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.
Emma McGoldrick
I founded ESM Creative Studio in 2019 while in college as a need for a creative outlet. I am self-taught and a lover of learning, so I have always been continuously teaching myself new things and learning online. The first risk I took was going full-time right after graduating from college. I gave myself a six-month timeline to prove that I could do it, I gave my business every waking hour and was able to make it work. Read more>>
Jessica Camacho
Back in 2019 I had just graduated from Florida International University. I was fresh out of college and was desperate to find a job that had to do with what I got my bachelors degree in which was Business Administration with a focus in marketing. Honestly, I felt so hopeless as I had no luck in landing a job in my career path. However, I decided to take a chance and moved to a different city that I didn’t know anyone. I trusted God that he would make a way and sure enough he did. Read more>>
Elise Lasko
When I was younger, I felt like life always seemed to flow naturally and was relatively easeful in transitions. After high school, I went to college. Once I graduated college, I moved to Honduras to work for a non-profit. During that time, I met and fell in love with a Guatemalan man and moved to Guatemala a year later to be with him. Even when moving to Guatemala with no real plan other than to be with my partner, I found myself finding jobs easily and embracing a life there. Despite enjoying life, Read more>>
Alex Carson
When I graduated from college, I had no clue what I wanted to do with my life. I think I just wanted to make money. One day I was with my parents, searching my school’s website for jobs and I came across something that said sales/roofing. At the time, I told myself I’d do anything, as long as I could put money in my pocket and a roof over my head. Fortunately, the guy who owns the company, was neighbors with a Holy Cross alum, the college I attended. Long story short, I was able to get the job and for a while, I enjoyed traveling and learning a trade. Read more>>
Jackie Boyd
Because of the nature of this story, I will be intentionally vague. It happened many years ago, and the manager involved is no longer in the field. Regardless…a decision was being made about a student that was not in that student’s best interest. I was strongly in disagreement with this decision, and voiced that to my supervisor. I was professional and I shared the data that supported my position, but my voice was not heard. In fact, I was told that if I wanted to make “big decisions” that would impact students on such a high level that I needed to “just go back to school and become an administrator.” So I did. Read more>>
Erin Harms
The one of the biggest risks I’ve taken would probably be accepting that I wasn’t ready to pick my college focus and dropping out to focus on figuring that out. I originally was going to school at the University of Houston for psychology and eventually wanted to move to neuro-psychology. During that time I had started to get into costuming so during my hiatus I learned how to pattern and sew. I ended up going back to UofH and got my BFA in costume design. But as life sometimes happens, I ended up working in admin for dental offices. The second risk which really made my artistic career happen is I missed creating. I ended up quitting my desk job to start creating home decor items which led to me painting. Read more>>
Karen Cooper
God gave me a vision to write my story and make it plain. My story was of hurt and healing. I became transparent to share some of the most painful experiences in my life in hopes of helping others to understand what happens when we make the conscious decision to release everything over to God. Because I was unsure of how my audience would receive me. Having doubts of myself worth, I felt like I was taking a risk of not being heard from a positive view. I was about to release the world into my life of stories never been told or spoken of. Read more>>
Tasheara Neshell
It was the last quarter of the sales year for Park Avenue CURLS. Usually, this is when I predict business performance for the following year. The entire country was growing tirelessly due to the pandemic. There were increasing concerns about the unstable economy, a vast decline in the human population, homelessness, unemployment uprises, and families forced to homeschool children. In addition, African Americans were fighting for civil rights and injustices. While there were many deterrents and uncertainties, there were many opportunities and a need for growth and inspiration. Read more>>
Melissa Clement
Here’s a fun fact about me – I’m NOT a risk taker! I put my seatbelt on before I start my car, I rarely speed, and never snuck out as a teenager….it’s just not who I am. That being said, I risked EVERYTHING starting my business and even more when I expanded it and moved during the pandemic. I was a corporate event planner for over 25 years. I put on events mostly in the high tech industry, traveled the world, and had a blast making my clients look great. During those years I was introduced to amazing food and wine and realized quickly that I had an insane passion for eating AND cooking. Read more>>
Peigh Jones
The total existence of my career is based off of taking risks. I literally would go sing on the corner of MLK in Huntsville, Texas and sell cd’s with my big cousin. When you realize your dreams aren’t happening because of you , you tend to just go harder and achieve the things you want for yourself as well as your family. Read more>>
Chloe Panta
