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.

Will Stamm

What I think it takes to be successful is a heart to serve and a willingness to sacrifice for a definite purpose. Read more>>

Kahari Burden

Having a “Mind” that you can control 90% and with that being said “Take action” Read more>>

Mohamed Sahid

I am a first generation American Creative Director and Designer working across Art, Fashion, and Technology disciplines. I mainly assist artists and brands translate their vision through the form of products, language, and cultural experiences curated under a minimalist and design-focused lens. Read more>>

Christina Graham

To be successful in any aspect you must first be committed to a goal. For me, my ultimate goal is to do my best to get my clients to the closing table. Read more>>

Kareece St George

For me, I have always believed that anyone can be successful with the time and effort they put in. There must be drive and a passion to be successful, as success does not come overnight. I have always believed in working smarter and working harder to achieve the success of one’s desire. Read more>>

Kristopher Lam

My parents are small business owners in the wedding and photography industry. They have been running their business for the past 30+ years. As they were both always busy working; they didn’t really have time to cook for us. As I transitioned from middle school to high school, I began accompanying my dad as a part-time wedding photographer on the weekends. Read more>>

India Green

Hard work, staying focused and staying true to the goal. Read more>>

Magen Bynum

Success means different things to different people. Success to one could be overcoming cancer for the second time. Success to one could be leaving the grind of 9-5 and starting their own business. Success for another could also be working 9-5 and hitting their promotion they worked months for. Read more>>

Matthew Klein

On February 12, 2021, my friends and I decided we were going to go hiking at Starved Rock State Park in Central Illinois the following morning. There was a light snowfall a few days before, and flurries were forecasted for the morning of February 13. Read more>>

Akua Atakora

Reaching success is a journey that looks different for everyone. Success is achieved by setting goals and accomplishing them. Success is about taking a leap of faith and stepping out of your comfort zone. Success is about who can make it to the finish line without quitting. Read more>>

Maria Paula Garces

In order to be successful, I believe you have to be true to the core. Entrepreneurship is really hard and there are a lot of twists and turns but when you’re acting from the heart and letting it guide you, you’ll keep going, always find a solution, and be successful. Reputation is also an important factor because I don’t believe in being “self-made”, rather I believe in symbiotic relationships from the ground up. Read more>>

Valencia Miller

Honestly, I believe the key to success is having an understanding of individual purpose in life. My success has been based on an early foundation and value system that helped me to recognize my personal, unique qualities at an early age. Knowing who I am is a vital component to helping me arrive where I am today. Read more>>

Raelyn Purham

In order to be successful I believe it takes passion, perseverance, persistence, and faith. All of those things are so vitally important because the passion for what you are building ensures that you are going to take every part of the process seriously. You’re not going to lallygag or fumble the bag due to distractions. Read more>>

Valerie Fields

The longer I’m in business, the clearer it becomes to me that perseverance is the consistent element and common denominator for long-term success. The ability to keep pursuing a dream or a goal – even when it’s difficult – equips a lot of successful entrepreneurs with the necessary “intestinal fortitude” needed to simply outlast the competition. Read more>>

Hind Khaldi

Being honest and consistent , discipline also plays a big factor in becoming successful … Read more>>

Nina Brito

Success in business ventures can be measured in so many ways. It can be black and white – “is your company making money?” Which ultimately is key in sustaining your business and keeping the lights on. Read more>>

Christopher Messer

Success takes nothing but consistency. If you aren’t consistent with your products, mindset, and core beliefs about your business; it’s nearly impossible to develop one that customers will back up. Read more>>

Calister Bengall

On the road to success you must be ready and willing to sacrifice. This sacrifice involves releasing anyone and anything that does not support that success. When you have a vision it’s best to follow your heart your gut and tell no one what your plans are especially those closest yo you. Hearing one negative word could shift your energy allowing doubt to come in. When you’re after success be ready to go it alone. Read more>>

Taran and Katelynn Smith

Success can be defined in many different ways depending on someone’s individual goals. Growing up in small farming community. One could only dream of becoming a musician. Reality was always painted as going to college and getting a good job, such as nursing, teaching or farming. Read more>>

