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.
Mish Winters
I’ve always liked photography as a kid. I used to borrow my older sister’s camera that she got as a gift from her then boyfriend and I took a lot of random photos of objects, foods, my family and I was even the designated photographer in my group for a high school project to which the teacher saw and said “Who took these pictures? They have a very good eye…” But I never thought photography was anything more than just a hobby. Read more>>
Brice Bebout
My plan at the beginning of 2023 was to start my own transportation company and haul on the side while still hauling hogs most of the week for a different company. However, I needed a different truck, as my old F250 was getting up there in miles and was not quite enough for some of the things I was planning to haul in the next 12 months. So, after a lot of research and scrolling, I settled on F350 dually to give me the best chance at getting right to work and being able to haul bigger, heavier trailers if the opportunity arose. I dropped my semi off at the shop after work on Monday for some engine work, took a trip to Oklahoma on Wednesday to purchase a new to me pickup to start my hauling business and by Friday I was unemployed because the company did not want to pay for the repairs on the semi and already had it sold. Read more>>
Monique Booker
Its Peak Covid! i just had my son and i’m now a stay at home mom, I never in my life pictured myself in this situation. I have been cooking for the last 13 years and it was all i knew, now i’m a MOM??? i went fro workking over 40 hours a week to now taking care of my new born son every day, all dayyyy. His dad was there of course and honestly shout out to the covid payments for keeping us afloat.Now adjusting to my new life i was lost, i didn’t know what to do. My passion is food but now this little 7lb baby boy has me afraid to leave the house,so in order to keep my skills polished my son has very fancy meals starting at 6 months. I knew deep down i would have to go back to work and i wanted to but it had to be different, it had to work not only for me but my son’s schedule as well and then it came to me..Ill start my own business and since that day i’ve spent every waking hour either planning or spending on my business while being the best mom possible. One thing about humans is,they will always eat no matter what! so was it worth take the risk? ask me in a year! Read more>>
Yesenia Gonzalez Sotelo
The biggest risk I ever took was on myself. Learning to put me first and not being such a people pleaser.
At some point I was so worried about what everyone around me needed and what I could do to make their life easier, but I forgot about my own needs. Read more>>
Tamara Sweere
Taking a risk in pursuing a dream not well defined, without parameters of a long-term goal or the outcome, as a part of life’s calling, was an incredible act of courage that I pushed myself into – and am getting used to, in feeling it, developing it and defining it further, writing my own story in colors, textures, scents, experiments, doubts and triumphs. Read more>>
Lucha Rodríguez
At 16 years old I took the risk of coming to the States to pursue art. I was a high schooler in Venezuela where I was born and raised, and I had big dreams of speaking fluent English, sharing my artwork with others, and being part of the art scene. I had a master plan binder with lists of scholarships, colleges, funds needed, and a pocket Spanish/English dictionary, which was my most precious possession then. I received so many rejection letters until one day I received THE letter that completely changed my life. Every step of the way was an adventure, every email I would send out in English took me forever to write but was so worth it. I trusted the power of google translate and double-checked with my pocket dictionary just in case for words I didn’t understand. To be honest I was deeply grateful to have the opportunity to figure out how to even reach my destination. I just threw myself into this dream, talked about it, and did everything I could each day to make it my reality. I have received so much support from my family and friends, then from other students, artists, gallerists, professors, landlords, kind baristas, and so many people I have met in my journey without them I wouldn’t be able to make art every day as my main source of income. I came to the States with my backpack, one piece of luggage, and my broken English but I kept going and keep going keeping the art dream alive. I have Lucha Pink now can’t believe it’s my art studio, pink walls, and all open for business and in continuous support of the arts. I’m still learning English but I promise there has been major improvement since I first moved here. Read more>>
David J. Hamilton
I have been taking risk long before I recognized it for myself. As a kid, I was big Michael Jackson fan. And I loved to dance and sing whenever and wherever. I wore my heart on my sleeve. Like most kids, I had no idea if what I was doing was cool or popular, just that I WANTED to do it. Then the laughs came and I quickly learned it was risky to show your true self around everyone. But somehow, my hear didn’t get the message to stop taking that risk. “Do what you want to do, David” egged on the voice in my head. By high school, unintentionally, I found myself in chorus, musical theater and the riskiest move for a Black boy from a family of street soldiers, in small town…I started taking dance classes. And I’m not talking about the acceptable hip-hop ones. While my peers and cousins where starting to play high school sports, I was studying ballet, modern, jazz, acrobatics, and even tap. Talk about being on an island. The support was near invisible. But it felt good. I graced the biggest stage of my hometown and state. The risk didn’t stop there. I postponed some scholarship opportunities and decided to join the US Army. After a decorated tour of duty in Iraq, I moved to the big apple, NYC. Found my way in music and entertainment. Probably the biggest risk, the risk that even surprised me, was leaving a well-paying, salaried job for my current pursuit: Comedian/Actor Dave. Read more>>
