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.

Dani Nissan

I took a huge risk when deciding to buy an existing coffee shop during the pandemic with little experience. However, I knew in order to be successful, I had to focus on what I would want when entering a coffee house. This idea led me to concentrate on what I love most: animals and a place to socialize over great food, coffee, and high quality products. From there, the idea of Chiefy Cafe was born from my own pandemic puppy. Read more>>

Brenda Baker

“Successful” by definition is “achieving the results wanted or hoped for”. Cambridge Dictionary I believe that every person creates their own definition of what success looks like in their heart. Creating this picture involves passion, perspective, goals and motivation. Passion is what gives the energy and direction to the process towards success. Goals prepare the markers and reward the accomplishments and motivation give longevity to a journey that can last a lifetime. Read more>>

Kate Lynn

This question resonates with me deeply because I have spent the last 10 years uncovering the answers. It doesn’t matter what industry, field, or career you are working in. It all comes down to 2 things – alignment and belief. When I first started my journey of becoming a professional photographer, I wasn’t always in tune with making decisions that were in alignment or even aware of what being aligned meant. Read more>>

Kutbaby Ceo

ALWAYS HAVE GOD 1ST BECAUSE I BELIEVE THERES ONLY ONE GOD, THOSE OUR MY BELIEFS AND IM STICKING TO IT, THERES NO REAL WAY TO EXPLAIN WHAT I THINK IT TAKES TO BE SUCCESSFUL, BUT ILL GIVE A FEW POINTERS WITHIN THE CONVO, OR MOST SO A FEW WORDS IN BETWEEN AS WELL. “CONSISTENCY” YOU GOTTA BE NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO, NO MATTER WHAT CAREER, YOU GOTTA BE DEDICATED, YOU GOTTA LOVE WHAT YOU DO. Read more>>

Julian Bell

I think success is based on your personal vision. You define how you will measure your own progress. My success is based on my growth, if I can look back 6 months from now and see that I’ve improved then I’m successful. However, if I look back and I can’t see any growth I need to reevaluate my next steps. I’m blessed with talent and ability now, but if I don’t continue to build on this momentum, what is the point? Read more>>

Tonya Kassler

What it takes to be successful is putting in the work, especially starting out the business, there are no days off. I hear it a lot, ” You own a business, you can take a day off.” I wish is were that easy. I didn’t start off successful. I was working my business and my full time job, 90 plus hours a week. I know that if I didn’t put the work in to build this business to where it is, which took 2ish years, I wouldn’t be where I am now. Read more>>

Filippo Magnani

Since 1999, I have written extensively about wine and created exclusive wine journeys that uniquely blend classic premium experiences with less known, more authentic and just as much prestigious ones (I like to call them hidden gems!) Our aim is to create a tailor made, unique & unrepeatable wine tour, which gives the opportunity to experience the Italian way of life that is so loved and respected around the world. As well as this, we enable the bringing together of global wine lovers and wine professionals, with Italian Food & Wine Producers throughout the Italian Regions. Read more>>

AnthonyRayShane

I’m a believer of if you do what u truly love and can make a living out of it, you’ve reached a level of success that most people can only dream about. I base my success on several key factors, high quality professional output, and increased production. I feel as if I can positively impact another person’s life by a service I provide, the feeling/charge I get from that is Success! Read more>>

Antwameisha McGee

The formula to success for me consists of a few very important components. First and foremost, FAITH is number one in my book. If there is a lack faith, it won’t lasts let alone it may not even begin. You know that saying “having mustard seed faith” it is very true when it comes to being successful. Even if no one else believes in you, as long as you believe in you that’s all it takes. Being grateful on the bad days, as you are on the good days is faith. Read more>>

Brian C. Hawkins

What it takes to be successful are a few things. First and consistently knowing and believing that you are a success no matter what. Determination and dedication to what your vision and goal is very necessary in being successful. Focus on what you want your success to be. Be realistic and prepared. Challenges and obstacles will happen, but you must have resilience to continue and keep going. Having the right, positive, and encouraging support is vital to any success. Read more>>

Brian Gigerich

My name is Brian Gigerich, mix engineer & owner of HandKrafted Studios in Phoenix, Arizona. My experience comes from over 20 years recording, mixing, coaching, & developing artists, Specifically in the rap, hiphop, & pop world. Canvas recently contacted me for an interview & I was thrilled to be able to talk about my experiences, career & ways to succeed in this field. The music industry is one of the hardest industries to survive in. Read more>>

