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.

David Collingsworth

I think it truly takes honesty and integrity to be successful. Years ago I worked as an HVAC Tech and my supervisor asked if I had installed a hard start kit on the customer’s AC and I replied “it was brand new!” He said “you could still do it and it is 100% profit for us.” I was amazed he wanted me to be dishonest. I had heard Vince Lombardi say “it takes months to find a customer and seconds to lose one.” If I’m honest I don’t have a guilty conscience or have to remember all of the lies I’ve told. Read more>>

Matthew Lasley

I think that success is a word that is often oversimplified by society. If you become the best or famous or make a lot of money, that is considered success by many. We set the bar high and anything less is failure. Yet, that is not true. Or at least not celebrated. It creates a world where we do not celebrate the individual and the hurdles they overcome. And it is often those that have reason to celebrate that don’t because there is always someone else who can do it a little bit better or even a lot better, so we have self doubt if we are really successful. We end up with imposter syndrome. Read more>>

Garrett McClure

One the biggest mistakes I’ve ever made in life has been to blindly chase after success (or fame, fortune, money, achievements, etc). In life, anytime you want to know the how to achieve something, such as “success”, you first need to know deeply what you are trying to get. Society engrains in us the drive to succeed and win at all costs to achieve wealth, fame and happiness. I encourage you to examine your definition of success, your motivations and understand if you are really getting what you want from your ‘successes.’The first, most critical step to being ‘successful’ is to craft a clear vision of what that means to you. Read more>>

Zach Knapp

Being successful is relatively simple, though certainly not easy. This is just my opinion, but many other people smarter and more successful than me have had similar things to say. This also assumes your definition of success is based on some kind of achievement or growth-oriented experience. 3 steps… 1) Find your fun. This is imperative. Maybe you don’t resonate with the word “fun,” but whatever you call it, it is vital. Passionate about; compelled by; resonate with; understand; enjoy; find purpose/meaning in; get turned on by, etc. Once you find this, nurture it and explore it and dissect it like a mad scientist trying to take over the world. Read more>>

Shay Fertilien

Success in the travel industry, or any business for that matter, requires a combination of passion, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to customer satisfaction. Traveling is something that most people desire and long for and as a travel company during the height of the pandemic we certainly experienced challenges that helped develop my view on success. During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the travel industry faced unprecedented challenges. Like many others, our travel company experienced a sudden downturn in bookings, cancellations, and uncertainties about the future. It was a time of immense pressure, but it also became a catalyst for transformation. Read more>>

Jolee Vacchi

The secret sauce to my own success can be attributed to three key elements. First, surrounding myself with people who genuinely believe in me and support me. If you don’t already have those people in your personal life, you can go out and find them by joining various networking groups (I’m a member of the Women’s Business League) or Facebook groups (shout out to Boston Business Women) for different niches of entrepreneurs. You may also have some loved ones who are nay-sayers that you may have to learn to take their advice with a grain of salt. If and when it comes time for you to add to your team, I’ve found success by not only seeking competency in a particular skill set, but also ensuring that the prospective employee aligns with the values of my business, and that our personalities are a good match for a positive working relationship. Read more>>

Alyssa Erickson

First of all, I think success can look different for everyone. For some it is reaching a specific dollar amount, some it is running a business that provides flexibility and time with family, and for others it is simply waking up and doing something that they love every day. Success isn’t always something you can measure. For me, success in my photography business has looked like making enough to surpass my 9-5 income, building a business that allows me the flexibility to take time off and travel, and finding something that truly brings me so much joy! Read more>>

Sigourny Love

Success in the salon industry, especially in an established city, requires a mix of innovation, passion, and client love. I have learned early on in my life, that accomplishment doesn’t come from motivation, it comes from discipline. At times when the days are long, motivation feels like a distant friend, but I always come back to my end goal which is to help people feel and look their best and it allows me to show up consistently and whole-heartedly. Read more>>

Nicolas Angel

To be successful in BUSINESS because being successful in life is a different thing, is like a recipe, one needs experience, determination, discipline, organization, and a clear objective. With those ingredients that recipe is going to create a successful dish in business! The rest is just maintaining and taking care of the business. Read more>>

Stephanie Lang

Well, before I talk about being “successful” as a business owner, I think it’s important to mention that “success” will look different to different people. When you start or buy a business, it’s crucial to define goals, recognize your “why” and decide what type of success you’re looking for. The great thing about owning your own business is that your needs and picture of success may change over the years, and you’ll have total freedom to evolve your business to fit different seasons of life. Corporate jobs don’t usually allow for that kind of flexibility and they rarely take into consideration different people in different seasons of life with unique needs. Read more>>

Samantha Flynn

What most people get wrong about “success” is that there there is only one definition of it. This is usually dictated by societal standards – a good job, a loving, well-behaved family, a model citizen, white picket fence and the whole nine yards. I’ve learned that “Success” is best measured by an individual’s definition of it – it looks different for everyone. While the above scenario could in fact be the aspiration of many, success could also look like traveling internationally 2x a year, taking up a new hobby, starting a business or being able to set boundaries that serve you. Read more>>

Christina Sgro

Achieving success in the beauty industry requires a combination of dedication, continuous education, resilience and a supportive network. Hard work and a commitment to ongoing education are essential in staying ahead in this dynamic field. Embracing failure as a stepping stone to success is a crucial mindset, fostering resilience and the determination to strive harder. Surrounding yourself with a collaborative and supportive team is paramount for success in the beauty business. In my experience, I have been fortunate to work with a team of highly creative individuals who inspire and support one another. Read more>>