Katie Enright
Believe it or not, I was on the path to becoming a nun before my life took an unexpected turn. It all started during a study abroad adventure when I met this captivating individual named “Francois.” Well, let’s just say that lifelong vows of celibacy lost their appeal pretty quickly. Read more>>
Boss Lady
One of the “risks” I took this year in business was one of my best! I put together my very 1st Fashion Show all by myself. After working under so many event planners & coordinators and being showcased as a brand for other people’s fashion shows I decided to take that leap & have my own. I was a bit nervous but I knew my potential, I knew what I wanted, & knew I would get so much love and support. I sold 6 tickets on the 1st day I announced my show & I literally cried out of Joy! Then long behold before I knew it, I sold out of almost all tickets! I put together an amazing show that everyone loved & I cannot wait to do it again. Read more>>
Giada Valenti
Embracing the role of a dreamer is an exhilarating experience. It demands courage to pursue big dreams as an independent singer and song writer. I know that risk is an integral part of the journey, and I love it. Setbacks and failures become valuable lessons, shaping resilience. And knowing that the past does not dictate the future, for when I fail, I start again, . Read more>>
Kathy Phan
I invested a lot of time and money to obtain two graduate degrees from Columbia University to pursue a career in public health. I quit that career; I quit my cushy, benefitted, salaried job to pursue a dream. It was a huge risk and still is because I don’t know if this business will take off. I’m still in the very early stages of building it. I have no idea if it will work out, if I’ll ever have paying customers. I’m very scared that I’ll be investing even more time, effort, and money into something that ultimately fails. Read more>>
Holly Brians Ragusa
So, about a decade ago, a few of us parents would meet at a coffee shop before our junior high aged children walked the two city blocks to school together. Friendliness allowed me to meet a gentleman there who was readying to climb Mount Everest. As he was leaving, I wished him luck and told him to “Take care!”. He smiled, then said back to me, “Thanks! Take risks!”. I’ve never forgotten that important distinction and have since wished many others that provocative farewell. Read more>>
Ashley Brown
I think the biggest risk is just starting. I’ve been doing makeup now for 6.5 years and till this day I believe starting is the riskiest. Not because of start-up costs, support or finances, because all of those things are factors, but because sometimes we can stand in the way of the reward that comes with the risk. I sat in self doubt for the longest, worried about how I would perform or if I was actually capable. Growing up I was always quiet, to myself and this career would force me to converse with people, engage on social media, network, etc. Basically forcing me outside of my comfort zone. I remember not too long after I graduated high school, Homecoming season came along and I decided to post that I was doing makeup for $25. When I got my first few inquiries my heart sank! I immediately went into shock but also excitement! Once I started I knew I couldn’t stop. With each client I wanted to get better and I fell in love with making women feel beautiful. Makeup is more than just a job, it’s therapy! Sometimes I’m having the worst day, but makeup eases my mind. On top of that I get to learn about my clients, they vent to me and vice versa! It’s been a beautiful journey and I thank God for my career, clientele and support. I’ve learned that some of the highest risks reap the highest rewards! Although some plans and ideas may not work out, there is always a reward and when you’re ready God will show you. And that’s what keeps me going! Read more>>
Brittani Risher
I definitely took a risk by starting Sip & Saddle. I was already established in the wedding industry as a licensed aesthetician & makeup artist, so adding on a completely different and non related service was a little scary! I am so thankful that I made the decision to start the business as it’s been such an amazing ride thus far! Being in the wedding industry and being such a vital role in someone’s big day is a great feeling! Read more>>
Dr Mary Zennett
