We asked the community what factors they felt were responsible for their success and we’ve highlighted some of those responses below.

Maria C. Aldana | Event Planner & Decorator

There is one important factor behind Atelier’s success, and that is family. This project exists today thanks to the support I have received from them since day one. I always like to think of this company as a family business because that’s what we have become, and I am proud of it. Read more>>

Susan Baraban Photography | Lifestyle Newborn, Maternity and Family Photographer

Well, it’s hard to narrow it down to just one factor! Aside from hard work and making every client feel special, I would say a big one is patience! Creating a brand and developing skills doesn’t happen overnight. Getting clients, exceeding their expectations and having them refer you to their family and friends takes time. The other way patience has played a huge role in my success is on the actual shoots. Photographing newborns, toddlers, and young children requires a certain amount of patience. I can’t tell you how many times I get “thank you so much for your patience” or “I can’t believe how much patience you have!” after a session. Read more>>

David Higbee | Nonprofit Leader & Lacrosse Coach

Running a nonprofit requires, of course, completing many tasks and duties, from operations, and fundraising to overseeing programs. For Bridge Lacrosse, when I took the role of Executive Director, many of those duties were laid out very explicitly. It made the transition into the position much easier, having a defined to-do list and understanding of how to keep the organization upright. These tasks almost all came with very specific and objective benchmarks and metrics. Read more>>

Kendall Awtry | Photographer

The most important factor to me is being 100% authentic. With the advent of social media, it’s easy to exaggerate a lifestyle that doesn’t help your brand grow. Being real with my clients and collaborators is the most honest way to do business. I’m proud of my skills, I stand by my prices, and I look forward to each project that I get to work on. Read more>>

Jasmine Huang | Dancer & Choreographer

It’s hard to pin it down to only one factor, but if I had to choose I would say it was my resilience/adaptability. Any career path is going to be filled with ups and downs, and what defines who you are or how successful you become is how you choose to learn from your mistakes and grow, both as an artist and a human. My life experience prior to committing to a career as a professional artist, including my business school degree and my previous interest in medical science, and even my previous romantic relationships, all have molded me into the person that I am today. I pride myself in making a conscious effort on a regular basis to reflect on what I’ve learned in pursuit of being a happier, more successful person. Read more>>

Gabriella Carias | Entrepreneur

The most important factor behind my success and the success of my brand is to stay consistent. No matter what just do it. Tired, depressed, whatever your circumstance may be keep going. People are always watching and will admire that about you. When you’re consistent you see/get better results. If you’re inconsistent it will reflect in your business and it’s easy for customers to see that. Read more>>