Tony Robbins says the #1 human need is certainty, but do you know what the second need is? It’s uncertainty. This tug of war between the competing needs of safety and risk are at the heart of so many dilemmas we face in life and for most folks the goal isn’t to eliminate risk – rather it’s to understand this core human need. In our view, the best way to understand or learn is through stories and so we’ve asked some very talented entrepreneurs and creatives to tell us the stories behind some of the risks they’ve taken.

Nora Montañez Patterson

When I graduated high school I moved to the town of Ft. Myers, Fl where my family had moved to a year prior. College was not a financial option. Nor did my parents talk about it. So, upon my move I began to work as a retail associate of a home goods store and eventually a manager. After a year of savings, I drove to the local community college and payed for year of college in cash. I was going to major in medicine and become an obstetrician. Read more>>

Katie Venechuk

I’ve never considered myself to be a very risky person, but I think those who know my story would probably say that isn’t true. In the past three years of my life, I’ve acted on some pretty big changes. I resigned from a secure and successful career as an environmental engineer, spent time abroad volunteering in Africa, lived out of a tent in some pretty extreme conditions while backpacking for 6-weeks in Patagonia, and then returned home to Michigan to sell my house, move to the country, and start a business with a goal of helping people reconnect to nature (…through a Japanese wellness practice that very few people in Michigan had ever heard of). Read more>>

Ashley Guice

The biggest risk I have ever taken and continue to take is creating art. When I first began photography I had no clue that it would lead me here. It started off as something trivial that I did for fun. It looked like photographing unusual strangers and the people I admired most. For nearly all of my life I had the disgusting belief that artists do not have real careers. That somehow we are less than. Read more>>

Lasheena Williams, MNM, CNP

I am a native of South Florida and a dedicated community advocate with over 15 years in program development and nonprofit management. With a passion for service and a desire to create thriving communities, I continually support my community by contributing my expertise to various local and nationally-recognized organizations. Read more>>

Sydney Browning

My photography business started out with what felt like a risk, albeit quite small at first. I had always convinced myself that there was no way I, Sydney Browning, would be able to make money and provide for a family through art. This limiting belief started clear back in junior high school and why I was so concerned with making money and providing for a family at such a young age is beyond me. A couple years into being married, after a couple less than optimal photoshoots (including our wedding, but that’s a story for another time), my husband and I were looking through the pictures of the most recent one at that time and he said, “you know you could do that.” Read more>>

Margaryta Irving

The biggest risk itself was opening door to my first business Read more>>

Kayce Howard

Life can be pretty structured; you go to school, work a 9-5, start a career, possibly a family, and live a decent life. If you choose to go by the “American Dream,” life can be pretty laid out for you. Life can be so mysterious, so having a sense of certainty can be comforting. Taking a risk can seem scary when thinking about getting out of your comfort zone and stepping into the unknown. Honestly, I get it because I’m a very realistic person and haven’t been much of a risk taker because I like to work on a detailed plan from A to Z. Read more>>

Ryan & Michaela Shoemaker

In 2017, When Michaela and I started our Pottery Studio (Maek Ceramics), we had no industry experience, just a few ceramics classes and youthful ambition. I had been studying philosophy and art in school and was frustrated by the ratio of information I had learned compared to my ability to act on it. I didn’t want to “sell out” and get a job that didn’t align with my ideals, I wasn’t ready to commit to more school, and it would more than likely take years for me to develop a sustainable income as a fine artist. Read more>>

Marcellus Mc Lean

I have fond memories of creating music whether it was creating a song on the piano or making a beat on the computer. I remember I would listen to the radio and play along to the music or I’d recreate the beat. At the time I never knew it was possible to have a career in music it was just something I spent hours doing. After graduating high school I wasn’t able to land a job for almost 2 years so my dad recommended I join the Navy. Read more>>

Otto Lana

My life story is one of taking risks. This is America, the land of opportunity. But taking advantage of opportunities involves risk. And refer back to this is America. What is beautiful about America is that you are not punishment for a risk not panning out. You just think of it as an opportunity to try again. Sometimes the risks are imaginary, all in your head. If the risk is someone will laugh at me or my idea, I say good, have a hearty laugh at my expense, and when my idea is honed and I hit it big, I’ll be laughing all the way to the bank! Learning to type to communicate was a risk. Read more>>

Montanna Mitchem

After creating and establishing a brand for over a decade I decided to do something new and different and I haven’t looked back. Change is great! Read more>>

Shaun Curry

The biggest risk I have taken, personally and professionally, is deciding to become an entrepreneur, creating and running multiple businesses at the same time. I started out in my law career as an associate working for a small firm. I got assigned all the “dog” cases as we called it. Yes, I got a steady paycheck but considering the hours I worked (sometimes 60 billable hours in a week!) it just wasn’t worth it. I was exhausted. Read more>>

