The chapters in our stories are often marked by wins and losses. Getting a new job, getting fired. Getting a life-threatening medical diagnosis, beating it and getting a clean bill of health. Too often, due to a societal expectation of modesty and humility we are discouraged from talking about the risks we’ve taken that led to those ups and downs – because often those risks draw attention to how we are responsible for the outcomes – positive or negative. But those risks matter. Those stories matter. We asked some brilliant entrepreneurs, artists, creatives, and leaders to tell us those stories – the stories of the risks they’ve taken, and we’ve shared them with you below.
Sherryl Lin Taylor
The biggest risk I ever took in my business was coming out as a Medical Intuitive Healer. For years, I quietly did energy healing for family and friends without charging or advertising my services. A deep fear of being labeled crazy or fraudulent held me back from using these abilities publicly. That all changed when I had a woman on my healing table and saw a dark area over one of her breasts. At first, I hesitated to acknowledge what I was seeing. I asked my guides why I was being shown this, especially since I had never experienced this level of “seeing” before. They told me it was not cancer but precancerous cells that could develop if she continued her current lifestyle. I was instructed not to share this information directly but instead to gently advise her that putting everyone else first could potentially lead to illness. She received the message with gratitude and made changes in her life. After that incident, I gradually grew more comfortable with my intuitive abilities. The more I said “yes,” the more I was shown. I always ask to be shown only what will help the other person, as I don’t desire to be a walking human MRI! Read more>>
Jeannie Marmol
For the past 20 years, I focused on financial services, climbing the ranks to become an executive at a major financial firm. I never saw myself as an entrepreneur—that wasn’t part of my plan. But life has a funny way of reshaping our paths. When COVID hit, it turned everything upside down, impacting both me and my daughter in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. It became clear that something had to change. I made the tough decision to leave my high-paying corporate job—the one with all the security and stability I had worked so hard to achieve—and move to Miami. It wasn’t just a move; it was a leap of faith into the unknown. A new city, no family around, and no clear roadmap ahead. But my daughter’s mental health was my priority, and I knew that in Miami, she could truly thrive. With that leap came the realization that I needed to find my own path forward. I started thinking about the two things I’m most passionate about—finance and wellness—and how I could bring them together. Taking this risk was daunting, but it was also empowering. When the opportunity came to buy into a franchise, I jumped at the chance. That’s how I found myself at the helm of ProsperIV, an IV drip bar that’s about more than just physical care—it’s about financial wellness, too. Read more>>
Grand Khai
A time I can recall taking a risk was back in 2016 around the start of my career professionally. I had chose to leave the comfort of my mom’s house into a world of uncertainty. Figuring out day by day, without a dollar to my name. Sleeping on any couch I could find I was determined to make something happen with this musical journey. Everyday I’d challenge myself to writing a verse when I woke up. Then right before I went to bed I also made it an obligation to dedicate 2 hours out my day into exploring the internet, finding new opportunities to get my music heard. I barely ever ate; literally starving for success, I looked into every new/start up company and sent over 500 facebook messages a day to friends and strangers consistently. I would find emails of people I felt were in spaces that needed to hear my music. Then one day I came across a show ad for one of biggest performance venues in my area. To my knowledge at the time no one at my age or level in my genre coming from my city has ever performed at that venue with an industry act on their tour. I always dreamt big as a kid and had a burning desire to perform on a big stage let alone alongside an artist that gave me inspiration. I was determined to make it happen and immediately found the email to the show promoters and went even further to find the emails of the owner and staff. I then emailed each of them knowing this was my first real show but my confidence told them otherwise. Read more>>
Gabriela Herstik
A year after I had moved to Los Angeles, I had been working at HelloGiggles, an online feminist website where I was a staff writer. I was essentially let go (as everyone as a staff writer knows, this is how it goes lol) and I was forced to work for myself. This was a huge shift and at first it was very scary, but I eventually began to write and sell ritual guides and continue writing books, and sharing classes on witchcraft. It was hard to figure out how to work for myself but I adapted and now being my own boss is the best thing to ever happen to me. I just wish I had considered myself a business back then and not just a freelancer. Read more>>
Kai Erasmus