I volunteered to work with a team to conduct natural health research for children with mental health conditions. We learned so much from the studies and it was so heartwarming to see the children’s progress. I did approach several universities to run larger studies but there was no interest. When I volunteered I knew immediately that I needed to play a role in this. There were a lot of reasons why I shouldnt have invested the time or money but I knew it was really important. Now I am helping to raise funds for larger natural health studies. I really believe those funds will come from the people. We are raising funds for a large Alzheimers study- a pilot trial 10 years ago showed very promising results. Down the road we want to raise funds for children’s mental health. The statistics on children’s mental health are dismal, I think back at the transformation of the children in our research and know that these studies must get down. In my heart of hearts see an end to school shootings. Our children are so nutritionally deficient today. Look at the processed food our kids are eating. And the soil lacks nutrients. The soil is so full of pesticides which robs our children of vital nutrients. Without nutrients we cannot function. Read more>>
Morgan Williams
During the pandemic, I dedicated much time to introspection, contemplating the direction I wanted my life to take. Fortuitously, I could shift gears and teach virtually for the studio I was previously associated with. Additionally, I embraced the opportunity to contribute to a larger cause by working at GE Healthcare, specifically involved in the production of ventilators. Motivated by a desire to impact the world positively, I found myself contemplating a business plan during my downtime at the factory. Read more>>
Constantina Zacharakis
The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was going to law school and leaving New York the only state I’ve ever lived in to go to Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Florida. Read more>>
Dave Baker
Going on any creative journey begins with taking a risk. You’re going to take time away from love-ones or more financially lucrative endeavors to try and make something new happen. I feel like that can be said about every comic I’ve ever made. As a dyed in the wool cartoonist, I’ve been making comics since I was a teenager. Some of them have panned out and some of them… not so much. But I will say that when things are working, you can feel it. I first met the artist Nicole Goux at a gallery show in Culver City and I knew almost immediately that we should make something together. Money was tight and neither of us had really any real professional comics experience, but after some smaller projects we co-created the book F*ck Off Squad. We self-published three issues of the book, and toured the country selling it at conventions. Basically everything positive that’s happened in both of our career comes directly from this risk of self publishing, believing in ourselves, and choosing to build something together. Read more>>
Courtney/Dylan Guffey
We started CMS back in 2o15. At the time we were focused on photography only with hopes in the future adding video. In 2018 Dylan joined CMS photography and we started doing a little video work with weddings. After a year of doing video we decided to take the risk and for Dylan and I to focus on CMS Photography full time. Since doing so we have grown successful and have made so many amazing clients who endured our trust and hired us for us. We are story tellers at heart and we truly love capturing weddings. Read more>>
Dalma Daniela
Risk is the cousin of change. Risks make us feel anxious and unsure. But nothing that truly matters and transforms our lives will ever feel safe. That’s the payoff of taking a risk. If it makes you uncomfortable, it means it will make you grow, because growth is never easy. Read more>>
Marque Hill
Growing up in a home with two other siblings, I realized I have always been more of the risk taker. I’ve always been the black sheep, The rebel, the black swan and whatever else falls in the line of those terms. Although not all of my risk taking moments was the best idea. One thing for sure it helped to manifest and build the person I am today. Read more>>
Ella Vance
If I could describe myself in one word, it would be creative. Nearly 1o years ago is when I first discovered my love for designing & creating jewelry. It really started off as a hobby but quickly turned into a business where I could share my work with others. With a little push from some girlfriends, I took a risk & started ellaZjewels. At the time I was working a full time job in the marketing sector & honestly unsure of how or if I would be able to balance it all. Not only was I worried about finding a balance but I was worried I would be spending more money on the jewelry then actually bringing it in. But those who are right brained like me know that you will always find time to create no matter the cost. As I sit here now looking back to those days where I took a risk, I am grateful that I did. September of 2021, I was blessed with beautiful twin boys who I now get to stay home with and continue my love of jewelry making. To me, a risk does not always have to revolve around money and if it will financially benefit you or not (of course we all love to make money) but it is about opening the door to new growth and opportunities that will come along down the road. Read more>>
Christian Sanon
In the grand symphony of life, sometimes the most discordant chords give rise to the most harmonious melodies. Such was the case for us, the creators of Look Up Therapy, LLC. Read more>>
Yvonne Marchese
I suppose I’ve always been a risk taker. As a kid growing up in El Paso, TX, I had dreams of moving to New York City to become an actress. In my mid twenties I made the move! I sold everything I owned and drove across the country without an apartment or a job lined up. Within a month of moving I found a great roommate, a job and was cast in an off-off Broadway show. I was living the dream. I spent close to 10 years in the city auditioning, performing and working at a lot of survival jobs. I met my husband on a national tour and we had our first child when I was 35 years old. Read more>>