Floyd Strayer

It started with a failed interview. My career was advancing and I became a bit overconfident. Even though I knew the answers to the questions being asked. I didn’t listen to what was being asked and told them what I thought they should no. MISTAKE! After I got over being angry with them, I decided to work on the only thing I could change. ME. I started going to Toastmasters to work on my communication skills. Both speaking and listening, but especially impromptu speaking such as interview skills. Read more>>

Ozell Graham

The biggest risk I’ve taken besides owning multiple barbershops is launching my hair and skincare product line called AT Ease! Read more>>

Adaja White

The biggest risk I’ve taken would be leaving Virginia at a young age and moving to Miami to pursue my dreams and goals of becoming a photographer Read more>>

Charlene Sivertson

II’m Char Sivertson from Clairemont Act One Thanks for asking me back! I guess you could say I’m just an old broad with another story to tell. Lots of stories. But this particular story is about a little community theater called Clairemont Act One. I found them in my neighborhood in 2015 when I retired from Northrop Grumman Corporation. Lucky thing too, because my work with NGC was high adrenaline, very busy, and while I was ready to retire, I had no real plan what to do after the 9 to 5 grind. Read more>>

Laura Lawrence

During the time of Covid taking the risk of starting an online woman’s boutique. I’ve always wanted to do it but was always scared. Read more>>

Judith White

I don’t know who George Halas is, but he said this – “Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it.” I was raised to go to school, make good grades, get a nice job and work hard for everything I want. I did that for years. I was raised to be very risk averse, “keep it safe” was the motto in my household. Sounded good at the time and I lived and breathed that. Read more>>

Liza Marie Garia.

We Build the Books that the world needs to read. Our publishing team works with a client to help build their books from the ground up. We have a division we can Editorial which provides all the levels of editing a client needs to ensure their book is impactful and is an amazing book that people will want to share with others. We are proud of our role as a traditional publishing house so we can make sure all our books are on sale everywhere books are sold and are available in ALL book formats to include Audio books. Read more>>

Scott Silverman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Scott Silverman is a highly sought-after speaker, and the author of The Opioid Epidemic and Tell Me No, I Dare You! He is known nationally as “The Crisis Coach”, having lead many successful drug addiction recovery programs for over 35 years. He’s a recipient of CNN’s Hero of the Week Award. Every February 19th, San Diego celebrates “Scott Silverman Day” in honor of his helping more than 25,000 people in San Diego with job readiness training, employment placement assistance, Read more>>

Paulette Carr

For 30+ years I worked in an office environment. It paid the bills, helped support my family, and I loved the people I worked with everywhere. When my husband died suddenly in an accident, I had the stability to pay my own bills and could have continued in this field as Director of Operations and CFO for a small school furniture dealership. But one thing that a sudden loss like this does is remind you of what is important in life. I started to think about the future in another way. My children were grown, married and had children of their own. I felt like I needed more…. more joy, more fulfilling ways to spend my time. I wanted to see my children and grandchildren more, so I retired early! Read more>>

Ajona “Jax” Camile

Last year in 2021 I took the biggest risk of my life when I resigned from my decade plus long company/position. It’s honestly crazy when I think about it now because after I did, it I was briefly in a state of “WTF did I just do!?” And while, you would think when someone quits one job, they obviously have another one lined up…. Well… not me in the slightest bit! No new offers, no “fail proof ” plans mapped out, no prospects, no nothing! Just me, my spirit, and a blurred vision to be honest… Read more>>

Natalia Martins

I was born in Montevideo, Uruguay, a small country but recognized for its human quality and great merits in soccer. I lived there for 18 years. From a very young age I always knew that I would go to another country to have a different life; So I got married and moved 6033 miles from my home. First big risk: going to an unknown country with a relationship that had practically just begun. Read more>>

Chante’ Knox

As a multi-faceted woman with businesses in multiple industries, I’m no stranger to risk taking. One critical moment in particular stands out the most. I remember the time when my Entrepreneurship and Innovation advisor, Dr. Isabelle Monlouis of Georgia State University encouraged me to compete in the E-Fest business competition. The competition is sponsored by Best Buy founder Richard M. Schulze, School of Entrepreneurship and by EIX.org and is held at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, Minnesota (the school is Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition). Read more>>

Michelle Taylor WIllis

It took a lot of hard work and risk taking to get to where I am today. I always wanted to be my own boss because it was ingrained in me. I come from a family full of entrepreneurs. I knew that I had a passion for being an entrepreneur and I enjoyed meeting and talking to people from all walks of life. So, I chose a sales career where I can demonstrate my strengths. After I obtained essential business-to-business experience in Corporate America, I built my skillset to create something of my own. Read more>>