Imagine this: After more than 17 years working in a corporate environment, advancing in my current position, being in a senior leadership role, all the while concealing not only the typical figurative mask required to maneuver office dynamics, but also the genuine, tiring mask that accompanies being neurodivergent in a society that often struggles to understand individuals like myself. Furthermore, consider also being LGBTQIA+, middle-aged, and an immigrant. Let’s just say I had several hats to balance at once. Sometimes I didn’t know which version needed to show up in those rooms. The salary was attractive, the position prestigious, but there was a lingering sensation that the current processes were not designed for individuals like myself. The absence of awareness and support, the constant hiding, it takes a toll on you. The turning point occurred during the George Floyd incident. Read more>>
Diana Hufstedler
Taking risks for me is a way of life, not a one-time occurrence. See, I believe that the only way to grow, to pursue greatness, is to push ourselves to do the things that scare us most, feel uncomfortable, and make us experience both a physiological and emotional reaction of fear. Grit is, in my opinion, the leading determinant of success. Grit can only be demonstrated if you consistently choose to take risks, overcome failure, and persevere… Similar to others, it caused me to stop and think about what truly matters, what I have power over, and how I could make a meaningful impact outside of the workplace.Therefore, I took a chance. I left my high-paying job, which surprised my accountant, to start 3 Dots Coaching. I didn’t aim to simply be a consultant; my goal was to establish an environment where neurodivergent individuals and all intersectionalities could be themselves and have their distinctive lived experiences be appreciated and understood. Read more>>
Sasha Blue
In the middle of a world wide pandemic when so many businesses where closing… my husband and I opened a piercing and tattoo studio in San Francisco. Personal services were locked down from Mid March till the last week of September. With plenty of time on my hands I just kept looking at vacant store fronts in the areas I wanted the shop and one day…it was a Monday…we saw a location listed on Craigslist. I called and spoke to the leasing agent (who was such a great person) and we decided to go view it later that day. At first I wasn’t sure…then my husband and I kept talking about how to do the layout… before you knew it… we had agreed to take the gamble and by Friday we signed the lease, this was the beginning of July. Everything happened so quickly and the timing was perfect. I tell people I cashed in all my good karma points because how easy things went, which in San Francisco is a miracle hahhaha. We had no date to reopen by the city so we just kept setting up the shop. By the time we had the shop how we wanted it and got all the city inspections we got word Personal Services were ready to open …ofcourse with alot of restrictions. But it was perfect timing! Read more>>
Erica Wright
One of my biggest risks was exposing my entire life on social media. For a long time I was pretty private with my life. Then I met some beautiful people and eventually we started our own podcast. That helped me get out of my comfort zone. Shortly it ended and I did not realize how much I enjoyed being in front of the camera. So I made the decision to get into content creating. Everyone sees my ups and downs. I do not hide much because I want my content to be authentic and relatable. At times that can get really hard because there is a microscope on everything I say and do. Everyone wants to tell you what you should or should not do. It gets frustrating but the thing that makes it all worth it are the people that see me for me and appreciate the authenticity and hard work I put into the work that I do. Read more>>
Alexandra Piscopo
“Take the leap, and a net will appear.” This John Burroughs quote has been my mantra for as long as I can remember. As a natural risk-taker and boundary-pusher, I owe much of my ‘wild and free’ spirit to my parents, who instilled this energy in me from a young age. This mindset has guided me to follow paths that nourish my soul and embrace life’s fullest experiences, especially in my career with new opportunities. One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was quitting my full-time job in 2021 to pursue freelancing in brand design. Stepping away from a secure position was daunting, but I was driven by the dream of becoming my own boss and being in control of my life. The past three years have been filled with ups and downs. On the days when doubts creep in, I remind myself of that quote and my journey, reflecting on how far I’ve come since making the leap into freelancing. Read more>>
Kim Kuznitz
The most significant risk I took was closing my Pilates studio in New York City and moving across the country to San Diego. In New York City, you rely on public transportation, and having a car is like having another apartment rental, so living there for over 20 years, my driving skills were very rusty. I had to learn how to drive again and buy a car. I also wanted a new lifestyle change, so her in San Diego, there is better weather and plenty of surf breaks that you can surf year-round. I didn’t want another Pilates studio, since I knew the consequences of running and owning one. I have been there and done that, so I wanted a flexible schedule to experience life and write more. I am now writing my first novel, which will be completed by the end of 2024. Read more>>
Chelsea J
