We believe that success can mean different things to different people – not everyone wants the same thing, what drives happiness and fulfillment for one person doesn’t necessarily predict what will for another. That said – if we simply think of success as being effective at achieving one’s goal – whatever those goals might be – then we can set a sort of common

Maria Fernanda Lopez

I really think that consistency is key, organization and discipline. I consider myself a very disciplined person, now sure where I got it from really because I can get very intense and focused. I write down everything on my calendar, like a to do list and this is how I manage to create +4 reels per day haha Read more>>

Kristin Lee Geiger

This is a great question! I think the first thing it takes to be successful is an unequivocal understanding of what that word actually means to you. Success looks a little different on everyone! It doesn’t necessarily have to equate to an arbitrary amount of wealth and prestige or come wrapped up in the form of a shiny award. If we reduce success down to these very finite things, it’s all too easy to overlook what might turn out to be one of our greatest accomplishments. Success, at its very best, is really more of an inner experience. The rest of the world doesn’t get much say in the matter! Your challenges are your own. Your choices are your own. Read more>>

Rosemary Galore

Not just a business owner but also the star of the show! What does it take to make my drag brunch business successful… tough question that’s easy to answer It takes a passion, drive, determination and a ton of glitter, corsets and heels! Creating the biggest show in town has not been an easy feat to accomplish. You have to find the right mix of drag entertainer to create the show and the right host to keep it strung together seamlessly. I have created a wonderful space for all guests to come and live their best most sparkly life during our lively show. Read more>>

Michael Thomas

To me, success is all about resilience, purpose, and connection—both to others and to yourself. It’s not just about achieving goals or ticking off boxes, but about creating something meaningful and staying committed through the ups and downs. I’ve learned this firsthand through my journey with Plunsana. When I first started this venture, it wasn’t just about opening a wellness space; it was about creating a place where people could come to heal, grow, and transform their lives in a holistic way. There were countless challenges along the way—navigating finances, building a team, and even moments of self-doubt—but the vision always stayed clear. Every time I hit an obstacle, I reminded myself why I started: to help people tap into their potential, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Read more>>

Lakisha Gaines

For me to be successful in my business, it takes a clear vision, goals, and resilience. I have to know exactly what I want to achieve the foundation of my business to be successful. By me keeping a clear vision it provides direction and keeps me focused when challenges arise. To overcome setbacks is a big part of my story. I have to learn how to come back from failure, learned mistakes, and moving forward after those mistakes are made. House calls was a major part of my business when I first started out as massage therapist. I went from house calls to brick and mortar. I am literally starting all of again. I now have to build that up with getting new clients and getting the word out about my business. Writing out a new business plan, networking, and having a passion for what I do is driving the force to build up my new business.  Read more>>

Jessica Folino

The Boutique world is an industry of relationship building, bringing together the passion of inspiring women through fashion and a sense of connection. People want to do business with people, where you share like interests, styles and ideas while building a community of belonging. Authenticity and consistency are our two highest pillars at Arie Layne. One size does not fit all. This is why we strive to create a unique customer experience for every person who shops with us, attends our events or follows our social media. We show up as ourselves, sometimes a mess and sometimes on a red carpet… but mostly in the middle. But we always show up for our community. Owning a small business is not for the weak, yet is the most rewarding when you know you have a made a difference in someone’s life. That is the definition of success to us. Read more>>

Katie Garland-noble

I honestly believe that perseverance leads to success. No matter the setbacks or roadblocks, an unflinching determination to obtain a dream is key. Making a movie is the perfect example of this. We start with a dream and a spark of inspiration. Then come the never ending hurdles. From needing a port-a-potty on a Sunday in the middle of nowhere to getting told no by 5 distributors, the obstacles seem to keep on coming. As that saying goes, “the only way out is through.” So we have to keep thinking on our feet and finding creative solutions. We have to stay focused on the end goal and persevere. Read more>>

Jesse Zapatero

I remember being at a conference where one of the speakers said, “In this industry, you need to be pushy and delusional.” That really stuck with me. At first, it sounded a little extreme, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized how true it is. Success doesn’t come from waiting for opportunities to land in your lap; you have to create them, even when it feels like no one’s paying attention or when the odds seem stacked against you. It’s about persistence, grit, and showing up even when you don’t feel like it. I’ve learned that success comes from pushing through the moments when doubt creeps in, and trusting yourself enough to keep going. Read more>>

Swathi Annamalai

A Journey in Data, Product, Leadership and Life Success, in my view, comes from a combination of clarity of vision, relentless execution, and adaptability. Throughout my 15-year career, spanning industries from crime analysis to EdTech, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about delivering results—it’s about how you build teams, cultivate innovation, and create lasting impact. One story that shaped my understanding of success happened early in my career, while working as a data engineer for a Police Department. There, I learned the power of data in solving real-world problems. Collaborating closely with detectives and crime analysts, I saw firsthand how insights could lead to breakthroughs—whether in solving cases or driving broader operational improvements. This experience taught me that success hinges on using the right tools and methodologies to make informed decisions. Read more>>

