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.

Whitney Bustillos

The number one trait essential for success is resilience. Every business owner faces hurdles, obstacles, and tough days. At some point, most have questioned their sanity or felt the urge to give up. But no matter the challenges or how difficult it gets, you dig deep, remember your purpose, and continue showing up, rain or shine. I also feel authenticity is a big factor, just focus on your own path. Do not worry about what anyone else is doing. I always say, ‘tunnel vision”. Read more>>

Chyna Krystelle

Many will say it takes dedication and hard work to become successful but I think it takes passion. There where be days where you won’t get a dime, you just don’t want to get out of bed and give up but it’s the passion that you have for what you love to do that keeps you going and will then aid into you becoming successful. Read more>>

Debbie Zolan & Jacquelynn Rossiter

It starts with passion and enthusiasm for what you do. If you love it, you will set about making the most out of every day, every transaction, and every encounter. Real estate is a challenging field, demanding perseverance, dedication, and resilience. You need a thick skin to face the ups and downs, but it’s also a career with limitless potential. For us, success has always been rooted in a commitment to clients and in nurturing relationships that last. Trust is crucial in this business; clients need to know that we have their best interests at heart. Building that trust is what keeps them coming back and referring others. Read more>>

Katie Nave

As a writer, it’s been crucial that I learn to weather the fickle nature of both external rejections and the critical voice in my head. It can be deeply disheartening when you’re stoked about an idea and you work hard on shaping the concept, only for it to be met with a flood of (often very kind!) rejections. Early in my career, I submitted a pitch about a notorious politician to an editor that I held in high regard. She quickly responded that the concept was too controversial and no one would ever run it. Of course I felt embarrassed and judged, but I also thought she was wrong. One month later, another editor responded that she loved the idea and the essay ran in Elle. It was a well received article and it taught me that I have to trust my gut. If something feels important to me, it’s likely going to resonate with other people who have had similar experiences, so I can’t let rejections run the show.  Read more>>

Kelsey Maline

I think it takes resilience, flexibility, drive, determination, and focus. When I lost my job to COVID in September 2020, I contacted my cousin, who was doing remote marketing work, which is my educational and professional background, for an estate planning attorney. I asked her if that attorney might know someone who may need similar work done. She admitted she didn’t want the job anymore and trained me to take over. I learned an entirely new field, systems, processes, and gained a lot of new professional experience, all remotely and all on the fly. Since then, I have been doing remote contract work for numerous estate planning attorneys all over the nation, have joined a network of contacts in a community, and have even branched into immigration law. Read more>>

Gabriel Lawler

Having come up through production, I’ve learned that success in creative fields doesn’t just happen from mastering one role; it comes from building a holistic understanding of the whole process. Early in my career, I focused heavily on production—the technical side of capturing and editing to bring a director’s vision to life. But as I’ve transitioned into a creative lead and art director role, I’ve seen that success requires even more versatility and an instinct for storytelling that goes beyond individual shots or scenes. Read more>>

Isabel Ensminger

Success is influenced by many factors and looks different for everyone. However, understanding what truly drives success makes it more attainable. As the saying goes, ‘You can do anything you set your mind to.’ If you desire success deeply enough, you’ll find a way to achieve it. Embracing the idea that you control your own path can completely shift your perspective. You simply cannot let anyone else steer your course. In two separate instances, I sought advice from individuals much older, wiser, and more accomplished. When I asked them what they’d tell an ambitious 25-year-old, they both said something similar: ‘Do what you love and what you know.’ So that’s exactly what I did. I quit my 9-5 job to pursue my passions. Read more>>

Justin Ferguson

Success is, of course, a subjective concept. Some people measure it by monetary gains, while others define it through the quality of relationships or personal achievements. But I believe true success starts with understanding why you desire it in the first place. Often, that desire is shaped by cultural, personal, or even subconscious factors, which can lead you down a path that might not truly align with your deeper self. To uncover that alignment, I’ve found it essential to do what many call ‘inner child work.’ This involves addressing the experiences and traumas that might cloud your judgment or misguide your ambitions. Read more>>

Stephanie Espinal

Success looks different for every individual and every field. For me it’s a safe home, healthy life, doing what I love with the people I love and sharing my art with others. Society conditions us to tie our definition of success and our value to working non-stop but I’ve learned I can’t do my job well (even doing what I love) when I’m burnt out. I aim to stay motivated while finding a good balance between work and rest. Easier said than done so I often will schedule/block out time in my calendar to do so. Also, surrounding myself with good people and community had been key to my ability to maintaining balance. I’ve been very blessed to have an amazing support system that will urge me to take vacations.