I definitely took a big risk leaving from working a regular 9-5 to really pursue what I really wanted to do! I’ve always had a passion for hair or just beauty overall, and that’s exactly what I set out to do! After going to cosmetology school and finishing in 2022 and starting my career in different salons I finally found my way to having my own suite and business for myself as of 2024! Read more>>
Jarrett Session
Opening a business is taking a risk, it definitely has some challenges and you have make alot of pivot in life. Word to the wise. If your going into business and you have significant other make they truly understand the sacrifices that has to be made in running it and making it work. You have to grind and put some serious work in so make you balance and sacrifices are understood. Read more>>
Paul Tuorto
The largest and best risk I’ve ever taken was leaving a job I loved for a better work-life balance when we started our family. I worked at a small ad agency for directors and mentors I adored, with colleagues who became best long lasting friends, and work that was inspiring and exciting. Regardless, the advertising lifestyle and that of a new small family are not the easiest to weave together – coupled with an eagerness to find work that I was personally more passionate about led to my exit. Leaving a job with good pay and better benefits months after having your first child is not ideal but burning the candle on both ends was not working and there were new opportunities I felt could keep me afloat, at least until our son was a bit older. Almost 8 years later and with another child I’ve never been happier for taking that jump and risking it all to find a better balance of work I love and hours not missed with our family. Read more>>
Jona Deocampo
Leaping into a new career in photography was the biggest risk I’ve ever taken, and it ignited a spark within me that I never knew existed. My journey began with something as simple as picking up a camera and watching YouTube tutorials to familiarize myself with the settings, a step that seemed intimidating yet fascinating. I faced the uncertainty head-on by driving to my favorite spot near Garden of the Gods in Colorado to shoot my first couple session at sunrise, pushing past my introverted nature to meet new people and offer free sessions to practice. For a military wife, isolated with a newborn baby post-COVID and without nearby family in Colorado, photography became more than just a hobby; it was a lifeline. It pulled me out of my solitude and helped me break free from the confines of my comfort zone. The risk I took didn’t just lead to a new career; it also gave me a renewed sense of purpose and a stronger sense of identity beyond the roles of wife and mom. Taking this risk allowed me to tap into a creative space I didn’t know I had and forced me to embrace a side of myself I hadn’t fully seen before. Read more>>
Princess Boyd
I’ve taken a few risks in my life. The biggest one was deciding to work for myself rather than someone else. The traditional path of going to school, getting a good job, and working a 9-to-5 is what most people expect. But after experiencing that, I realized it wasn’t what I wanted. I finished school and left my job, and I haven’t looked back since. It’s not easy to take this route – you need to have things in place and think it through carefully. But it’s definitely possible if you put your mind to it and are willing to grind. Cultivate self-confidence. Believe in your abilities and trust in yourself. Now, I’m loving it! I live by the motto “work now, play later.” I’d rather take the risk, learn from the obstacles, and enjoy the rewards once everything is working for me. Read more>>
Katerina Husar Lazarova
Risk-taking has always been at the core of my personal and professional growth as an artist. One of the most significant risks I’ve taken was when I was still living in the Czech Republic. After 15 years of working as a graphic designer, I made the bold decision to leave my career behind, open a studio, and start my first business as a private painting and drawing instructor. For three years, I thrived in this role, helping my students break through their creative insecurities. It felt stable, rewarding, and fulfilling, but life has a way of presenting new, unexpected challenges. The biggest challenge came when my husband was offered a job in the United States. Faced with the possibility of leaving my successful teaching business and the stability I had built, I found myself standing at a crossroads. The decision to uproot my life in the Czech Republic for an uncertain future in the U.S. wasn’t easy, and it felt like an enormous risk—leaving behind my career, my studio, and everything I had worked for. The uncertainty of adapting to a new culture, learning a new language, and starting over professionally weighed heavily on me. Read more>>
Mai Tran
I started Cavology when I was searching for accessories for my own dogs and saw something was lacking. Rope leashes were getting very popular in 2017 and I couldn’t find exactly the ones I wanted to use. I did some research, purchased some materials and started dyeing and assembling leashes in my tiny kitchen condo. From there we slowly expanded our product offering to harnesses, leashes, collars, human apparel, dog-friendly candles, dog shampoo bars. We offer accessories that are fashionable and functional, designed with the modern dog parent in mind. Everything that Cavology offers is something I would personally use on my dogs. The biggest decision was to leave my stable lawyer job to focus 100% of my time to the business. I took the leap and it’s been the best decision. Read more>>
