We asked some very talented folks to talk to us about success and what it takes to be successful. We’ve shared their responses below.

Rhett Cutrell

The good thing about success is that there are more avenues to become successful than there is for failure, but that doesn’t necessarily make it any easier. Keyword here being avenue, or route. If you research successful people, they will all pretty much say the same thing, that you need to get really, really specific on where you are trying to go and how to get there. Seem like the more of a niche you can make for yourself, the more you can narrow down your distinct abilities, Read more>>

Victoria Nabours

This question resonates with me a lot. When I started as a wedding photographer, I always thought it was about getting those ideal clients and working 24/7. And I did do that for a long time, many hours were given into developing this business into what it is today. I think we all start somewhere, but what I believe most people believe photographers have an easy job, just show up and take pictures right? Read more>>

Jayson Castleberry

Although I haven’t reached the level of success I want, I have learned a few things along the way so far. I still have much to learn about success, but what I have learned is what will get me started on the path to success. The most important thing I have learned will be the key to my success is my mindset/mentality. You are always going to face the challenges of choosing between something you want to do and something you need to do. Staying focused and disciplined is what is going to keep you on that path towards what you want to accomplish. Read more>>

Teresa Lusk

In my experience, it has taken faithfulness and determination to be successful. What I mean by faithful is that you give it all you have even when no one is cheering you on. I witness many people say that they are called to do something great, but the dream and vision have more room in their minds than the actions that lead to success. In real life, we must “do” and “move” and “act” to see things happen, even when nobody is telling us to go, act, move, and be! I don’t waste time looking at how fast or slow someone else is moving, Read more>>

Myda Ali

Patience. Persistence. Passion. Success and how to achieve it will differ from person to person, but these are the traits and attributes I believe are key in order for me to be successful. Starting a business (especially with no prior experience), and getting to where you want to be/see yourself, is a long journey. You have to learn and teach yourself a lot of new skills along the way. You have to wear a lot of hats starting out. Nothing will take place overnight, over a week, month, or even a year. This is where you have to keep pushing through, despite feeling like you’re not moving (in your journey) at times, but you have to keep your eye on the goals that you have set for yourself, and remember why you started in the first place. Read more>>

Cecilia Valdez

First before anything always put god first in any dreams or goals you want in life . Being successful in life takes lots of sacrifices work & dedication . you also have to stay focused & try not to get side tracked !! Read more>>

Demetra K.

I believe it takes hard work and dedication. In addition, I believe in the hustle and grind for every step that most people will not see to get to my success point. Once I reach my success point I reach for another. The hard work continues immediately after your next step. Furthermore, I believe you need to have a strong mindset of completely giving your all and continuously making the necessary sacrifices. Read more>>

Rhyan Reyes

Depending on what kind of life you live, where you are in said life, and even where you want to go, success can have different meanings and can be very subjective. For me, success is living an honest life while doing something you’re passionate about. Never listening to the people that say you can’t or that you shouldn’t, but instead getting your kicks on proving them wrong. Important things like staying diligent and tenacious at your career can really help you at being successful. You have to remember that this is who you are naturally whether people like it or not. Read more>>

Joshua Garcia Jr.

What success means to me may be different than another. One can view success as raising and nurturing a family, while I view success as financial freedom. Setting the goal is half the battle, obtaining the goal is the hard part. Regardless of your goal, there are a few key traits successful people have, which they say attributed to their success. Before I say what those are, know that no one is born with these traits. They are acquired through life in multiple ways and under different circumstances. Read more>>

Keegan Lucas

Passion, hard work and a willingness to keep learning & evolve. Six years ago, I remember I made the statement, “oh no, I have no desire to learn to edit video.” Fast forward those 6 years, I spend more time each week editing video and creating video content than anything else. But it was my willingness to learn something I didn’t know before. To be successful, I don’t think you can hesitate to evolve, especially in an industry that is constantly evolving. Read more>>

Jordan D

Passion! I feel that passion is the driving force behind everything successful. It’s what wakes you up and keeps you going. Things happen and set backs come, but if you truly love what you do it will keep you pushing. Read more>>

Nicole Corning

In my experience, I’ve learned that it takes a lot of patience to be successful. If you put in the hard work and remain goal-driven, you can make it happen. My husband and I have talked about opening our own brewery for at least fifteen years. In 2019 we decided to finally take that leap and began researching properties for our little business! And then 2020 happened…. Things looked bleak for everyone, but we were committed to our cause and continued searching. We finally found the perfect place in late 2021 and are in the process of building our dream! None of it came easy, but nothing worth doing ever is. Read more>>

Amber Boone

The key to success is understanding and standing firm in your definition of success. What is your measure of success? Is it a dollar amount, an award, or a level of achievement? Is your goalpost static or is it mobile? For me, the greatest measure of success is your quality of life. Are you happy? Do you spend a majority of your time doing things you enjoy with people you enjoy, even if it’s “work”? Read more>>

David Hester

Success takes perseverance, sweat and real tears. There are no shortcuts to being successful. Every dream comes with ups and downs. I am barely at a point of seeing success and my journey still has so much more room to grow. Read more>>

Jennifer

First and foremost, I think it is important to determine what success means for you. For some individuals, it could be climbing the corporate ladder until they reach that coveted corner office with a view. Others see success as having the time to spend at home with their family. For most people, success probably lies somewhere in the middle of these two scenarios. Read more>>

Bruce Randle

Faith, time, effort, and connections. I’m big on faith, I know without it and without the help of God none of the things I’m able to do is possible. I put so much faith until building my brand and I’ve seen how it has worked out in my favor. Time and effort really go hand in hand, I used to just get up and create or shoot without actually putting the proper time and effort into what I was trying to illustrate through pictures. Read more>>