Rondy Brownlee

This risk was not executed off of faith or luck. This risk was executed because a plan was stuck too. In 2019, I knew I was graduating college, I knew I had to make something happen, but I did not want to sit at a desk. I began to test out a talent I enjoyed and was good at, selling fashion. I’ve been selling fashion since the age of 13, and it carried over into a career. I took that talent and applied structure with it. Now that structure has given me the opportunity to create generational wealth for my child. Read more>>

Manny Lemons

Taking a risk. I’ve been wrestling over 10 years. Debuted in 2012 and haven’t stopped. Obviously at first it’s not a full time gig so I still had to work a regular job. In July 2018 I was fired from my full time job (being a branch manager for a local credit union). I’ve taken a risk to purse Professional wrestling as my full time gig. Since then I have appeared at the top of the industry working for AEW and Impact Wrestling. Read more>>

Veronica Castillo

In 2018 I quit my job, sold and/or packed my things, jumped into my car, and headed toward the west coast. This was the journey to becoming the Traveling Cannabis Writer. I gave up comfort and stability to pursue my dreams of being a writer that traveled the country living out of a suitcase. Read more>>

Chris Childs

In general, life is a risk. You have those that play it safe and you have others that decide to skydive out of the plane. As an entrepreneur, we’re the skydivers. At the end of the day, we have to be held 100% responsible of whatever may happen with a client, the end results of a project/ collaboration, communication, employees, etc. Personally, I try not to take the safe route in majority of my situations. Read more>>

Katherine Nichols.

Since the fifth grade, I knew I wanted to be a writer. My friends suffered through readings of my latest short stories and loyally cheered me on. I became more protective of my writing as I entered high school, doubtful anyone would be interested in my work. In college, I had a wonderful creative writing teacher, who forced me to read my material out loud. After graduation, I worked as a copywriter for radio and television. Read more>>

Ashley Vipond

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken in the past 5 years was starting my business Champagne Social Co. When I decided that I wanted to start an events franchise business I had no formal experience in design, event planning, or event styling. I was nervous that our product couldn’t and wouldn’t be able to compare to all of the other established wedding vendors in our area. Being a new event company and also being an event company led by a woman of color- in an industry that lacks diversity in areas was a bit nervewracking, but I’m a scrappy individual, so I invested in courses and even worked under a wedding planner for 6 months to learn how to operate a successful events business. Read more>>

Jenn Golgan

I definitely took a risk starting my tattoo apprenticeship. I was 25, married with a 1 year old, trade school drop out. I also had previously been a piercer and had to leave that as well. After many discussions my husband just said do it! Told me the worst thing that would happen is I get turned down, but I didn’t. It was a huge risk for us to turn our lives kinda upside down. I would absolutely say it turned out pretty well and hopefully continues to do so. Read more>>

Kahla Brubaker.

For years I have balanced my blog and social media hustle with my corporate job. As time went on I was able to balance it, but as things picked up in my corporate job, they were also picking up on my influencing journey. I was overwhelmed, stressed and my mental health was taking a hit. I decided it was time to change. That change was taking a personal leave of absence from my corporate job so that I could take a chance on myself to. Read more>>

Mayrose Marquez

I took a risk of launching my picnic business on August 2020 during the pandemic. I recently retired from teaching after 17 years to work for a travel company since I like to travel. But that was short lived due to COVID. I was one of the many that was laid off unfortunately. During the lockdown, I went on many picnics. Not having a job during this time, I decided to launch my picnic business after seeing charcuterie companies pop on my Instagram feed. It was my “aha moment”. Read more>>

Chillz Muzik

I literally was risking my life every time I stepped on stage to perform. Which perfectly captured my unorthodox journey to picking up the mic as a profession. I have been taking massive risks my whole life, majority of time without ever really giving them a second though or understanding how deep of an impact one decision can truly make. Being a Kawasaki Disease survivor at the young age of ten, I knew my path would be uphill with lots of spirals. Because of the damage done to my arteries from the dis-ease, my doctors told me to never compete in sports or do anything strenuous. Needless to say I didn’t listen well. Read more>>

Lito G

The biggest risk I’ve taken, was moving to Atlanta GA. All my life, I lived up north & had a large pool of friends & family. I knew relocating was like a reset & I was lowkey excited to see how I would adjust. Anybody that knows/knew me can testify I’ve always had a passion for fashion and spent hours watching YouTube. After many years of procrastination, I finally convinced myself to create “LOOKSBYLITO” and broadcast myself to the world. Read more>>

Yatta Fahnbulleh

The biggest risk I ever took was starting my business with minimal funding. When I started working on Pore.celin I was working in an entry level position at my past employer. The total cost to start my skincare line amounted to my entire paycheck which caused me to continuously postpone my start date. The pandemic really pushed me to start my business because in the midst of all the madness I quickly realized we have one life to live, so why not live in your purpose. Read more>>