Kari Roach
After years of working various retail store (mainly apparel) positions, I told myself that when I would leave my current (then) job in 2019, it would be to do the work I love – floral design. I had taken the time to invest in my education years prior at the Floral Design Institute in Portland Oregon. Immediately following my graduation, I obtained a business license and started taking any work I could. Sure enough, In the early Spring months of 2019, I came across a wedding florist I had admired who was looking to add to their team. Without hesitation, I jumped on the opportunity to apply. I was surprised to have been offered the job, if I’m being honest. At this time in my career, I had barely gotten my toes wet in the industry and had zero experience in designing for production. This was the chance I had been waiting for. I submitted my notice at my retail job and stepped into the work that I loved, finally. My new role included a variety of tasks, unfortunately for me, designing was rarely one of them. I wanted more than what I was showing up for each day. I had invisioned the job where I was surrounded by gorgeous roses; learning the skills behind installations, mechanics beyond the rudimentary level I learned in school. It just wasn’t happening. Whatever learning I was hopeful for quickly got derailed with the overtaking of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Read more>>
Grace Hernandez
Being an entrepreneur is always a risk. Every time you start a new venture, you’re taking a chance. I’ve bounced between starting my own businesses and working for as long as I can remember. I usually keep a part-time job as a buffer, just in case things don’t go well with my business. Last year, I worked for a company designing and staging Airbnbs across the U.S. It helped me build my resume, but I knew I couldn’t stay with the company for long. The work was exhausting and unpredictable. When I quit that job at the end of the year, I decided to start my own interior design company. Not as a side hobby and no part-time job to keep me afloat. Doing interior design full-time had always been a dream for me, and since I didn’t go through a formal interior design program, starting my own company felt like an even bigger risk. What if nothing happened? What if I couldn’t get any clients? Those thoughts constantly ran through my head, but I chose not to give them enough time to stop me from pursuing my passion. So, I launched my business and went full-time. Read more>>
Elizabeth Willson
Success. It’s vital to define “success”… what does that word mean to you? Does it mean bringing in a significant amount of money? Does it mean winning awards or being published? Does it mean donating your time and talents to the service of others? Does it mean having all of the latest and greatest gear or tools of the trade? In my photography journey I came to a point where taking portrait photographs was void of joy. It was at that moment I made the decision, this artform will be one that displays my light and shares that light with others while honoring my wellbeing. After a time of rest and regrouping, when I delved back into creating a revenue from my photography I outlined a clear vision to which I referred every month. At some points I found myself no longer in line with the vision and either shifted my actions or my goals to reflect the changes that had occurred within me or in my circumstances (because let’s face it, life is full of change!). For example, I began the year with the measurement of success being that I taught 3 online courses. Through this process I recognized that the online format was not suited to my personal gifts so I shifted this goal to pursuing in-person teaching. Once I did, I experienced increased passion which fueled further goals. Read more>>
Noah Ruiz
One of the pivotal risks we took was transforming our small aerial photography business, Skynetwest, into Soaring Eagle Technologies, specializing in unmanned system technology for infrastructure inspections. Initially, Skynetwest was achieving moderate success, but we identified a greater opportunity in applying unmanned system technologies to sectors like electrical utilities and civil engineering. Despite our limited knowledge in these areas and the complexities of navigating a highly regulated industry, we believed in the potential transformative impact of this technology. The shift required substantial financial investment, mastering new technologies, and building industry relationships. After intensive research, training, and networking, the risk paid off. Soaring Eagle Technologies grew into a national leader in unmanned system inspections, securing significant contracts and fundamentally changing how critical infrastructure is maintained. This decision not only expanded our business but also underscored the importance of innovation and adaptability in our entrepreneurial journey. Read more>>
Brittany Symone
During the pandemic, like many others, I went through a difficult time being indoors. I was stuck in Virginia, far from my beloved Harlem, NY apartment. My personal illustration business was on hold, and I was grappling with the end of a relationship I thought was everything. I decided to start painting—something I had never done before—but I felt an instinctive urge to keep going until my thoughts and emotions were emptied out. Sitting in front of a blank canvas, I was overwhelmed and nervous. So, I turned to meditation, focusing on my breath, the rise and fall in my chest, and the thoughts swirling in my heart. This helped me release the weight I was carrying. Abstract painting, or free-flow painting, became my voice for the next year. This new artistic outlet helped me process my thoughts, feelings, and past experiences. I discovered how painting could release toxic energy, bring clarity, and reconnect me to my true self. I knew I wanted to share this experience with others. Read more>>
