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.

Allison Jackson

To be successful, I think you need a strong sense of self as well as resilience and perseverance. It can be difficult to stay the course if you’re not aligned and passionate about the end goal. Read more>>

Samuel Soliman

It takes a lot of failing to become successful, and even talking on the point of failure, it’s never really a failure if you ACTUALLY learn and grow from it. Read more>>

Ashley Redding

I think hard work and dedication are an absolute must in success. You have to believe in yourself, even when times are tough. You have to keep throwing yourself in there and proving to yourself and the world around you that you are strong, capable and never give up! Read more>>

Renee Neideigh

I spend a great deal of time around animals, and I do not believe because I occupy a human body that I am separate from nature or somehow superior to other living beings or creatures. Read more>>

Olivia Shannon

For some, the word “success” is defined by the amount of money you have or what title you have. For me, success is defined by non-monetary things —the amount of hearts you touch, your ability to find yourself and be confident in who you are, being disciplined, overcoming storms, surrounding yourself with good people, and being a person of service. Read more>>

Chris Long

I believe that it takes a lot to be successful as a musician today. Practice and perseverance are essential. You have to work at it and not expect instant success. Read more>>

Katrina Johnson

Everyone has their own definition of success – for me, its solving customer problems, even if it doesn’t go “my way”. Coming from corporate America as an accomplished Product Manager in the tech startup space, I have learned a few key steps to get from having a problem, to solving a problem and which led to success. Read more>>

Marylou Bustillos Rico

Starting is the cornerstone of success. Waiting for the perfect moment only delays progress. The time to act is now. Recently, I’ve embraced this mindset, putting myself out there instead of passively waiting for opportunities to come my way. Read more>>

Lei Ding

I think the most important thing to be successful is to keep going. Anything good or bad that happens, you just keep moving. Some days you’re moving like a jet plane and others you’re on your hands and knees crawling but keep going. The people who are truly successful never stopped. Read more>>

Felisha Nicholson

I think it takes passion and drive. I believe that God will guide your footsteps throughout your journey, but you have to take the steps toward your journey. Read more>>

Eddie Rider

What do you think it takes to be successful? Do you have any stories or anecdotes that illustrate your point or how you developed your view? Read more>>

Jayymichelle Davis

Success can be defined in various ways, but generally, it requires a combination of factors such as determination, hard work, resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn and grow. Read more>>

Natalie Osborne

I am learning that it takes persistence and belief in one’s self to achieve success. Also, abandoning the fear of earning as a self employed creative was the first step for me. Read more>>

Gavin Fulton

Success is a bit of a tough thing to evaluate. Who determines the success? What IS success? Is making a ton of money doing the thing you love considered success? Read more>>

Grace Wong

A lot of people think being successful is along the lines of earning a lot of money or climbing to the top of the corporate ladder. Being hailed as a top elite figure of authority in your workplace. Read more>>

Vanessa Domenech

To achieve success in the event planning industry, a blend of time, perseverance, exemplary customer service, and fostering strong relationships with venues and event teams is imperative. Read more>>

Jose Marti

Success is much more than how much money a person or business makes. To me, success is doing something you love to do in a way that is impactful to your community, family, and country. Read more>>

Elissa Gonzales

I think it takes, more often than not, extreme motivation. My preferred phrasing is “to be hellbent,” because hellbent implies that you can power through the inevitable “no’s” and “failures” that will most definitely arise along the way. Read more>>

Jennifer Diaz

When I was first starting out as an entrepreneur, I spent so much time, effort, and money seeking out different business and marketing strategies, hoping to find the answer to this question. Read more>>

Julieanne Browning

There are so many ways to perceive what it means to be “successful”. I think we often associate success with wealth, but there are so many other ways in which success can be attained, and it looks a little different for everyone. Read more>>

Sarah Ganann

Success looks different every day! True success to me looks like Balance, Flexibility & the ability to Give Back. Prioritizing time & energy as needed to many different areas of business and life in general. Read more>>

Charlene Simpson

In my opinion, I would say I think it takes a couple of core values you need to instill to be successful at I do myself or anyone for that matter,First off, No matter what field of work you are in is to the best thing you can do is stay consistent Read more>>

Ashley Cummins

To be successful is having the desire to be successful and intentional in your purpose. Success is not always measured by money at least I would like to hope so. Read more>>

Kyra Leeigh

Success in graphic design requires creativity, skill, determination, and adaptability. A time that reflects this is when I first started my business, a client presented me with a challenging project. Read more>>

Corrine Salmon

To be successful one has to use their talents, skills, and strengths in addition to having the belief that you can do anything you put your mind to. Read more>>

Courtney Edwards

Success takes failure and to fail you have to try. If I could give any advice on how to be successful I would advise you to first, figure out what you want to be successful at, study that industry and market, and go carve out your lane. Read more>>

Aubrey Wise

I think success comes from working hard, keeping faith, and staying true. It’s important to define what success means to you individually. Read more>>

Precious Whitener

I think in order to be successful you have to be willing to see challenges as opportunities for growth as opposed to seeing them as threats! Read more>>