anyone is community. The reason I have been able to accomplish what I have accomplished in such a short amount of time on this earth is because of the people I have in my corner rooting for me, fighting with me, and building with me. Read more>>

Paris Trumbower | Designer and Illustrator

The most important factor behind my success as a brand is to be as authentic as possible. I don’t want to come off as curated for the internet. I’ve essentially had to brand myself as a person which is one of the hardest things to do. When people go to my shop or social media I want them to be able to get a sense of me as a person and feel that I have touched every aspect of my brand. Read more>>

Jennifer Reyes | Co-Owner of Swizzle

What is the most important factor behind your success / the success of your brand? The most important factor in the success of our brand has been believing in our dream with passion and perseverance. It was our dream to own our own a Tiki Bar and Polynesian restaurant. Read more>>

Warren Cook | Creative Director & Owner

I think doing what you believe in and letting the people that you are filming be totally honest and who they are no matter where it leads. I think sticking true to our name and missions statement—Make Something Beautiful. You know, making something that is adding to the community or someones life not just creating noise for the sake of building a business. People come to us because they believe in what we are doing and we have been very fortunate to be doing what we love. And it is our team we have that create in a symphony of passion and style. Read more>>

Marko Buenrostro | Photoboother Ex-tra-or-di-naire!

My success ultimately boils down to three factors. 1. Passion: The unrelenting commitment I have for my industry and my business is unprecedented, and fuels me to put in the time and effort that successful endeavours require. 2. Quality: I refuse to settle for anything but the best, and infuse this standard and attention to detail into every aspect of my business. Read more>>

Amari Amore | Indie Singer-Songwriter

I think the most important factor behind my success as an artist, is continuing to be authentic and original. Often times we can get caught up and distracted by what’s happening around us and feel as if we should be on the same path that others are on. If you focus on just being yourself and continuing to dream and work hard, eventually the things that are meant for you in this lifetime will make themselves known to you! Read more>>