Lianna Nielsen
A few years ago I was looking to expand my health coaching business. Up until that point, I was mainly working one-on-one with clients, and was inspired to launch a group program online. Most of my business back then came through my community in New York and expanding virtually seemed exciting and scary. I ended up hiring a business coach who helped me to create a framework for the program but it was up to me to come up with the content. For weeks I felt like I was banging my head against the wall trying to create something that I thought would “sell.” I felt stuck and self-conscious and most of my ideas seemed very generic. Then I had an idea: what if I simply focused on putting together the course that I would be most excited to teach? I started to compile all of the information and tools that had helped my clients heal and thrive over the years. I included the ideas and science I was most excited about, and made it personal to me and my experience. I ended up creating a holistic nutrition program that combine not just nutrition science, but hormone and blood sugar information, neuroscience, psychology, and mindfulness. I combine my nutrition training with my previous acting training (specifically learning to listen to and inhabit my body) and all the tools I had used on my personal healing journey from an autoimmune disease, depression, anxiety and bulimia–which is what led me to study holistic nutrition in the first place. I was terrified to launch it. It seemed a little weird, and was by far the most personal thing that I had ever created, so the stakes felt extremely high. The lead up and initial launch were honestly terrifying, but it taught me something: that I had become someone who would not let fear get in her way. The program ended up being a huge success and allowed me to expand my client base across the US and slowly into other countries. Taking the risk to think outside of the box, to include my personal journey and a variety of perhaps seemingly unrelated tools, has ended up helping so many women heal their relationship with food and their bodies. Read more>>
Benét Embry
I took the risk of believing in myself. That is the hardest thing to do. This world is full of negativity, and you can easily get lost in that or you get caught up in the comfort zone of complacency. When I started doing poetry people laughed until those same people had to start paying to me to perform. When I started doing ‘The Benet Embry Show’ people laughed until they started asking me to put their artist on. When I started acting, writing and directing people laughed until I started winning awards. Now those same people who did all that laughing are auditioning to be in my movies. Long story short, take the risk on YOU. You may get rejected and a thousand people saying ‘No’ but all you need is one ‘yes’ to change your entire circumstances. If you keep your faith in God, his mercy, grace and his purpose for you, it is just a matter of time. Your blessing is coming.Read more>>
Eugenia Kuzmina
I was born in post soviet times on food lines in Russia. Even though my dad was the First Responder to Chornobyl Disaster and a well-known scientist, we lived paycheck to paycheck, barely surviving, sometimes on porridge, water, and sugar only for weeks. In a communist worker mentality society, the school system encourages to be modest, not take risks, not stand out, color inside the lines, listen to leaders, and believe in the Country’s agenda. But since a young age, inheriting my scientist dad’s curiosity, I realized it was all propaganda to keep people working hard and being small. I knew being creative was what life was about, and taking risks was just in my blood. I started with challenging teachers in art lessons, coloring outside the lines and convention, only to be punished. I told our history teacher that I believed our history was a one-sided closed government story and the West was portrayed as evil. At the same time, it’s not only to be beaten with a ruler. I made a bikini out of our school uniform because I knew there would be a revolution, and I was forced to apologize to the whole school for being a bad citizen. Shame and punishment we supposed to be my teachers, but my heart knew the way. I kept going! When the iron curtain finally collapsed, I dreamed about traveling and living in the country. I was 14. A scout for a Parisian Modeling agency scouted me on the streets and offered a contract. My parents were convinced I would be sold to some shady organization dancing on the tables while my passport would be gone. Still, I convinced him otherwise and took a risk leaving to live in pairs full-time at 15, signing contracts, renting apartments paying taxes. From then on, I decided the only way to live is to trust a gut feeling and take a chance no matter how much anyone says it’s impossible and can’t be done. I slammed my doors open in the face of nay-sayers. I worked on my mindset to become a successful independent model and became one of the biggest earners in the agency. At 21, when my doctors said it’s almost impossible to have kids, I po] proved them wrong and had two kids. My agents were concerned I was leaving such a lucrative and what’s supposed to be a short-lived career ( there’s still ageism, but there’s always to push things for a good change ). After my kids, I returned to modeling, acting, stand-up comedy, and racing cars! I started a blog, www.modelmom.tv, to find an open, vulnerable conversation about having both kids and a career and created the stand-up show ” Models of COmedy,” proving a few claims that ” Pretty Women Cant be funny “, they can. At this point, there’s nothing and no one who can stop me from realizing my dreams, and it is all a journey, not a destination. So Cheers for living big, making bold choices, saying yes to love and not fear, and taking risks Read more>>