Anza Goodbar

In the world of entrepreneurship, adaptability is key to success. Embracing a dynamic approach to business means being open to reinvention. As an entrepreneur, I firmly believe that staying relevant requires a continuous willingness to pivot, especially in the face of changing market dynamics. The cautionary tale of once-giant companies like Sears and Roebuck serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of clinging too tightly to outdated business models. In the rapidly evolving business landscape, those who fail to adapt risk becoming obsolete. Read more>>

Rolexis Schinsing

Throughout my journey, I’ve encountered moments of rejection and also instances that I considered significant wins. I believe that both the challenges and opportunities I’ve faced were crucial and inevitable because they have played a vital role in shaping who I am today. In my view, success is about understanding that every milestone comes with its share of setbacks and breakthroughs. It’s about recognizing that each “no” and “yes” contributes to the overall journey. Every accomplishment signifies my perseverance and refusal to give up on my dreams, and that, to me, is true success. Read more>>

Sharon Hoffman

Persistence. There are many quotes about persistence and success. One of my favorite quotes is by Calvin Coolidge: “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Nothing is more common than unscuccessful men with talent. Persistence and determination alone are ominpoteint.” Becoming a Veterinary Dental Specialist took decades of studying. testing, pracitice, and long hours dedicated to all three. Life happens during those years to discourage, exhaust, and confound. I was told that my goals and aspirations were set too high. Too high for whom? Too high for what? One of my monochrome images is entitled “Stalwart”. The definition of stalwart is to be marked by outstanding strength and vigor of body, mind, and spirit. The image is of a palm tree that was at the top of a dune one day. Read more>>

Tahira N Roman

To be successful, I believe it requires a combination of hard work, dedication, and adaptability. Personally, I have experienced numerous challenges and obstacles along the way, but they have ultimately shaped my perspective and taught me valuable lessons. Time is one example. I sometimes wish I could obtain more clients and spend more time creating content for my social platforms to build a stronger online presence, but I am limited in my time due to the business days that I’ve selected to do photography and the amount of clients I can handle. However, I am grateful for the opportunities I have and excited for the future. Read more>>

Hailey Hall

There are so many ways to reach success now, especially with the opportunities technology has provided alone. However, I personally feel that it’s important to have a “why” to reach TRUE success. When I’m talking about knowing “your why,” I mean having a clear vision for what you want, how it can benefit others, and what it takes to get there. Your why is a deeper meaning beyond simply selling a product or service. My ultimate why and mission for my business is to help create a special, purposeful bath and body routine that helps you to see your purpose everyday. Read more>>

Ashlee Rivers

While I think there are various influences one could note in becoming succesful, I personally feel as though obtaining (and/or) maintaining an element of consistency in your craft could eventually lead one into becoming successful in what ever the main “goal” they wish to achieve is. For example, as it relates to my profession in creating music, I’ve come to learn that I have better chances of landing beats I create with artists and/or their teams the more I consistently create quality music, and have them ready at a moments’ notice to send out. Read more>>

Jarvis Wright

Success is different for every business. At Metro Battle Zone, we believe success is gained through effective brand marketing and providing top-notch customer service. Read more>>

Emily Fouts

I think people can be successful in many different ways, but I believe there are key components to creating sustainable success. Those key components being: Having a strong self of self, a vision for not only whatever it is you’re wanting to be successful in, but also a strong personal vision & having a positive mindset. We work so that we can enrich our lives; we don’t work just to work, so understanding what it is you’re working for and what you’re priorities are, can be really helpful in creating that momentum. Having an abundance mindset is going to lead you in the direction of success every time. Read more>>

Katya & Tatiana Stec

Katya Stec (Founder): Success isn’t just about hitting big goals or being the top dog. It’s about staying humble, giving back to the crew or the cause you’re passionate about, and being grateful. Lots of folks get caught up in being the best, but forgetting to lend a hand or appreciate the journey together. Real success? It’s a mix of keeping it humble, helping out, and saying thanks – making a story that’s not just about you, but about everyone around you. Read more>>

Carlos Smith II

I believe it takes a lot of dedication, sacrifices & being consistent to be successful. I have been at my film journey since 2006 and one of the things I’ve always took chances for is to reinvent myself as a filmmaker after each completed project. I went from doing silly videos with friends in high school to producing movie projects that have been selected at various film festivals, been featured on the news, media outlets and more, alongside having placements on streaming platforms. Read more>>

Frances Altman

I feel success comes in small units of reaching your goals. There may be a series of completing your goals and that becomes a successful project. I have developed that viewpoint by using one small success to build another. My entire career has been based on reinventing or compiling one success after another. Read more>>

Jesse King

Being successful in this industry is about the value that is offered to our clients, and their response to our services. Flooring is a major aspect of a home and it can make the world of difference when you have a beautiful quality floor. When you build a reputation and have a solid foundation of skills to showcase, clients tend to find this in our company when sourcing flooring professionals. We have amazing reviews, 18+ 5 star reviews within 1.5years of starting this business. The heartfelt testimonials noted by clients is how we define our success. Quality floors, happy clients, successful business. Read more>>

Wojciech Maśliński

Success is, in my opinion, the result of hard work and discipline rather than a random occurrence. Therefore, I believe that an essential part of success is discipline, which involves doing things not just when you feel like it but when they need to be done. I have experienced firsthand that hard work pays off. I created my Instagram account in October 2020, and since then, I have consistently managed my profile. For the first three years, I posted at least 3 times a week without any breaks. I remember staying up late to finish drawings just to publish them on time. At some point, my effort paid off, and I quickly gained many followers, receiving inquiries about commissioned drawings. So, once again, discipline equals success:) Read more>>