Eric Morley

Being open to learn and appreciating your audience. As much as Im confident in my ability as a photographer and freelancer I can always grow and learn new business practices to better myself. Always be thankful for every supporter that comes your way because thats the basis of starting a business from 1 follower to a 1000 always appreciate the appreciation. Read more>>

Natalie Jackson

Mindset! I truly believe our thoughts determine our decisions and actions. You have to be willing to release any limiting beliefs and shift your mindset into success mode. Everything and I do mean EVERYTHING starts within YOU. Trust yourself! Read more>>

Alex Souder

This can vary depending on a person’s specific situation and goals; however, I think there are certain ingredients for success across the board. First and foremost, you’ve got to have the drive, passion, and ambition and KNOW that you have what it takes – believe in yourself. Read more>>

Cassandra Thornton

I believe it takes FOCUS & CONSISTENCY to be successful. Read more>>

Jenn Cameron

uccess is such a strong word and has a different definition to everyone. For me, success when looking at a business specifically, is waking up everyday excited to work in your field. I have had the privilege of pursing careers (my first career being as a Musical Theatre Performer and my second as an Interior Designer), that I am passionate about. I truly love what I do and feel that is a true “success.” Read more>>

Kelsey Webster

Success is a challenging thing to adequately depict because it’s a culmination of a million things. Foundationally, I think that being successful takes an unwavering belief in yourself. Knowing your worth and fully believing that you are capable of your dreams is so meaningful when it comes to building any business or brand. Read more>>

Reed Crawford

Success can be defined many ways. How you define it for yourself is the only one that matters. Humans devote so much of their time trying to find success. In life and in my photography, I have often sought the validation of others. Hoping people would notice what I do and follow, and give the all-important “like”. Read more>>

Kimberly Massale

I believe true success is not about your income or how large your company has grown, but instead, are you in integrity and have you created a lifestyle that is nourishing enough to allow you to be in your genius in your work. Read more>>

Tatyana Hixon

Success isn’t something that we define in the same way. We all see it differently. There is the happy family and career type of success. There is the accomplishment of something you dreamed of and then there is the status of being happy just where you are doing what you do. Read more>>

Ashley Jock

In a word, passion. No matter what industry you are in, if you have a passion for what you do, it will show! Your passion will drive you to always better yourself and your company. Passion will also be what attracts clients and keeps them coming back. Read more>>

Chellie Carlson

Determination, consistency, belief in yourself, and aligned action. Read more>>

Maritza Rivera

To be driven and have the motivation regardless of what’s thrown at you. Reduce the number of outside influences that are meant to derail you. Read more>>

Stephani Lamoni

3 things – Consistency, Hard Work + Dedication. Read more>>

Andy Strano

Not giving up. Plain and simple. I’ve been on my own for a while now and have had things in my life happen that many would give up after, however, I’ve learned to just stay the course. If you feel that you’re led to be something or do something, no matter how difficult it may be, no matter what life may throw your way, stay the course. I grew up with certain values and have a faith that I won’t let be shaken by the worlds issues and problems. Read more>>

Shae Balboa

I wish it was as easy as it sounds, success. I mean. Success comes from many sectors of life, it’s something that I have prayed for for a long time. Lol, It’s something I’m still praying for and working on currently. Success requires determination, focus, motivation, and action. Those are the key elements that got me to my level of success today. Read more>>

Mashi Epting

To know what it takes to be successful a being must first acknowledge what that success looks and feels like. Before any person can reach their desired levels of success they must first welcome it spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. One must begin to prepare their thoughts, beliefs, and actions in order to become successful. Read more>>

Savannah Jost

It depends on how one defines their opinion on success. I think success is about perception and lot of peoples definition of success is heavily influenced by the comparison of others and their achievements. Read more>>

Kelsey Walsh

Appreciate you joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken. Read more>>

Jorian Goes

You have to believe in what you are doing. Passion helps you overcome the tougher days on the road to success. Read more>>