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.

Neffer Durán

Success can be measure different according on what goals you set for yourself. Success is the result of perseverance, hard work, priorities, clear and archivable goals, patience and sometimes even luck. Read More>>

Timia Johnson

For me, success starts with obedience and alignment with purpose. It’s not just about profit margins or visibility, it’s about walking in what God has called me to do, even when it doesn’t make sense on paper. I believe true success is rooted in faith, resilience, and staying faithful in the small things. Read More>>

Sonia Tovar

Being a successful female immigrant from Peru, as a Nurse Practitioner in the United States requires much more than medical knowledge. It takes a blend of personal resilience, professional excellence, adaptability, and strategic planning. Read More>>

Romeo Lacoste

In today’s world, success doesn’t come easy. Every industry is saturated with competition, and standing out from the noise requires more than just talent—it takes an edge. That edge can come in many forms: a unique product, a signature style, or a powerful presence in your market. Read More>>

Alex Ceban

Before talking about what it takes to be successful, one must know what success is in the first place. So ask yourself this question: what does being successful mean to you? It’s important to have your own answer to this question. If you let your surrounding environment determine it for you, you are risking wasting a lifetime chasing things that are important to other people instead of following your own dreams. Read More>>

Hailey Hua

In order for a team to be successful, I believe that the utmost important factor is clear communication and a concrete goal. Read More>>

Isaac Holder

Success has different meanings to different people depending on their motivation. After 20 years in the Army and multiple deployments, training exercises, and schools, success to me means operating my business in a way that I am profitable and sustainable while being able to spend more time with my kids. For others it may mean earning a certain dollar amount per year or how much of an impact they have made on their community. Read More>>

Kayla Oaddams

I believe the foundation of success is built on adaptability, hustle, and resilience. My journey has been far from easy—filled with no’s, setbacks, and unpredictable moments. One of the biggest turning points in my life was having to drop out of college due to financial hardship. For a long time, I saw college as a key marker of success, so losing that felt like losing a significant part of my future. Read More>>

Joel Ledbetter

Success is a blend of financial independence, quality you/family time, and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
It involves achieving personal and professional goals while maintaining balance across these core areas. Read More>>

Nadine Sherman

It took a lot of trial and error to get to where I am today. It’s crazy to look back at my photos from over the years and to see the progress I made! It’s all about fine-tuning my eye to the details and knowing how to best judge lighting situations immediately when I’m put in new environments to photograph in. It’s only through years of experience that I now have a successful portfolio that I’m proud to share with potential clients. Read More>>

Lily Liseno

For me, success means happiness. And that happiness comes from having a strong sense of my “why” and building a life with balance, a life that leaves space for meaningful work, time with family, travel, and rest. Read More>>

Dahlia Hamilton

Success, to me, means staying rooted in purpose and showing up with consistency and care. With Swanky Soaps, I set out to create more than just beautiful bars—I wanted to build a brand that reflects luxury, wellness, and integrity. Every product is handcrafted with high-quality ingredients and scented with clean, healthy fragrance oils that feel good on the skin and align with a high-end lifestyle. Read More>>

Diamond Garcia

Success is a feeling and a state of mind, not a destination. For a long time, I chased the version of success that was sold to me: the American dream. A big house in the suburbs, a steady income, married with 2.5 kids… or at least something that looked like that. I remember when I visited someone I used to know. They had bought a beautiful house in the suburbs and I found myself thinking, maybe that’s what I should want too. Read More>>

Jodie Shihadeh

There are plenty of people who can become successful over night, but true, lasting, enduring success starts with a mentality. It requires a deep rewiring of any limiting beliefs or false narratives that you tell yourself everyday and which might be holding you back from assuming an energy of greatness and certainty in the outcome. With this mindset, you can turn obstacles into opportunities. Read More>>

Maria Narvaez And

I believe success is not just about individual talent or ambition — it’s also about choosing the right partner, in life and in business. In my case, having my husband as my business partner has been one of the most important elements in my journey as an entrepreneur. We complement each other in the best ways — I bring the vision, creativity, and passion for community impact, while he brings financial structure, discipline, and analytical thinking as a professional accountant. Read More>>