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.

STEPHANIE JORDAN HOUSTON JOHNSON | Young Entrepreneurs

For us the important factor is being consistent, without consistency we can’t do anything. We had a problem with that before, but with the way things are going now we’re gaining more support the more drops we put out. If we stop going there will be no success. Read more>>

Andrea Stern | Photographers Representative

Hi, I’m the photographer’s commercial advertising agent of SternRep, @AskSternrep, and ASRsocial based in Los Angeles. I’ll tell you why my business has stayed strong for almost 30 years, but it may not be what you expect. I was always a photographer. My plan of pursuing my goals seemed to be going well as I went to photo school and did the stills on independent films and TV commercials. The big shocker hit me at age 30 that I loved photography but didn’t want to be a photographer. I was stopped in my tracks as this unexpected turn made no sense to me even though I was the one feeling it. Read more>>

Cristina de Vilches | Tarta Bakery

Success has different meanings for different people; success might be money or recognition for some, but for others like me, it means doing something I enjoy. Something fulfilling, both personally and professionally. It is hard to list all the factors behind my success without understanding the path I have traveled and the learning experiences that have led me to where I am today. Read more>>

Felicia G. Beaty | Owner/CEO of Efficient Mobile Notaries LLC

The most important factor behind my success as a notary loan signing agent and the success of my brand Efficient Mobile Notaries LLC is faith and family. Faith that anything is possible with hard work and faith in God. As an African American single mom with 2 children, and the first in my immediate family to go to college and start a business, makes me even more determined to not give up and have faith. By building a successful business and serving the public I can change the dynamic for my family for generations to come. Read more>>

Mina Obradovic | Altruist, writer & student

We at Early Birds Club Balkans are a volunteer organization, so the most important factor behind our success (even though I’d say we’re still in initial stages of growth) is that we invested ourselves into it. We don’t wait for “somebody else” to do something, even if it doesn’t fall under our “job description”. There is no ownership, we work for the same selfless cause because we believe in it. As the founder of Early Birds Club says, “The best thing you can give to the world is yourself.” And that’s what we try to do in EBC too Read more>>

Brandon Dugan | Wedding Officiant

The most important factor behind my success with my brand is my family. From my mother to my wife and my daughters. They have all given an opinion or actually helped during the whole process. My wife and I actually own and it she does most of my social media which helps a lot to get the brand out there. I could not do it without her! Read more>>

Sepi Naficy | Culinary consultant and recipe blogger

The genuine passion I have for what I do is the most important factor behind the pursuing my own business and the success of SavorybySepi as a brand. Big or small, every achievement has come simply because I approach every challenge or opportunity with pure passion and enthusiasm. That’s what is required to start your own business and get up everyday to peruse it even if there’s road bumps. Read more>>

Taire Jai | Makeup Artist

The most important factor behind my success has been my willingness to learn. I love learning tips from other Makeup Artists and Content Creators in the industry. It is always good to invest in learning opportunities because it will help you to grow in your industry. Read more>>

RosenaLovee | Life & Spiritual Coach

The most important factor behind my success was failure. The success I have today came from me failing in life. I lost everything at a point of time so failure didn’t discourage me to give success my all. It was scary during the road but I kept asking myself ” the worst that can happen is me failing
and I have failed so many times so this time wouldn’t be any different if I did” but it was different because this time , I didn’t fail. I actually succeeded. My failure had finally paid off and now I am a success woman w/ a successful brand that’s making a impact on people’s life today. If I was scared of failing or stopped because I failed, I would of never been successful …. Read more>>