Desirae Larini

What I think it takes to be successful, three things pop in my head instantly. Dedication, perseverance and integrity. With being dedicated you are not willing to compromise your dream, goal or purpose for the easy way out. Dedication brings patience along with perseverance. Despite if there’s failure or discouragement you stay the course and keep going. Learn from the mistakes and change your perspective if needed. I was raised with strong morals. So for me, integrity is a major key to life. Doing the right thing no matter what, no matter who is or isn’t watching. For me, that’s what success is. Read more>>

Jade Wyatt

To be successful means to have internal peace regardless of what you’re current circumstances are. Now a days, we live in a world full of individuals seeking different means of fulfillment, whether it is intentional or not. From personal experience, trial and error, moments of isolation and many, many, life defining moments, I have reached the conclusion that success is a combination of self acceptance, eternal gratitude, and love. In addition, to be successful, I have also learned that success is not solely of monetary value, but overall wealth and surplus of emotional, physical, and spiritual presence – so that others may receive your overflow. Read more>>

Uri Bialostozky

I have often wondered what it takes to be successful. Does it take skill? Does it take luck? A higher power? And then how does one then measure their level of success? These are important questions to think about on your personal journey to success which may differ from person to person. Here is a list of things that I believe would help anyone on their personal road to success: Love & Value yourself needs to be first. Without this, you may never be able to acknowledge your success. Read more>>

Janet F. Williams

I think the process is as much a part of success as the outcome. I like to start a project with expectations and goals, and the point to which I reach those helps determine to what degree I was successful or not. For serious work, I like to use the SMART model. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant or Realistic, and Time bound. This is an organized approach and the more detail-oriented the answers are, the easier it is to break up a project into manageable sections and results that can be tracked. For less serious projects, I can forgo formal planning. Read more>>

Quenequia Graves

I believe it takes a lot of self-discipline and consistency. Self-denial in terms of allowing feelings of fear or inadequacy to get in the way of getting you to the place you define as successful. Building solid relationships on firm foundations. Lastly, and most cliché, a lot of hard work. Read more>>

Luis Bringas

Relationships are the key to being a successful business. BN Fabrications continually communicates with the customer every step of the process. It is imperative that we understand the needs and wants of the client to ensure that their expectations are being met. The individuality of each project requires this constant back and forth communication to produce a high quality product. Read more>>

Katherine Jones

Success requires flexibility. I graduated with my masters degree from the University of Houston in 2020, at the height of the pandemic. With a degree in opera performance, it seems like my world was crashing down around me. Opportunities to perform for a few and far between and the future of classical music seemed to be in question. I could have taken this to mean I needed to drastically shift my priorities and select a different career; Read more>>

Amberly Alexander

Of course it’ll take preparation, determination, focus, and consistency. Those are the main things, but I’ve also learned that it’s also about timing, paying attention to detail, and being decisive. Always more, never less. Read more>>

Portia Mazone

To be successful it takes determination and consistency. You must have the drive and the purpose to overcome all obstacles that you may encounter along your journey. In addition, you must progressively work toward your set goals in a way that you can measure the outcomes. The road to success is not an easy road. It is inevitable that as you work towards being successful, you will encounter many sleepless nights and you will forfeit several monumental life moments. However, if your goal is to be successful in whatever your craft may be, all your hard work and effort will pay off. Read more>>

Katrina Balajadia

I believe success can be measured in so many different ways. To me success is being happy and fulfilled while doing what you love.
I feel very blessed and am so grateful that after 22 years of being a hairstylist. I am very happy, and fulfilled in the career I chose.
Maybe even a little obsessed! Read more>>

Julyanna Ortega

Personally I think that you must do whatever you are passionate about. Keeping in mind all the aspects of what makes a business successful and meeting the market’s needs. To know the ups and downs of a business, competitiveness, always to be willing to learn and adapt to changes. Read more>>

Merichelle Norwood

I do believe there’s a recipe for success, and while it may vary from person to person, here’s mine: take a dash of fearlessness, sprinkle it with networking, and mix it in with an “ask anyway” attitude. When I first thought about starting my blog, I was apprehensive about what people would think, but I cast my fears aside and did it. One step led to another and not only did I start building my own brand, but I started my own small business, influencer marketing agency. Read more>>