Kim Smith
In the summer of 2015 I was struggling as a parent of child with special needs to find exctracurricular activities for my daughter outside of therapies. I realized in a pretty short amount of time that there weren’t classes available to provide the support she needed. I remember one week my husband bringing her home from cheer/gymnasics class and him telling me they still didn’t have volunteer support for her. In the moment I was feeling all the things: sadness, frustration and anger…..so I made a post on Facebook about the need for a class for children with special needs and just a short few minutes later my phone rang. Read more>>
Erica Lawrence
When I decided to start my own business, I was a 23-year old single mom living in Atlanta, GA. I had been working a full-time corporate job for about nine months, and honestly, I was miserable. I started looking for other jobs and got offered an amazing role with a great company. I was so excited that I gave my two-week notice before even signing the official offer letter. But then things went downhill. My current job decided to let me go before my notice period ended, and the new job offered me way less money than we had discussed in the interview. Read more>>
John Quinn
For seventeen long years, I had been embedded in the intricacies of control systems, a field that required precision, foresight, and a deep understanding of dynamic systems. As a controls engineer, I worked diligently under my boss, ensuring the efficient operation of various systems. It was my responsibility to design, develop, and implement these control systems that drove our industry’s machinery. Read more>>
Carli Abiuso
Risk taking goes hand in hand with living the life of a creative. The risk is on all levels — financial, spiritual, emotional, and practical. But I have come to equate risk with betting on myself and having faith I will always win, even if it’s scary. The innate “risk” lies in the sharing of your art or creative expression. Putting it out into the world is intimidating, because you have to get over the fear of judgement and rejection. Beyond that, the risk is in living a life that doesn’t look like what others may consider conventional, stable, or “realistic.” I took my first major risk when I was 22. I had always known I wanted to live in New York City one day, and I worked three jobs for a year after college to save up for the move. I only knew one person who lived there and had no job lined up — just a dream to pursue a dance career, a spot in a prestigious dance program for the summer, and a calling from the city itself. I didn’t know anything about living on my own far away from family, how I would afford such expensive rent, or how to get around via the intricate subway system. Not everyone I told believed in me, and some thought I was crazy, but I didn’t care. I remember feeling fearless and energized with excitement. I am so grateful that my younger self had the courage to take that leap. Had I not bet on myself and trusted my heart and vision, I would never be where I am today. It really is true that great risk reaps great reward. I’ve taken many risks since then — financial investments in myself and my career, moving across the country to LA, transitioning careers into a full-time coach and content creator, and tons of things in between. Although artists have to get used to taking more risks on a daily basis, it is always my hope that I can inspire others to do the same so they too can experience their grandest adventure in this life. Read more>>
Jennie Milton
Over the course of my 20-year career as an extreme athlete in the sport of snowkiting, I’ve come to terms with the fears associated with wild weather, freezing temperatures, and remote locations. Despite these challenges, it was a different type of risk that became my most daunting fear: starting a business based on my passion. Read more>>
Chloe Mohn
Joining this industry was my biggest risk yet. Flashback to May of 2020, I had just graduated high school. I was thrilled to begin my college experience in the fall. Looking forward to cheering at Pitt State and making my parents happy by continuing my education in nursing. I had always known I wanted to be a hairstylist but my parents had always told me that I needed to go to “real school” to be successful and gain the “whole experience”. So that is just what I had planned to do! I felt like I had my whole life in front of me, what could go wrong? A few short weeks later I discovered I was pregnant. 