Jonathen Dark

In real estate, success requires resilience, dedication, and a willingness to embrace challenges. It’s not a business where you can simply wake up and expect success to come easily—everyone faces their own trials and tribulations. I’ve experienced deals falling through despite my best efforts, clients suddenly disappearing, offers being outbid, buyers changing their minds, and even tough conversations with “For Sale by Owners.” Do these moments define me as a bad agent? Absolutely not. The world of real estate is competitive, and success often comes down to how you handle setbacks. You can either take things personally and let them discourage you or learn to take it in stride and keep moving forward. Read more>>

Samantha Servello

Success, to me, is a combination of persistence, resilience, and the courage to step outside your comfort zone. It’s not just about hitting milestones or making deals, but about having the mindset and work ethic to keep going even when things aren’t easy. To be truly successful, you have to embrace discomfort and failure, use those moments as learning opportunities, and stay driven by your vision, even when the path isn’t always clear. I’ve had several experiences that shaped my understanding of success. One that stands out is when I first started in the real estate industry at 16. At that age, I was hungry to learn but also knew I had a lot to prove. I started in pre-construction sales, which was both exciting and overwhelming. There were times when I doubted myself, especially in an industry dominated by seasoned professionals. But I quickly learned that success isn’t handed to you – it’s earned through hard work, dedication, and a willingness to risk it all. Read more>>

Robert Sarkisian

Success as a real estate broker, especially in a luxury market like Nantucket, requires a combination of key traits, strategies, and dedication. Here’s what I believe it takes: 1. Expertise and Knowledge • Local Market Insight: You need to understand the market inside and out—everything from property values and trends to zoning regulations and community amenities. Clients expect you to be a trusted authority. • Continual Learning: The market and industry constantly evolve. Stay ahead by keeping up with economic trends, marketing strategies, and legal updates. Read more>>

Jessamy Pressler

My vision of success has evolved over time and I’m sure it will continue to do so as life teaches me more. I am a highly driven individual with extremely high expectations; these traits can be both a blessing and a curse as I can be highly productive, but at times it can come at the expense of those around me. My professional life has been a long journey of learning how to balance motherhood, professional goals and most recently my personal health. There have been many times in my life where I have jumped head first into a goal and given everything I have to make it successful. At this point in my life I am learning that blind ambition is not the true measure of success. I am re-learning to take care of myself and this may include taking on less volume to give the jobs I take my utmost attention while simultaneously finding joy in the present and appreciation for what is around me. My children are thriving and growing and I want to be in the moment with them. My oldest is 17, a junior in high school, while my middle son is 15, a freshman, and my daughter is 10, 4th grade. We have long departed the (sometimes) trenches of life with littles and at times I think I transferred the fight or flight mentality of life with young children into my professional mentality – running fast and furious and thriving (so I thought) in chaos. With age and experience, I’m learning this is not the way. Read more>>

Christina Ledezma

One word: consistency. The social media world is a rollercoaster of highs and lows. It’s a lot more difficult than people think it is. People want to get into social media now more than ever, which is a blessing and a curse. It’s great because there’s more representation, but it’s challenging because you are competing with more creators to “make it.” I’ve experienced my fair share of lows to the point where I was gonna give up my career altogether. I remember one moment, I was getting thousands of likes and followers, and then the algorithm changed. After that, I was struggling to get likes, and I was losing followers like crazy. I took it very personally, and it even made me depressed. But if I can give any advice on how to be successful, it’s to keep pushing forward and keep being consistent. Never stop posting because you’ll never know who will see your content. I am so thankful I never gave up because I’ve accomplished so much. So don’t stop! Keep pushing, especially through the hard times, and I promise that you will see the light at the end of the tunnel. Read more>>

Saba Valiahdi

Achieving success is about more than just talent or luck—it’s about dedication and resilience. When you believe in what you’re doing, adapt to challenges, stay committed, and treat everyone you meet with genuine care, success is just a matter of time. Read more>>

Veronica Pezzo Russ

Success in Miami’s real estate market comes down to hustle, heart, and persistence. It’s not just about knowing the market but building genuine connections and delivering results, no matter the challenges. It is making a difference in my customers lives. To stand out here, you trust and unwavering commitment to helping others find their slice of paradise. Read more>>

Atticus Adams

A teacher once told me that an important concept to being successful in the art world is to work hard and be ready for opportunity when it happens. I remember spending long hours alone creating art that made me question if I was wasting my time. But I could hear that instructor’s words in darker moments – they helped me push through my doubts and I was indeed ready for that first studio visit that started my career in earnest. Read more>>

Cindy Le

I believe that success comes by having a great team. I have to thank my husband, dad, in-laws, neighbors, and friends for all of their support. The care and feedback is what keeps me going. I would like to add that having an open heart, firm goals, faith in your work, and strategic moves will get you farther than a college degree. So try not to underestimate your abilities. Doubt can prevent much of your success; therefore, try to dream as if zero obstacles were in the way. Read more>>