Through our work we have been constantly amazed at the incredible things people in every neighborhood are working on. What’s even more exciting is that they all have different stories, backgrounds, strengths and weaknesses. That there isn’t a single formula for success means that everyone can take their unique set of strengths and characteristics and turn it into a success story. We recently reached out to some folks we admire and asked them what characteristics they feel are responsible for their success.

Elsa Mendoza | Small Business Owner

Time management is my priority to keep my business going, my family life and the time I set aside for myself. . Time for my business, time for my friends, time for myself, time is everything and having good control of it is the best thing in the world even when things do not go as planned there is always a minute to take a breath live in the moment. Read more>>

Terri Brown | 1 of 3 Girl Bosses that owns TrioQueens Boutique

I would have to say the most important factor behind our Success hustle, determination and drive. We did it starting from the bottom. We started out with no start up money but just hopes and dreams. We struggled and hustled to get where we are. Read more>>

Dorien Brown aka Dee Dot | Event Host #BestDamnHostPeriodt

The most important factor behind my success /success of my brand is the fact I truly enjoy what I do. I believe if you enjoy what you do its never work. As a host/emcee/master of ceremony I get satisfaction knowing I help individual enjoy the event. I am an individual that brings good energy to any situation and that is my calling card. If you are in the building I know you felt my energy and it carried the mood. Read more>>

Tomea Coleman | Singer, Songwriter, Band leader, Artist

I do what no one else can do, be myself. Read more>>

Casey Hawkins | birth & wedding photographer

I think the most important factor in my success is passion. I absolutely love what I do, and I pour into it like a craft instead of a business. I get to capture the most significant days & seasons of people’s lives – the day they welcome a new life into the world, the day they make vows of love & commitment; the season in which they’re newly in-love & the seasons of struggle, growth, and mature love. It’s an honor to be entrusted to document & slow-down people’s fast lives. This devotion to catching all of the most important moments, as well as those in-between, capturing real emotion & connection, and producing images that make those in them really feel something is what makes me successful. Read more>>

Andi Willis | Personal Photo Organizer

Because of the personal nature of what I do, I get to know my clients and their families intimately. Through working on their photos, I go on vacations with them, celebrate birthdays and holidays and get to know their extended family and friends. They become like a second family to me. This personal touch and willingness to learn about a client’s family, their life and their family history sets me apart for other businesses which may just scan a batch of photos and return them. It’s this close connection that my clients appreciate and keeps us working together for years. Read more>>

Roderica Johnson | CEO of J’Voguish Clothing LLC

I believe the most important factor behind the success of my brand is the meaning of it as well as it being relatable. I think my brand allows people to see how Coach’em can be translated differently in many situations or people’s lives. It’s not just about sports, its about advancing in the game of life. We are all coaches/teachers even if it doesn’t involve sports and school. We are all trying to reach somebody whether it is our brother, daughter, teammate, peer, or coworker. Simply put we are trying to Coach’em to Reach’em and this is a continuous cycle in our day to day lives. Read more>>

Michael Anderson | Gym Owner Compound Athletics

That would have to be my “why”. Your “why” is so very important to your success because if you know why you are doing something and you fully believe in it, then people believe in you. My why has always been to empower others through fitness. I believe that everyone should find freedom through movement. That shows in my coaching and all of our coaching at Compound Athletics. We genuinely want to show people how to physically push their bodies while at the same time coaching proper movement mechanics. Being able to move your body properly is the best way to take care of your body. Our members know that we care about them and they know our why and that has been very important in our success Read more>>