Steve Hyde

Success for us as a husband and wife team has been defined by hard work, dedication, and commitment to keep going. We have encountered many obstacles, whether its poor lighting conditions, unpredictable weather, or external factors outside of our control, In each case, we have to get creative and find solutions outside of what we expected. Read more>>

Cyerrah Savage

I think it takes time and consistency. I believe the harder you work at your goals the more fruitful it will be in the end or later on down the line. It takes a lot of self discipline especially as a business owner. You can be successful from something u have no interest in but is it really rewarding in the end versus something u put thought and dedication into and u genuinely love? Makeup is not a hobby it’s my passion and my career! I see other opportunity inside the community versus just being the person in front of the chair that I would like to explore! It takes knowing you can fail and will fail but it’s about how you get up and continue to move forward. My success is dependent on me to bring me my success so I have to stay confident,persistent, and obedient to get there. Read more>>

Kelly Fischer

What a golden question! It takes thought, grit, knowledge, determination, adaptation, goals, creativity, optimism, and time. Success is only in the mind of the beholder. For me, I feel the most success when I feel happy. Every time I am outside hiking or traveling, taking photos, visiting friends or family, working on my art or education, or even just enjoying being comfortable at home, I feel successful. There is great happiness when I spend my time exactly how I want to spend it. I also feel the joy of success when I accomplish a goal. That could be a sale, a conversation with someone that admires my art, a new gallery, a finished video for marketing, creating a blog or newsletter, or simply posting a photo online to share with my followers. Read more>>

Marilyn Nguyen

I think success as a photographer really comes down to a mix of persistence, passion, and a genuine love for the craft. It’s not just about having the best gear or knowing the right people—it’s about constantly pushing yourself to improve, staying inspired, and being willing to put in the work. Success isn’t a straight line, and I think it’s more about loving the journey, staying open to learning, and not being afraid of challenges. Each shoot has its ups and downs, but it’s that process that helps you grow and keeps you coming back for more. Read more>>

Daniele Puleo

Perseverance……..and lots of it! Nothing comes easy and many great ideas fail because of taking success for granted. You can’t stand still and wait, you need to go and get it. Customers can approach your business in many different ways nowadays but you always need to get out there and attract them, either in the form of catering, advertising/marketing, donations or simply by getting involved in outside cooking demonstrations. Fast and easy do not guarantee you success, being hands-on in your business is already 50% of the work to succeed. Read more>>

Shyann Price

It takes trust in oneself and resilience. I have seen people second guess themselves into not doing what they always wanted to do in life and convince themselves to stay stagnant. One thing I have consistently learned is no matter how hard things get I must keep trying and pushing towards the goal. It’s really a mindset thing at the end of the day. Don’t allow other people including family, project their fears onto you and create that void of uncertainty. At my lowest I kept pushing forward and never gave up. I made something terrible into something positive and honed into that. I was determined to not be the person who just complained about all of my problems, instead I did something about it. I took the risk and now I am receiving the rewards from it. Read more>>

Mayra Chacon

I often think about wanting to give up on what I’m doing, questioning many things… and the journey to reach the goal is exhausting. I believe that to be successful you need resistance and a strong mindset, perseverance to get that thought of wanting to give up out of your mind and change it for positive thoughts that drive you to fall in love with your project again and remember your final goal. Read more>>

Rosalinda Mencia

I’m really grateful to be part of this conversation. It’s such an important topic, and I think we all have something to gain from it. For me, success has never been about how much money you make, how much you own, or even how many people follow you on social media. Real success, in my opinion, lies in learning from your failures. I’ve come to understand that true growth happens when you push through failure, using it as a tool to move forward, even when things are uncertain. Read more>>

Jake & Mike Of Limitless Mental Performance

Patience and persistence have been the two qualities that have stood out to us throughout the past two years of building our private practice. Numerous trials have tested us and taken our attention along the way, but our approach has always been to stay focused on our ultimate goal and remain open to the next opportunity. We’ve done many presentations and workshops for various organizations and teams that haven’t necessarily panned out, yet we haven’t allowed that to diminish our motivation. There’s always something to learn and improve upon, and our approach continues to evolve. A key has been not to take it personally, and to remain open if/when the organization/team/individual is ready.  We believe that doing good work, showing up on time, communicating in a timely manner, and being reliable are the things that build success. Read more>>

Shahin Mohammadkhani

The Blueprint for Success: Passion, Purpose, and Perseverance In the relentless pursuit of success, we often find ourselves searching for that magic formula, that secret ingredient that separates the extraordinary from the ordinary. But let me tell you something: success isn’t about secrets. It’s about sweat. It’s about purpose. It’s about the fire in your belly that refuses to be extinguished. The Power of Your ‘Why’ Every single person has a why. It’s that deep-seated reason that gets you out of bed in the morning, that drives you to push beyond your limits. Your why is your purpose, your cause, your belief. It’s the very core of your existence. Without a strong why, you’re just going through the motions, existing but not truly living. Read more>>