18, scared, and feeling like I just crashed into a wall and my whole life is now in shambles. What do I do?? I was terrified. Of course, all of my plans changed from that moment on. The fall came and instead of the university life I was looking forward to, I switched to the local community college. I began working full time at a job working late nights so that I could support my baby. I was 18, a single mom, and just trying to figure it all out to be the best mom I could be. Exhausted, unhappy, and just a child herself. February came, and my sweet Cali Grace was born. She lit a fire in me that nothing else on this earth could. I knew I could be whoever I wanted to be and do whatever I wanted to do in this life once I held that sweet girl for the first time. I went back to school, sometimes bringing Cali to class with me but I knew that this was going to be my last year. Finally, the school year had ended and I had a huge decision to make. I knew I didn’t want to be a nurse. I never had! The only reason I was following that career path was to please others around me, but what about me? I had two options. Go back to school in the fall and continue doing something I didn’t love or enroll in cosmetology school. I was nervous, I didn’t want my family to be disappointed in me, I was afraid of not being able to provide for my daughter. Did you know when you google the salary of a hairstylist, it shows that the average salary is 28k a year? What about a nurse? 80k a year. The Google searches alone scared me but I knew I could do this and I knew I could be successful. I was willing to do whatever it took to give me and my daughter the best life possible. I enrolled in Paul Mitchell that August. I finished the program and began working under Laurabeth At Artistry by LB. I assisted for a year learning all of the tips and tricks behind the scenes in the industry. I took continuing education to guarantee I had the skills and techniques that were in demand. I worked early mornings and late nights, and after a year of assisting, I was ready to become an independent stylist. The time passes fast but I am proud to say I am in my second year as an independent stylist bringing in six figures. This life is truly my dream come true and I would not be here today without taking that risk. Read more>>
Jessica Fester
My journey to entrepreneurship started in 2018. I was on my own health journey, set to lose the weight I put on after having my third child. While challenging myself to embrace healthier habits, I fell in love with fitness. I was actually good at it, and I wanted to be in a gym all the time. As much as I wish I could say this was something I loved since childhood, it was never something I was interested in. I was not an athlete and did not really play sports growing up. After a year of working out and caring for my health, I remember feeling this overwhelming pull to pursue fitness professionally. I started to give in to my curiosity and look up schools and certifications. I was excited but TERRIFIED. I struggled to trust myself for a long time, especially regarding big decisions. Read more>>
Kim and Randy Kalisik
When Randy and I first met, he had a 14′ flats boat in Southwest Florida that we’d take out every weekend and sometimes during the week. We’d meet up on the water with my parents and their friends who’d anchor out for the weekend, rafting up and creating a large flotilla. That was when we decided we would need a larger boat that we could sleep on and stay out for longer trips. So, we started looking at larger boats and quickly realized that we couldn’t afford both a boat and a home with dockage. Real estate in Florida has always been very expensive and owning a waterfront home with dockage for a boat was unattainable to us. We knew that the only way we could afford a boat would be to live aboard it full time. We found a 40′ Defever Passagemaker trawler (that we named Blue Turtle) and knew immediately that this was the boat we’d start our new lifestyle on. After receiving an accepted offer, we immediately sold everything we owned and moved aboard. We’ve been all-in from the start, meaning we got rid of anything that wouldn’t fit on the boat. Lots of cruisers have storage units, but we decided that if it didn’t fit on the boat, we didn’t need it. When I think back now, it was a huge risk for us. Especially if we didn’t like the lifestyle. It did help that my parents were also living aboard their boat, so we knew to some degree of what to expect. The thought of it not working out never entered our minds. We’ve been living aboard a boat full-time now for over 11 years. We sold the trawler 2 years ago and purchased a 44′ CSY sailboat that we’ve started cruising on full time. Read more>>
Alison Okerman
In 2019 I had made a sweatshirt for myself on a whim. After wearing a few times, I had multiple people ask me “where did you get that”, or “can you make me one?”. The idea of having my own brand was always in the back of my head, but with huge walls up that I thought would never come down. With a lot of encouragement from friends, I decided to take the risk and create Park Barrett. The risk wasn’t financial to be honest. I didn’t have to put a huge amount of money down or get investors to get this going. But I did have to put myself out there and make it known that I had started this venture. The risk of this not succeeding was huge for me in that way. Fast forward 4 years….and here we are with a company that has grown in more ways than one. Read more>>
Amanda Kostura, LISW-S
In 2018 I put in my notice and left a job for the first time in my life with having a secure job lined up to move into. I was at one of the most challenging times of my life physically, mentally and emotionally due to excessive job stress, demands, and lack of fulfillment in my ability to make an impact in my role. I was calling off work often, using sick time and FMLA for flaring chronic health symptoms due to the stress, as well significant depression and active suicidal thoughts. I knew at my core that I would not be here much longer to be able to do the work I’m called to if I remained where I was. Read more>>
Chelsea Gorsuch