Shontorial Gilbert

Most people that knew me before my journey of becoming a life coach could agree that I was more on the logical and conservative side. Before I make any decicions, I like to know all of the details and how things will turn out. Unfortunately, no one has all of the details, neither do we always know how the outcome of a situation will turn out when making major life changing decisions. This has been the story of my life for the past 2 years. Read more>>

Sabrina Grinstead

Taking over Eno Animal Hospital certainly felt like a life-changing risk! Especially since I had a long-term plan to change it dramatically. Eno was established in the community, which was great, so I never wanted to change its local ethos and spirit. Yet I wanted to step it up in a big way. The business, in terms of financial health, was a bit stagnant, so there was pressure to succeed. I felt pressure to succeed for myself, as a newly minted leader; for my team, for our pet parents, everyone we served in the community. Read more>>

Sonya Fulmore

The entire action of creating this business and believing in it is probably one of the most significant risks I have taken. I started the brand with my last $500 during the pandemic. And to be completely transparent, bills were due, and I was not receiving unemployment like the rest of the world was. Still, I was willing to leap into a field I have always been passionate about. Read more>>

Haadiyah Flagg

As a entrepreneur taking risk is essential for business, being to caution when it comes to your business can have you missing opportunities that can elevate you and your business. The biggest risk I have ever took was to move from Upstate, NY to another State to follow my dreams as an entrepreneur. I faced many adversities. I overcame many of those challenges by walking by faith and not by sight. Read more>>

Cambria Dickerson

The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was when I decided to relocate to Arizona from California without knowing where I’d live or really how it would all work out. All I knew was that I was accepted into a Western Herbalism course at the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, (a dream of mine!) and that I had a second interview set up with a prospective employer. That’s it. And apparently, it was enough for me to pack up my three suitcases and make my way to a new state with a new opportunity! Read more>>

Jill Thornell.

During the summer of 2020, my 9-year-old son, Hayden, wanted a lemonade stand. When it wasn’t a viable business option due to Covid, is when Classy Cactus Farm was founded. Easy to ship succulent and cactus boxes and bound to create smiles. Little did we know this idea would turn into a family business. Read more>>

Veronica Gonzalez

The biggest risk I have taken was deciding to make a career out of my artistry. At first I had doubts while going through my journey into my music and the process. But I always had a positive mindset knowing that I am in the right path. Now looking back I made the right decision. Read more>>

Stephanie Burke

I quit my job! It was the scariest thing that I’ve ever done because I am a planner. I like for all things to flow together in the best way possible and walking away from a steady and consistent paycheck scared the life out of me. I knew 3 years ago that I wanted to leave, but I wasn’t in a position to actually leave. I had started my business but I wasn’t secure in my mission and where I wanted to go with it. Read more>>

Nikki Gregoire

This isn’t a story about a risk that I’ve taken, per say, but a story about a risk I’m getting ready to take. I learned, recently, that the company where I work at my “day job” is downsizing and my role will most likely be eliminated in the coming months. Rather than view this as a setback, I’ve decided to use it as an opportunity to take Bespattered Facade to the next level. I’ve dumped all my available capital into supplies and plan to throw myself into the business full-time to see how things grow with it receiving 100% of my attention vs. 25%. It might be a great idea, it might be a terrible mistake, but I’m going to find out! Read more>>

Raechelle Gabrielle.

One of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken was me becoming a piercer in general. I had attempted before and it just never seemed to work out right. It was quite discouraging and left me feeling like I was never going to be able to break into the career that I wanted. I had been working a desk job and knew that it wasn’t going to make me happy or fulfilled. I decided to start looking into getting back into the industry. Read more>>

Marlina Yarbrough

I remember days, I’d go shopping and get anxiety if I wasn’t able to buy things for my daughter that I felt she needed & deserved. As a single mom, this resulted in unhappy spending habits and poor money management. I grew sick & tired of this insanity. I knew I needed a change. I went to something that was familiar to me, school. School was my safe place, comfort zone, & also validation for many insecure places in my life. I soon found that school was busy work & a way to cope but it wasn’t resulting in the change I desired & longed for my daughter & I. Read more>>

Jess Obert

Back in the summer of 2018, our six year old daughter, Payton, told us that she wanted to host a lemonade stand in our driveway. After adding it to her summer bucket list, we knew we had to make sure it happened. She made a trip with her dad up to the local hardware store to get some lumber to build her stand. She knew just what she wanted it to look like. We challenged her to donate the proceeds and think about where she wanted them to go. When Payton was a young child, she had an unexpected admission to our local children’s hospital. Read more>>