Carlos Duran
I’ve always had a deep-rooted love for radio. My first taste of the industry came in Albuquerque, where I landed a great internship at a local station (KKSS-FM). Eventually, turning into a fulltime job and taking over the music as a Music Director. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond my control, I was let go. It was a tough pill to swallow, but I knew I couldn’t let it discourage me. Determined to stay in the game, I accepted a position at another station in Albuquerque, even though it meant a significant pay cut. I was grateful for the opportunity to keep doing what I loved, even if it meant tightening my belt for a while. Then, a life-changing call came from a station in West Texas. It was a risk, moving to a new city and taking a pay cut again, but I knew it could be a great opportunity for growth. So, I packed my bags and took the leap. The experience in Lubbock was invaluable. I learned so much and gained new skills. And to my surprise, it also eventually led me back home to Albuquerque. I was offered a dream job: eventually programming my own radio station and hosting a morning show. It was a wild ride, but it all worked out in the end. Sometimes, taking a risk can lead you to the most unexpected and fulfilling places. Read more>>
Amanda Jayne
I recently quit my day job to focus on Manduh’s Reiki Bakery. I was working for a regional utility company. I didn’t love the job but the steady stream of income helped me feel secure. Although this job provided everything I needed – stability, flexible schedule, and it was part time. I still felt this constant push to leave this job behind. Each day upon waking up to my alarm clock, my spirit guides would give me gentle reminders that I didn’t have to wake up to an alarm. That instead I could put all of my energy and focus into my business. I could do this by creating custom cakes, learning new recipes, finding local events in which I could have a “pop up shop”, focusing on my spiritual education at Camp Chesterfield, and spending time healing my nervous system and inner child. After about 2 months of debating this with spirit, I gave in. I picked at date in January of 2024 and submitted my resignation. The following week, I was unable to log into this company’s system. I took this as a sign that it was time to go ahead and leave the company. I immediately felt a huge relief as I turned in the equipment. I have since then been focused on myself and my business. It has been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences in my lifetime. Overcoming the daily challenges and reaching my small business goals have shown me so much. I have learned that as long as I put in the work, the universe will meet me half way. Sometimes even more. I have grown and developed my mediumship skills in ways I had never thought possible. I now feel like I’ve accomplished something when I lay my head down at night. This is my purpose. I’m so grateful to have that realization. Read more>>
Marabina Jaimes
When I look back at the last 4 years, I am filled with gratitude. Yet 4 years ago, we had the life altering Pandemic. It’s a blessing to know that I survived the world being shut down, but this huge obstacle was also a seedbed for success for the Creative Risk Takers. This universal “pause” made it possible for so many to write the book, the song, the script, create the film, web series, talk show – albeit through Zoom. And speaking of technology, the geniuses in that space prospered more than ever and we all became quick studies! How? Why? Because Life always finds a way…to grow…to move forward..to survive. As an actress with a son newly accepted into College, I had to figure out how I was going to survive when my industry had literally been “shut down” . I meditated hard on this, seeking the answer to this conundrum. Out of the blue, I got a call about Coaching Voice Over. I took the risk…wrote the curriculum based on my 25+ years in the Industry in two languages, set up my home studio, got @SourceConnect and I started coaching VO at “Academia De La Voz”, the only Bilingual, Virtual, Accredited Voice Over Academy. Along with my partners – Director/Producer Dantonio Alvarez (All Rise, This Fool), and his father, Spanish VO Legend Tito Alvarez – we’ve had the pleasure of Coaching hundreds of students from different parts of the country and internationally. Read more>>
Sugnasty Dawson
I came up in a musically inclined family. Being raised in the church, and singing to the choir at a very young age, I quickly found my love and passion for music. I began creating my own personal songs as I started high school. Ive always been very athletic and wound up excelling at several different sports, which carried me into my freshman year of college. I always knew that I wanted to work in entertainment, I just didn’t know what exactly so I pursued a business management degree. It wasn’t until I completed school and received two associates degrees, that I began to take music seriously. After holding several different jobs, I was just overwhelmed with life and doing work that I did not love. So, one day while at work I had an epiphany and decided to quit my job and pursue my music career full time. It has been 2 years since making that decision, and I couldn’t be happier. Aside from the financial transitioning and the hardships that have come with that, I have continued to elevate and grow. Making the right connections and finally gaining little traction. Read more>>