I will never forget the night I sat down with my parents and told them that I would be leaving my career in school counseling (yeah… the one I had gotten a master’s degree for, that’s the one 😉) to pursue my sign making business. It was the scariest and yet surest decision I had ever made in my life. It was also a giant stepping stone in my life’s journey of following a more faith-dependent path over the safe, expected route I had been on to that point. (My parents, by the way, accepted my decision with only a little bit of fear hidden in their voices. Bless their hearts.) With three young children to provide for alongside my husband Wes, leaving a career that came complete with a pension was no small risk to take. Read more>>
Olivia Brown
When I first had the thought of starting a Charcuterie Business – the excitement I initially felt was totally eclipsed by fear. Everyone deals with self doubt in one way or another and thinking about starting my own business seemed like something that was too out of reach. I have friends who are creatives, business owners, entrepreneurs – I’ve seen people just like me figure it out and make it happen. But when it’s you sitting there in from of the “how to start an LLC” article on Google – you convince yourself that you can’t do it. At the start of 2023 I started, like most people, a list of resolutions for the year. Halfway into my list I wrote “put more time into a side business.” Once that list was completed, I had that jolt of “new year” motivation where I was convinced I could do anything and would have all of my goals done by March. I started doing research on starting a business, looking up competitors, thinking about prices, logistics, legality etc. I started spreadsheets- an email address and I was full steam ahead. However, when I got closer to the steps that would make it official (filing for my LLC, making a bank account etc.) I found my old friend self doubt come back. Sure this all sounded nice in theory but now that it was getting serious, I felt like my head was just about to go underwater. What am I thinking? I have a full time job and plenty going on in my life already – why would I make life more complicated? What if people aren’t interested or I’m not as good as other businesses out there? I shut it down. I said – forget it. I don’t have the time or money to jump into something like this right now. Read more>>
Caleb Prewitt
When Caleb was born, the conversation quickly turned to limitations. Down syndrome – then – meant limitations. The laundry list of all the things he wouldn’t be able to do. Society and medical professionals painted a negative picture of the life he would have. BUT. Read more>>
Emily & Jake Sparrow
Our biggest risk we have taken was both quitting our jobs to go all in and start a real estate business together. For most people it’s a scary thought to give up a steady monthly income and change careers/industries. We not only changed careers but also went from hourly pay to 100% commission and to building a business at the same time. Read more>>
Claire Gay
I was going all-in on my brick and mortar store, because that’s what I was here for, to be successful doing what I loved, selling things that help people live a more inspired life. That’s what I was here for, right? Sometimes circumstances outside our control come along to put us on a deeper path and mission. Read more>>
Debbie Scheer
The biggest risk that absolutely held the biggest emotional reward was trying stand up comedy for the first time in the summer of 2013. The reasons that got me to the stage aren’t important but the fact that those five minutes changed the course of my life are what matter the most. I vividly remember walking up the stairs from the basement to the stage and thinking, I might not make it. I might actually pass out on this stage and never ever take a risk again. Thankfully I didn’t pass out and thankfully those five minutes filled me with passion, determination, confidence, and the understanding that I would absolutely be ok. I went from doing stand up comedy to creating comedy/education shows along with emceeing events. I was then asked to speak on various topics, and in 2016 I decided to combine my love of non profits, speaking, and bringing people together by way of humor, and so I went to auctioneering school to become a professional benefit auctioneer. I have never looked back. The world of auctioneering is male dominated with roughly 23% of auctioneers identifying as female and even fewer identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Represenation matters and it’s important to me to show others within my community that there is a career path to be carved out within the world of auctioneering. Read more>>
Zoe Toscano
My first big risk was starting a gallery with my artists friends in my hometown. I was young and in college, I had little experience in business and practically no money. I was fueled purely by excitement. My partners and I wanted to create a space that would serve as a platform for artists not otherwise being elevated by their local communities. I wanted to make a creative space younger me needed. The finical risk was hard enough to deal with but we opened an all female run gallery right when Trump became president. It felt like we were making ourselves more vulnerable to those who opposed are beliefs as creative women. We were open for several years just shy of when COVID began. It was hard but an incredibly rewarding experience. When I look back at it now years later I can really see how it shaped me into the artists I am today. Read more>>