I remember going into work with so much frustration and anxiety. I was working in a job where I lost sight of my goals and I wanted to work full-time in my own business, but I failed before and I was afraid to take the leap. I also knew that if I continued on the same path, the cycle of getting a high-paying job to support my lifestyle but not fully enjoying it, I would lose out on my expansion to draw to me the passions I wanted to focus on, which to me were building a business. Read more>>
Katy Horan
I left art school wanting to illustrate children’s books. A career as a fine artist making work for galleries didn’t even seem like a possibility at the time. I did everything I was taught to do: I sent my portfolio to art directors and editors, but was continually rejected because my work was “too dark and weird” for children’s books. I could have figured out how to make my style more mainstream, but instead I doubled down on the dark and the weird and started sharing it online (keep in mind this was circa 2005, so that means something a bit different than it does today). Read more>>
Angeline Pedrosa
All businesses are risky but creative service based businesses are definitely riskier. Creative services for the most part are viewed as luxuries and not necessities making it a tad bit more difficult to start up. Here is my story. I originally went to college to study graphic design many years ago. After college I found myself working soul crushing corporate jobs because I thought that was what I was supposed to do. Although the pay was decent, the micromanaging, long hours, being overworked took a toll on my well being. I found myself dreading going to work and always feeling extremely stressed and anxious. Read more>>
Sarah Vandekar
My biggest risk, by far, has been moving across the country to start my own business. I’ve lived in New York my entire life. The minus degree weather, rainy summers, and fast paced life was all I knew. I’ve always dreamed of living in California, San Diego, to be exact. Me and my now husband decided to take a trip to San Diego and once we did, we knew this is what we wanted…. and needed! At the time, I was working as a personal trainer at A corporate gym and knew that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my career. Read more>>
Brad Smalling
Evergroove Studio has always been proactive with business development. So when I first heard Atmos (Dolby’s new immersive format for music and film) at NAMM 2022 I knew something was up; something that we would want to pay attention to. Soon after NAMM COVID hit, the World shut down, and while our business slowed it never really stopped. This extra time allowed me to do a bit more research into Atmos and see if it’d be a good fit for our studio. Read more>>
Zule Zevallos
Before I started my business, I worked as an Executive Assistant for a prestigious fitness company and prior to that, a Paralegal for law firms that specialized in real estate and worker’s compensation. While I worked for great companies and learned so much, there was always something inside of me that wanted to go off and start my own business. I knew deep down that I am a creative person and felt working for corporate/office jobs was hindering my creativity. Read more>>
Ashton Montgomery
One of the biggest risks I have ever taken was moving to NYC by myself in August of 2020. I have been a proud Atlanta performer for the last few years, but I felt it was time to take the next step in my career. It has always been a dream of mine to move to New York City, but the timing was never seemed right. You may ask yourself, “but somehow 2020 was…?”. Believe it or not, yes the timing was perfect in 2020! (For me at least) I had planned to move to the city in August of 2020, pre-Covid, but obviously we hit a few obstacles along the way. I was concerned on whether or not I should take the leap, given the status of the world. Read more>>
Angela Castillo
The biggest risk I ever took was silencing everyone, including my inner thoughts and listening to GOD! All it took for me to take that leap of faith was for GOD to make me uncomfortable, and HE surely did. So, in 2017, I decided to leave my corporate job for a role that I knew would only last a few years. I went from a stable career with an office and a window in The Woodlands to working in a trailer at a project site in Sunnyside. And you know what, it was the best decision I ever made, because I would have never been closer to home and family, Read more>>
Emily Rosenblum
Like so many others, the COVID-19 pandemic was a time of deep reflection for me. In March 2020, I began to consider how to deconstruct some artificial boundaries I had put up. At the time, I had no idea that the pandemic would disrupt our lives as long as it has now, but I still felt profoundly altered by the complex challenges facing the world. During this time, I took the risk of leaving my career and comfortable home to pursue a Master’s degree abroad. I had considered continuing my education for years, but I didn’t want to fall behind in my career by leaving the workplace. However, after two weeks of a strict shelter-in-place order, Read more>>
Jane Udoewa & Linda Anukwuem
The risks we have taken with the Nigeria Cultural Parade & Festival have taught us about patience and the impact of long-term decisions. We started working on the first edition of the Nigeria Cultural Parade & Festival in 2017 with little to no knowledge of what it takes to carry out a major outside event. Over the years, we have taken calculated risks to support a building brand and ensure a positive long-term impact. Some of these risks has cost us both financially and socially but nevertheless, it has been a fortunate journey. Read more>>
Alexa Peterson
We recently took a risk in applying to be apart of a local store that showcases small businesses. It was a risk because we essentially could be facing rejection and we had to assess the financial risks involved as well. There is a monthly rent due and we had to have faith that we would at least sell enough product so we wouldn’t be at a loss. We were so excited to announce that we were accepted! It was the best feeling. We also recently got the numbers back from the grand opening weekend and we surpassed our goal and already made back the rent we paid for the month of June. Read more>>