Siri Hoffmann
One of the biggest risks I took was choosing not to pursue classical music in college, even though I was a passionate and talented cellist. Instead, I applied to the University of Wisconsin to study psychology and criminal justice. I didn’t get accepted on my first try, but I didn’t let that stop me. I applied again for the next two semesters, worked relentlessly, and earned A’s to prove I belonged there. When I was finally admitted, UW’s psychology department was ranked in the top five nationally and number one among public universities. It was a challenge, and I feared losing my connection to music, but instead, I gained something far greater: a deeper understanding of human behavior and creativity. Psychology taught me how our motivations shape artistic expression, and this insight led me back to the cello in a more meaningful way. Now, my playing is not just about technique—it’s about truly connecting with people on an emotional and psychological level. Read more>>
Dustin Vraneza
The Risk That Changed Everything: My Journey to Newport Beach Taking risks has always been an integral part of my life, especially when it comes to pursuing my dreams. One of the biggest, most life-changing risks I ever took was the decision to move to Newport Beach, a choice that came at a time when I had nothing but a fierce determination to change my circumstances. Looking back, I can say with certainty that this leap of faith was the turning point that set me on the path to where I am today. The Backstory: A Time of Uncertainty Before I made the decision to move, I was at a crossroads in my life. I had always known that I wanted more than what my current situation offered. My dreams were bigger than the small town I was in, and I felt a deep, nagging sense that if I didn’t make a drastic change, I would be stuck in a cycle of mediocrity forever. I had seen firsthand how hard work could get you through the toughest of times, but I also knew that without taking a risk, I’d never break through to the life I truly wanted. I didn’t have much to my name—just the basics to get by and a strong work ethic instilled in me by my grandparents. They taught me that life doesn’t hand you anything; you have to earn it. But even with that mindset, the idea of uprooting my life and moving to a place where I knew no one and had no safety net was daunting. Still, I knew deep down that if I didn’t take this risk, I’d always wonder “what if?” Read more>>
Catherine Otayek
I grew up in Lebanon, where being an artist is generally not well-regarded and is considered an unsafe path. In a country torn by political instability and economic insecurity, where survival is the priority, being an artist is an act of resistance in itself. I knew I wanted to be an actress from the first time I stepped on stage at 12, but when I graduated from high school, attending acting school without first earning a “safer” university degree was out of the question for my family. I had the grades to pursue any career I wanted—I could have gone to law school, studied medicine, become an engineer, or gone to business school to secure a safe future. But that wasn’t where my heart lay. After a miserable year in architecture school, I opted for a double major in political science and media and communications, aiming to work in the NGO sector or become a journalist. If I couldn’t be on stage, I at least wanted to use my love of storytelling for a greater good. Read more>>
Andy Rhodenbaugh
Fear. It’s a feeling everyone has but pretends they don’t. It’s viewed as a sign of weakness when it’s a sign of our humanity. What will people think of me? Am I good enough? Will I succeed or fail? Fear, as Dr. Chip Dodd notes, is the feeling that tells us we are in danger. For some, the danger is swimming in shark-infested waters. For others, it’s getting out of bed in the morning or starting a new business. Recently, I made a complete career shift when I left my stable nonprofit job of 16 years (including stable pay and benefits!) and started my own for-profit marketing and branding agency. This new space is unfamiliar and feels dangerous for all sorts of reasons and so I find fear welcoming me awake each morning. As Dr. Dodd also notes, if we ignore our fear or lie about it, pretending we aren’t afraid, our fear will turn into anxiety, a biological response to the suppression of fear. However, if we acknowledge our fear and share it with safe others, our fear can lead us to an intended gift: wisdom and faith. Read more>>
Jaylen Moore
