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.

Tom English

True success is not a flash-in-the-pan – it has an inherent sustainability to it. And it isn’t one-dimensional (i.e. just about the money); there are various dimensions to it. For example, if I’m financially successful while my family is falling apart then can I really claim to be successful? Read more>>

Blake Ricchetti

I think being determined, consistent and unique are important to being successful. When I first started, I was in a small shared studio space. I had no idea how I was going to get my own space but I was determined to make it happen. I stayed consistent with the quality of my jewelry and did not fold regardless of what others thought. Being unique in this industry is so important, which is why I only offer solid gold and sterling silver. I’m not in the business of cutting corners. It’s about quality over quantity for me. Read more>>

Jeff Kubes

To be successful in the art industry, I believe it takes a combination of various elements, including talent, passion, dedication, and a willingness to make sacrifices, particularly in terms of time and energy. Success in any field requires a significant investment of one’s resources, and the art world is no exception. Read more>>

Cherise Poole

Success begins with your mind. It’s achieved through adjusting your daily habits, self mastery and being action oriented. It takes a lifelong commitment to yourself to doing what it takes to embody success, however long it may take. For me, it’s taken over 10 years in the industry to be able to gain the experience and client base that I have today. Read more>>

Kaylin Horgan

I think balance is the key to success. To be just as prepared as you are willing to adapt. When to push myself with hard work and knowing when to rest. I’m realizing the more I grow, that most things in life are not in our control, but I find power in prayer, manifestations and alone moments with myself to fully envision myself stepping into my dreams and purposes. Read more>>

Raphael Loquellano

I believe one of the best ingredients to success is meeting people where they’re at. Connecting with people I feel like is sometimes overstated but never successfully practiced. Before I started my company, I enjoyed attending social gatherings and non profit outreach events that allowed me to be among amazing people who have inspired me in my journey. Read more>>

Joshua Anderson

To be successful you have to be willing to work well with others. To be willing to unlearn what you’ve learned in order to grow. You have to understand that comparing yourself brings you down and makes you want to compete rather than collaborating and growing with others. Read more>>

Ima Leupp

What I continue to learn about success is that I cannot give up, especially when it’s so hard I question what I’m doing. I’ve given everything I had to a company that completely failed, I left another company after burning out, I have struggled with alcoholism, substance abuse disorder, and recovery, I left my industry for 2 years, I’ve lost and gained relationships, I’ve lived on couches and gone hungry. Read more>>

Brittany Neish

Consistency is key to achieving success. By committing to daily actions towards your goals, you create a compound effect that generates momentum. In my experience, this has been true for my business journey. Starting What You Do Matters as a side hustle three years ago and now running it full time, I didn’t have all the answers. Read more>>

Anthony Rivera

Consistency. This has many benefits. If you’re bad at something, consistently doing it will make you slightly better at it each time. And once you’re good at something, you’ll be undeniable force that will attract success. Honestly, if you don’t give up, you can’t lose. Read more>>

Joe Mabbott

In my field, I think networking is a big part of success. Aside from having drive, passion, and dedication to succeed, being able to make connections and build community is huge. Early on in my career I said yes to lots of jobs and people to build on my experience. One thing leads to another, especially if you are able to perform to people’s expectations. The more you work, the more your confidence grows, the more your skill set expands and the more of an asset you’ll be for people. Read more>>

Tisha Gale

Whenever I think about what it takes to be successful , I often think about the song, “Remember the Name” by Fort Minor. “This is ten percent luck
Twenty percent skill Fifteen percent concentrated power of will
Five percent pleasure Fifty percent pain And a hundred percent reason to remember the name” Success takes luck, skill, and determination. To be truly successful you have to be able to embrace everything on your journey. You have to push through the pain. And you have celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how big or small. And most importantly, never let the difficult times discourage you. you have to keep going no matter what. Read more>>

Fridio Flash

A person who has the drive to reach their true potential. If that means disciplining yourself from distractions that alter you from achieving your goal, then don’t do it. You have to be strong and determined because doubt can sometimes draw us to being unmotivated. But, always being humble and having faith is key. Read more>>

Mike Keefe

What does it take to be successful? Sounds like a pretty easy question. Most people would say the answer is simply hard work. I would agree with that but it also takes loyalty, dedication, and the desire to aspire. Read more>>