Ashley Greeno
The last time I was featured I was running my bakery business, Ten Thousand Cookies, which I started with a goal of saving extra money to grow my family through adoption. So many things changed over the years, and I learned so many valuable marketing skills throughout the process of growing my own creative business from scratch. So last year I decided to make a big pivot. Instead of baking cookies, I’m now helping other bakers and creative business owners grow their businesses with marketing strategy! It felt like a big risk to let go of something that was selling so well, and a brand I had created that was so beloved. Read more>>
Kelly Daniels
I still can’t believe it. To think that I’ve made a real living as an artist / maker over the past many years feels like an accomplishment bigger than I could’ve ever dreamed. Truthfully, it never was the dream – I never thought it was an option, really. Life as an artist?! My dad raised me to get a reliable degree, then practice my passion on the side. Definitely not bad advice, definitely not the only option. Read more>>
Justice Klein
About 3 years ago I went on a yoga plant medicine retreat in the Sacred Valley, Peru. During those 8 days in the Andes I fell in love with the land, the people, & the way of life there. I was drawn to this place more than I have ever felt before. I could see myself settling down there and becoming a member of the community I adored. I began to envision myself living in Peru. Read more>>
Trinidad Gonzalez
Ill never forget the first risk I took to get to where i am today. I use to be a Steward(Chef on Ships) I was gone foe months at a time away from my son, family,& shit my social life. I made a plan of action to overcome that lifestyle and be the Boss I am today.
I worked 10 straight months, I sacrificed almost a whole year away from everyone I loved but im cut different; i know when I stepped off that boat I would never look back. And thats what I did. I saved up, maxed out credit cards, went broke doing what I Loved and no matter how many times i wanted to go Read more>>
Adrienne Irizarry
Leaving my secure W2 corporate job to start my own practice was one of the biggest leaps of faith I have ever taken. I had a mortgage, family and financial responsibilities that made taking a chance on myself terrifying, but it was the best decision I ever made. It was made possible through the love and support of my husband. He had been encouraging me to do it for some time at that point, but I finally decided that I was a sure investment and it was time to “bet” on myself and my skills. Read more>>
Vince Dominguez
On May 11, 2022, I had the opportunity to return to AZ for a very belated in-person commencement ceremony at Arizona State University. After two years out of school, this experience was cathartic, surreal, and it provided a sense of closure for this period of growth in my life. When I graduated in May 2020 with my doctorate of musical arts (DMA), the world had already stopped and I, like so many others finishing school had to quickly adapt and make the most of virtual celebrations. It was during this time that I also fully realized the severity of the pandemic and what that meant for me as a performer, a creator, and an artist. Read more>>
Jae Manifest
On my journey I have learned that life is about taking risks to get where you want to be. When you take risks a lot of the time it’s uncomfortable and many people don’t like being uncomfortable so they don’t take certain risks. I believe learning and success cannot happen without taking risks and being uncomfortable. When you are uncomfortable you learn some of the most impactful lessons and have the best opportunities to learn. Read more>>
Sonia Azad
I think there’s risk in nearly everything we do: the jobs we say yes to, the relationships we choose, trips we take, having children, not having children… One of the most significant risks in recent time for me was choosing Dallas. I had to decide between two job offers: the one here and one in Seattle. And, I could see the upside to both scenarios. Ultimately, I had my ‘Sliding Doors’ moment (I was Gwyneth) and after playing out how things might unfold, I chose Dallas. It might seem like Dallas is the safer choice: I’m from Texas, I’ve worked in a lot of Texas markets, I have friends and family nearby — but it felt like a risk. Read more>>
Katheryne Gomez
I took a huge risk by taking on my company name “Cabrona Enchilada” , a risk I would be willing to take again and again . If you look up what Cabrona means in the english language you will find the meaning “bitch” but I disagree the TRUE meaning of Cabrona is a woman who is stubborn, independent and very opinionated. She tends to not care what the rest of the world thinks . I acquired the name after remembering all those times I wanted to give up and told myself “Eres Cabrona tu puedes” Read more>>
Desiree Brown
Risking it all. From a custom built home and a combined six figure salary, to a built out Astro Van, full time travel and a little bit of savings. That was the risk, that was the extreme sacrifice we took late 2018. After years of working up the corporate ladder, yet always knowing travel and adventure was in my soul, my husband and I took the biggest risk and leap of faith on a December morning a few years ago. We’d become stagnant, surrounded by all the things we could want for, yet still empty and feeling like we were wasting our life for a 401k. We decided to sell our house and truck, the things we owed on, and gave quite literally everything else away. Read more>>
Yahrasiel Colbert.