When SIX was canceled, it was a wake-up call. I realized I needed to do more than just act and rely on networks and studios. That push led me into producing. Fast forward to today, I’ve produced four films, with more in the pipeline. I’m also building a bridge loan fund for films, still acting, auditioning, and juggling several other ventures. The best part? I started booking more as an actor because the pressure is off. Acting isn’t my only source of income anymore, and I bounce back quicker if I don’t land a role I want. Once you understand the business side of this industry, you realize how many factors go into booking a part. As actors, we tend to take it personally. Producing taught me it’s not personal—it’s about giving your best and moving on. If it’s meant to happen, it will. Producing is challenging, but I love it. It’s like a game of chess—strategy is everything. For a project to take off, so many elements need to align, whether it’s a film or TV show. That’s why I always encourage actors and writers: learn everything you can about the business. Focusing on just one thing these days makes the path harder. Not impossible, but harder if you’re not well-rounded. To thrive, you’ve got to diversify. Read more>>
Erin Pittinaro
2008, I was a graduate student attending Syracuse University studying to become the next MSW (Master Social Worker). I was a small fish in a huge pond but that didn’t seem to bother me. I was determined to find my way. During the course of my time on campus, I met with and learned from various professors, some of which owned their own mental health private practice. This inspired me and I remember thinking “some day, maybe when I retire from a ‘real job’ I’ll start a private practice” Flash forward about a dozen yearis later, and a lifetime of experiences: marriage, babies, home buying, climbing the career ladder in corporate America, I found myself struggling. Yes it was the year of COVID so the whole world seemed as though it was imploding, BUT there was something in that moment for me that I realized I was trying to be someone I wasn’t. Read more>>
Captain Cash
A risk I took that truly changed my life started with a simple idea and a $500 withdrawal from my bank account. I had seen a few people in cities like Atlanta and Las Vegas hide cash around their city, creating a buzz and bringing people together. So, I thought, why not try it in Albuquerque? I started by hiding $50 at a time in random spots, not really knowing what to expect. I remember feeling a mix of excitement and doubt—was this just “throwing money away”? Would anyone care enough to watch and follow along? I put my energy into creating the most captivating videos I could, showcasing the thrill of the hunt and the excitement of finding hidden cash. I had no idea if it would work, but I just went for it, hoping to create something special. To my surprise, the buzz grew quickly. People started to get excited about the next drop, and soon enough, a community formed around the game. Local businesses took notice, and sponsorships started to roll in. That risk I took—placing my own cash around the city—paid off. Now, we’re building on that success and expanding the game into other cities, turning what started as a small experiment into a growing brand. Read more>>
Gavin Crusoe
Really just going Full time with Photography, it wasn’t an easy decision but im glad I never looked back. Having being let go from working at my full time job I knew I didn’t want to go back to working for someone else so quickly, so I started a small sale for some photos and from there that sale turned to clients, shows, videos, etc. Read more>>
Bianca Panaligan
The biggest risk I’ve taken is jumping head first into poetry not knowing where it would take me. At the height of the pandemic, I decided the things I wanted didn’t align with the decisions I were making. I wasn’t happy nor did I feel fulfilled. The only way I found any type of happiness was when I was creating. Whether it was through music, words, or art, I always felt like I was meant to use my talents instead of hindering myself. Read more>>
Jair Robinson
In reality, everything you do is risky. Existing itself is risky. I constantly have gotten into my head about who I am. Being someone who doesn’t fit conventional norms, I feel that being “Jair Robinson” is also risky. Exemplifying myself can bring critique or praise, but in itself, it’s something I feel that I always have had to do no matter the flak, because I can’t live life faking it. Conviction. Every time I put a video or song on the internet, a piece of art or an opinion that comes from my mind, there is a level of risk there, but also potential. The potential for rewards, and having others being impacted; it’s there as well. My goal is to not hold back and put the full Jair Robinson experience out to the world, without fear of the worst that can happen, and just let the audience handle the burden of my presence. I’ve learned to just do it, because sometimes the risk doesn’t turn out as valuable as you thought it could be, but it rarely ever turns out as bad as the ruminations in your head. Read more>>
Maya Enriquez
My name is Maya Enriquez, and this is the story of how I took a big risk that changed everything. Since I was 12, I dreamed of becoming an obstetrician gynecologist. I wanted to make labor and delivery a beautiful experience for families and travel the world, learning about postpartum care in different cultures. For years, I thought this was my calling. But when I got into college, I started feeling lost. My passion for medicine began to fade, and I didn’t know what my future held anymore. One day, while scrolling through Instagram, I saw a video of a Latina woman baking Tres Leches cakes and pastries (casitabakes). Something clicked in that moment. I thought to myself, “I can do that!” That same week, I went out, bought ingredients, and started practicing. Every evening after school, I’d bake, learning the art of Tres Leches cakes from scratch. At first, it felt like a hobby, but as I got better, I realized this could be something bigger. Read more>>