Tiffany Jones

I believe that we all have a different idea or description of what success looks like. We need to identify what that is in order to attain being successful in any area of our lives, whether it be personal or professional. For myself, it takes time and consistency to be successful. When I started Events by Tiffany J, I invested many hours researching ideas and information on how to have a successful business. Read more>>

Whitney Schupp

I don’t think there is just one definition of success for every person. Every individual person will have their own answer to such a deep question and I respect that so much. For me, the simple answer is liking who I am as a business owner, loving the services, space, and energy I am providing and holding for my clients, loving how I am doing my job, and being proud of the results that come from my work. Read more>>

Porche Jackson

I think one of the key thing to be successful is having the right Mindset. The attitude you have for yourself and the way you typically think about things important. Having goals , being self-motivated, and professional will make you successful. Read more>>

Tanast Puakpaibool

Staying motivated and never giving up is a big part of my success. Making goals that are achievable short term to build up for the bigger picture. Sacrifices have to be made. Good things don’t come easy. I don’t really believe in luck, I believe in hard work. Read more>>

Nimsi Coronado

Being successful doesn’t always pertain to the financial aspect, but mainly on whether if you’re fully doing what you enjoy and love. Hard work shows in many different ways; putting in the effort, being persistent and staying committed. In the photography community, I believe that success is when your work begins to inspire others. Read more>>

Brandon Jordan

I believe there are two key things in being successful in anything in life, and especially in being an artist/entertainer. You have to be well liked, and you have to be good at what you do. Being well liked can be comprised of many different aspects. Having a welcomed appearance by your audience, having a like-able personality, and conducting yourself in a positively perceivable way. Not one person can please everyone you cross paths with, but it is important to be perceived in a positive way. Read more>>

Andrea Purtell

When I started by wedding officiating business over 13 years ago, to me being successful meant that my hard work would earn enough of a profit to support myself. Of course, that’s everyone’s goal! But it was important to me that this would be my full-time occupation. My sole endeavor. Something I could put all my effort and enthusiasm into. I was also looking to achieve a niche for myself in the competitive world of the wedding industry. Read more>>

Matt Chirico

This may sound corny and generic but its 100% the truth and I stand by it. To be successful at something you need to be so passionate about it – obsessed even. In my case, with the career path I’ve chosen, it started as a hobby, grew into a passion, and when I realized I would be able to make this my full time gig I immediately made the jump. Read more>>

John Akhoian

Successful people have to have a purpose, a vision and be willing to take action to achieve their goals. But, the truth is that most people never really sit down and consider what their purpose is so they wander around, going nowhere and have no idea what steps to take next in order to accomplish what they want in life. Making sure that you know exactly what you want out of life is the first step on your journey to success. Read more>>

Julia Reno

For me success can mean different things and here are some key principles that can help someone else to be successful: 1. Goal-setting: Set clear and achievable goals for yourself. Make sure they are specific, measurable, and time-bound. 2. Hard work: Success doesn’t come easy. You need to put in dedicated, consistent effort towards your goals. Read more>>

Jason Nguyen

I think it takes ingenuity, perseverance, passion and adaptability. Everyone I look up to has a varying degree of each. But I think what really stands out to me is that they have a fire that sparks inspiration in others. So make sure you sparkle. Read more>>

Breau Hulke

When you start a business you have to put in the time to grow. Starting out I was putting 14-16 hour days in to not only work my full time job that I currently had but also the hours I was putting in before and after work in order to be able to build this business. You have to make sacrifices that people close to you don’t always agree with but that’s what it takes. Read more>>

David Andras

This may not be for everyone because I can only share what has helped me and it did not come quick and it did not come easy. I have learned that you need a set of principals and values. I truly believe they have made all the difference in my growth as a business leader. Read more>>

Clarence Gordon Jr

I believe success takes an unbridled amount of focus, work, and connection. Having a skill is important, how you implement that skill is what counts, and the community you can articulate the value of that skill to.. I can’t really give any anecdotes or stories, being that I’m still on the path to success myself. From what I’ve seen though it seems that persistence,preparation, and patience have always been key factors. Read more>>

Ralph Valadez

To be successful means different things to different people. I don’t believe one should mark success by the dollar amount in ones bank account, or the number of possessions one has accumulated. I believe that success should be measured how you feel at the end of the day or end of week about your physical and spiritual well being. The added bonus is being able to share your happiness and time with family and friends. Read more>>