I left teaching high school in 2012 to pursue free enterprise. I had a thriving beauty business that was on the rise. I was running an award winning youth program and my speaking gigs were picking up. I was making great connections, traveling, and building some great relationships. For the most part, things were moving in a good direction for me. Starting in 2014, my life took a different turn. I’m talking my whole life. My Father who raised me (the man I called Daddy) died. My biological Father died. A daughter (I didn’t birth her but she was my child), my niece, a cousin, 2 friends, and 1 former student all died. Read more>>
Ashley Monique Robinson
Almost 3 years ago, Ashley Monique took the risk of leaving a great state job to start her own business. Working for this job, provided Ashley Monique with great job security, benefits and wonderful healthcare. Leaving the department was a faith move for her. She didn’t have the knowledge needed to start or successfully run a business. After much prayer and preparation, Ashley Monique resigned. Read more>>
Lauren Elizabeth Harris
When I decided to skip my final semester of senior year at USC to study at the British American Drama Academy, everyone told me that it was crazy to miss out on your senior year, but I had this gut feeling that studying at BADA would change my life. Deciding to pursue a career in acting or entertainment industry in general is inherently risky, and at times scary. Before attending BADA, I wasn’t positive I’d pursue a career in acting. I was scared of failure and putting myself out there. Read more>>
Key Robbins
As we know a world pandemic has proven to be an aid in the transformation in everyone’s life and has forced many of us to step out and take risk that we never would before. Risk that will forever change our lives. For me that risk, was moving to South Florida during the pandemic, to be free to work remotely and enjoy beautiful weather with unlimited beach time. However, it turned into so much more. Read more>>
Famya Divine
One of the mpst riskest risk i’ve ever experienced in my 25 years is when I had to make the executive decision to leave a 10k a month buisness that i built from the ground up to bet on myself , again. Rebuild , again . It was scary but it released me from fear and the fear of failure . My first company showed me that it.is.possible. And sometimes you have to choose to rebuild vs feeling stuck . It becomes harder when you see success . Because we can choose to be complacent and not strive for that next level . We can choose to not evolve into our full potential . Read more>>
Forever Soul Live
Forever Soul Live, is a creative artist collective, starting its roots in NYC in 2016. We have hosted community events, open mics, showcases and various teaching workshops. Being performing artists ourselves, it is a very important mission to us to create safe spaces in different places for people to network, grow, and feel vitalized in their craft. We started traveling to different states in 2018 to connect with other community curators to understand the disparity of the art community (especially minority based communities) and see how we can learn/help in the process. Read more>>
Heather Martin
I decided to take a risk on myself, and it was the most terrifying thing I had ever done, and well out of my comfort zone. I dreamed up my current career as a health and fitness coach for years. I would work my corporate job, but all I could think about was creating a business of my own that truly meant everything to me. When I was working in corporate marketing/finance, I decided I would go back to school when my son was born and start slowly creating my dream. Read more>>
Sasha Lipskaia
My whole life feels like a stream of exciting and terrifying risks. The most powerful and freshest one was when I had to leave my exciting and lucrative teaching, coaching, and sales position at a fantastic company, which at the time felt like a complete surrender of everything I thought I wanted in my career and lifestyle. Read more>>
TJ Foster
I was a salon owner/operator for close to 10 years and in the beauty industry for almost 20 yrs. Needless to say with Covid 19 on the rise- that was the first time in over a decade I was told I could not work and the service I provided was not essential. With Covid spreading as fast as it did , I did not argue nor disregard the decision that for health purposes salons across the nations had to close, however the closing of my business placed me in a WHATS next mindset. What businesses were operating and profitable during a global pandemic. Read more>>
Evan Walker
Trial is always a risk. Most cases settle because the risk of trial is so great. But you can’t, and shouldn’t, settle all cases. Some cases need to be tried. So sometimes you have to take the risk. I recently took that risk, and lost. I completed a two-week trial against a large bar/restaurant whose employees attacked and injured my clients. I did the best I could. I spent lots of money and countless hours. But I still lost. Read more>>
David Wright.
The most difficult risk for most is taking a risk…The most difficult risk for me is believing it’s possible. Let me explain….It’s easier for most to take a risk with no belief of success. Before I ruminate on an idea or concept, formulate a strategy, pull it from my mind into reality….Before all of that, the first thing I do is attach belief to the idea. I believed I could create visuals like some of my favorite creators…Then I believed I could get the money to purchase the equipment that could create it. I believed I could learn the cinematic process and learn how to touch people’s senses through various forms like lighting, audio and camera movement… Read more>>