Jacob Groth

It takes a lot of tiny habits day in and day out to reach success in any industry, I think that’s why finding something you are passionate about is so important. I’ve had a ton of success in my career, but I’ve met and worked with the most successful people in the world, and there’s a common trait among them all. Obsession. If you work hard and show up, what can go wrong? Read more>>

Kyerra Collins

A lot of people measure their success by the public’s view. Now while that could definitely play a big part, being successful is much more than that. Sometimes we can be our own biggest critics and don’t take the time to pat ourselves on the back. I myself am guilty of this exact thing. Looking at others in my field and thinking I’m not where I should be, when in all reality I have been making so many strides in my journey of Lovely Looks! To achieve success I feel a person should be putting their heart and soul into their passion. Making sure you take that extra mile to ensure you receive the outcome you’ve been working towards. Success doesn’t happen overnight it’s a process that takes dedication and sacrifice. You may get tired or overwhelmed or even feel like it hasn’t been paying off, but when you want something bad enough you’ll be able to push through all of those negative thoughts, and in the end you’ll feel more than successful. Read more>>

Donna Dowell

“Success, to me, is waking up feeling light, free, excited, aligned, joyful, and energized.” These feelings aren’t just fleeting moments; they’re my compass for living a fulfilling life. I believe that success is much more than financial milestones or career achievements—it’s about how I feel every day, doing what I love and finding purpose in it. Feeling light and free comes from knowing I’m on the right path, aligned with my values and passions. Whether it’s running Dowco Enterprises or maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces, I focus on projects and people that bring me joy and reflect who I am at my core. Being excited and energized means waking up with a sense of purpose, ready to tackle the day’s challenges, not out of obligation but genuine love for what I do. One of the things that truly excites me is seeing my team step out of their comfort zones. I’ve seen employees volunteer to lead a training session, take on a new skill, or when the leadership team collaborates to solve problems creatively. It shows me that they’re not afraid to fail, and that’s when real growth happens. I know I’m doing my job when they feel safe enough to stretch themselves and take risks. Watching them succeed and grow from those experiences is one of my greatest joys. Read more>>

Zifei Ding

I believe that an indispensable element for the realization of goals is the ability to adapt to change. No matter how well I plan, unexpected challenges and shifts in circumstances are inevitable. I once took a course that felt incredibly important to me, and I wanted to create a standout project—something I could be proud of throughout my academic career. I was determined to make everything perfect from the start and avoid any setbacks. Of course, that didn’t go as planned. My project was to design a new visual system for a fashion week, but right from the beginning, I got stuck focusing too much on the idea of the logo, which ended up limiting my creativity. Read more>>

Tom Downing

To me, as an actor, survival is success. When I look back on the last 15 years, when most times were tough, the persistence without promise really powers that voltage I carry with me. Most actors think booking the role is success. If that were the case, I’d only be successful 10% of the time and that’s simply unhealthy and unfair to label every other situation I encounter as “a failure”. It’s about doing good work in an audition. The ritual of your practice, whatever medium it is. It’s about surviving the worst days and years. It’s about preserving my light that can be so quickly doused by the drudge of a business like this. And it’s about fostering good people in your circle. Read more>>

Samantha Shea

I think being successful looks like being well-rounded. I think to be successful in one area of your career, business, personal life, etc. you have to be fostering the other areas of life as well. Usually when my life is healthy and happy, my business has a foundation to expand and thrive. And when my business thrives, I lay a foundation for my life to continue to expand and improve. And vice versa. So to be successful, I believe that one has to be intentional about being a good person and living a good life, while also continuously sharpening their skills in their profession. Working toward health in all areas of life is the key to true success in my opinion. Read more>>

Jorgymar Pumar

The best reflection about how to be successful is about consistency and preparation, which are valuable and resonate with many seeking personal and professional growth. As I mentioned, discipline can often surpass intelligence, as consistent dedication is key to achieving goals. Knowing oneself and discovering what we are passionate about is fundamental; this self-awareness allows us to direct our efforts toward what truly matters and motivates us. The most important competition is undoubtedly with ourselves. Celebrating our achievements, no matter how small fuels our confidence and drives us to keep moving forward. Read more>>

Paulita Hood-barnes

Success is often perceived as the result of hard work, talent, or luck but in my opinion, it comes from a mix of key factors. In my view, success for me is consistency, persistence, adaptability and a changed mindset. As an entrepreneur, I learned that a changed mind is one of the most important key factors to become successful in both personal and business development. Curating the right relationships and surrounding myself around the right people who share the same energy has been a dominant factor in my life. Using daily affirmations, reading mindset books like (Mind Power or Think & Grow Rich) and attending women empowerment seminars has played a significant role in nurturing my mind and has allowed me to tap into “The Woman I Desire To Be”.

Topaze Bryant

I believe what it takes to be successful is consistency and hardwork and believing in yourself. Never giving up on yourself even when everyone else have or even when times get tough . Being a business owner is hard but the most important part is never giving up … you only lose when you quit. Read more>>