We asked some very talented folks to talk to us about success and what it takes to be successful. We’ve shared their responses below.

Rich Pellegrino

What I think it takes to be successful are a handful of things working in tandem. The first for me personally would be a passion and interest in what it is. I’m trying to be successful at. If I’m not 100% committed and engaged with the subject, then large growth and success will not come quickly or at all. Further, a consistent workmen like approach to creating is essential. Creating a rhythm of work flow will lead to consistent growth and stability. Given the creative.nature of work I am in, that repetition of creation snowballs into new approaches to idea building. Read more>>

Alli Cavanagh

I get asked about success a lot, and it’s taken a few years for me to really pinpoint why what I’m doing has worked. The truth is, I always saw it as “working,” even from day one. As a new Pilates and meditation teacher in 2021, I had no clue where to start. Nobody knew who I was. I was okay with that. I would spend about 5x more money than I was bringing in from teaching just to rent random spaces and bring people together. There were many classes where 1-5 people would come. Again, I was okay with it. I just kept going. I never thought to myself “this isn’t gonna work.” That just wasn’t in my vocabulary and still isn’t. Read more>>

Jack Lamborn

Hand work and deduction, always working harder than your competition! Back in my 11th grade year of high school when I started JackPsd, I worked a fast food job while trying to learn how to make a quality product. That year I pulled 47 all-nighters just to learn how to better myself and develop the skills needed to succeed. Read more>>

Ashley Trumblay

Success is defined a thousand different ways depending who you ask. My definition of success is comprised of two components: low stress and happiness. Success looks like putting in a hard days work and spending the next day devoted to relationships and self care. It looks like wearing a smile while you sweat because you love what you do and have a sense of purpose and pride in doing it. It takes hard work, devotion, and a team of supporters rallying around you to lend a hand and cheer you on. I am beyond blessed to have many cheerleaders on my team–a commodity not everyone has. Read more>>

Abigail Withey

For me, my business really started to become a success once I realised I couldn’t do it all. I’m so glad I sought help and advice so early on in my journey, particularly as it felt like a bit of a risk when I didn’t have the income necessarily “flowing” at that point but it was very much “trust the process” and having the confidence to view these costs as investments. It’s all about finding your people, and particularly those who are your biggest cheerleaders. I feel so grateful to has connected with incredible women who all have strengths which I was in need of to build my brand. Read more>>

Jennie Wang

To me, success isn’t just about one aspect of life, like making a lot of money or having a prestigious job. It’s a holistic concept that involves balancing different areas—physical health, strong relationships, a sense of fulfillment, and contributing positively to the world. Success is about achieving well-being across the board—enjoying good health, nurturing meaningful relationships with family, friends, and coworkers, making a difference in society, and, of course, being financially secure. Read more>>

Alanna J. Smith

Just this week, a friend reminded me I could probably stand to loosen my grip, and enjoy the rollercoaster more. I think that’s what success might be about- staying open and ready for anything. It was a reminder I needed. My route has always been a roundabout one, and often the jobs or roles I end up loving most, were never part of my original “plan.” I used to envy people who had a singular vision and seemed to just… get there: no curveballs, no distractions. I thought, “Wow, they must know themselves so well that their goal is nonnegotiable.” Either that, or they lit candles and manifested it to the moon. And maybe they did! But I think what I’m constantly learning, is while I’m busy having singular goals, life is busy cooking up something even stranger and more exciting, the kind of experiences so great, you could never have dreamt them up. Read more>>

Jill Robinson

A hearty dose of self-motivation is essential when you’re a freelance, or independent, journalist. To be successful, you need to keep track of the editorial style of a handful of publications, so that when you encounter a story angle that fits one of them, you can pitch that story to an editor. Which editor? It also helps to know who handles what types of stories, so you’re approaching the right person. Read more>>

Diamond Spencer

I think to truly be successful you have to care about what you do but also care about always being of service to others. When I was in college Thursday was the night to go out and you always wanted to wear something new or different when your in college you don’t have much money so I would shop for thrifted items as well as buy jewelry on clearance and then sell it for a “college price” or barter so that everyone could have something for the night time festivities. I didn’t have a lot of money but I knew I had style and loved to help others with fashion. Read more>>