Shandi Kano

I think to be successful you first define success for yourself. If we’re honest about what we want out of our lives and careers, that definition and trajectory is going to look different for everyone and I think each of us has to come back to that idea as we move on our paths. As humans I think we’re all influenced and inspired by one another, and I think that’s in large part the point of life, but it doesn’t mean that what someone else is doing is what is best for you. Read more>>

RAJAB GUGA

For me its showing up because success isn’t luck or talent. It’s discipline, perseverance, and having the hindsight to learn from your failures. And along the way to success you’re gonna stumble, fall, and fail. A lot. It’s inevitable. But all you gotta Just keep learning from it. Because to be honest If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude. Because it doesn’t matter if you’re tired or rested. Read more>>

Nichole Aden

You have to be willing to take risks. I know, that sounds so scary, right? When I first started my business, I just had my second daughter, I was working full time as a district manager making a pretty decent income and selling my jewelry on the side. I was feeling so burnt out by everything I had on my plate. Read more>>

Rita Suzanne

When it comes to achieving success as a mompreneur, there are five daily habits that can make a significant impact on your business growth. Let’s dive in and explore these practices together: Reach out to a stranger: Don’t be afraid to initiate conversations with new people. Whether it’s through emails, networking events, or chance encounters, connecting with unfamiliar faces can lead to exciting opportunities. You never know who you might meet or what doors might open when you step out of your comfort zone. Read more>>

Celieta Frost

There is no such thing as what it takes, but more of what you will give. Now, do I think I’m successful? No. I think I am putting in what it takes to be successful. I hold a very heavy expectation of myself so, success isn’t always the end goal for me. Each day I try to post content, make posts, create content. Your passion doesn’t have a clock in and clock out button. Whatever you have to give is what will be your result. I love the Springfield community and I give my all into it. Read more>>

Robbin Kelton

In my opinion, I think being successful comes with putting the work in for your business on a consistent basis, great marketing plan, strong vision for your brand, integrity, consistent profit and offering a product/service that fits your target audience. Read more>>

King Larmie

Firstly, as people, we would need to define what success means to us personally before looking to achieve it in any way possible. Specificity in defining individual success I do not believe is always necessary but I would like to think that it is difficult for a person to capture success for themselves when they’re not sure of what it means for them regarding their interest, hobbies, enjoyments, and more. This is something pivotal in creating success that I think we as people tend to forget sometimes. Read more>>

Kim Poonai

One word “Passion”. It’s a true devotion to one’s calling if you are lucky enough to find it. For me, the aesthetic industry was something I was truly interested in and Vita Aesthetics was launched in 2020. You must be passionate about your career to succeed and learn from your mistakes. Success is a journey, not a destination. Success requires support and without my family, reps, and clients I would not be where I am today. Read more>>

Mzgucci La’royke

it takes a lot to be successful. It takes courage, dedication, sacrifice, commitment and consistency. its hard trying to maintain those things. you have to go through many obstacles. your going to lose a lot but you cant give up because it takes a lot of losses to win. Everyone will take about how lavish it is at the top but nobody never wants to talk about the dark side to it .the long nights ,losing sleep falling into depression behind on bills losing everything and still trying to build an empire at the same time . so to be successful you have to bet on you and believe in yourself Read more>>

Marissa Pope, Laura Dickson NA

Laura and I feel there are several aspects to becoming successful in the interior design industry. There are many wonderful examples to learn from. We have been fortunate to have had some opportunities to learn from our failures and challenges. We feel that it is important to see these challenges from different perspectives in order to successfully and creatively solve whatever is before us. We feel that discipline is essential over motivation. Read more>>

Crystal Jones

In order to be successful in the beauty industry you have to remain focused. Consistency is key. You have to work hard on your level or service. Try to make each clients lash experience great and relaxing as possible. Read more>>

Leah Ellis

I think it takes insane work ethic and go getter mentality to be successful. You have to put in the work when everyone else isn’t. There are challenges in everything but one thing that remains steady in my life is my faith in Christ. Real success begins by obeying God’s command to repent, believing in Jesus Christ, and following Him in all areas of life. Read more>>

On’Nykah King

It’s take a lot to be successful I mean a lot. It isn’t easy but they best way to keep going is trusting god, having passion, and being patient. All these steps helped me and is still helping me grow as a business owner and also my business as well. Read more>>