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.

Michelle Young

I believe its hard work, determination, self-assured, being organized, having and maintaining motivation to pursue what you love and want to do, and staying focused on your goals. I’ve always maintained these goals throughout my life from everything i did in school and in my professional career choices. When i was growing up, i had my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors, church family, coworkers and friends supporting & encouraging these attributes and giving me those pushes that i needed to strive forward in life today. I was brought up to never give up on myself and to know that i can achieve whatever i put my mind too. With these teachings, I’ve been able to accomplish being the youngest manager in the company, the only female manager, or the only African American manager in the jobs that I’ve held throughout my career. These accomplishments have always been a big deal to me because they spoke volumes on my hard work and dedication and reflected back in my work ethics on my work. By having a foundation (family structure), a clear plan (knowing what you are wanting to do), a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn and adapt to changes, a person will always go far and accomplish whatever dream they seek. Read more>>

Ayana Vaughn

For me personally it takes hard work, dedication, clear cut goals. I have learned to have to be mentally tough and maintain a strong work ethic and mindset. All while learning, growing and adapting to every situation. Read more>>

Chris Salerno

Success is a blend of resilience, purpose, and a willingness to embrace growth. I believe success isn’t just about achieving goals but about the journey, the persistence to overcome obstacles, and the drive to keep learning and adapting. I chose the latter, leaning into the challenges, collaborating closely with my team, and seeking mentorship. That situation taught me that success isn’t about a flawless path but about how you handle the bumps along the way. To me, success comes from the commitment to evolve, develop resilience, and stay aligned with your purpose. Read more>>

Quenton Rockwell

Look, success in commercial real estate boils down to a few things: resilience, building real relationships, and knowing how to create value. It’s not just about closing deals—it’s about understanding the bigger picture for your client. Most clients aren’t just buying property; they’re making a business move, setting the stage for something bigger. I remember working with a client who had a specific vision for expanding their business. We looked at properties, and each time I didn’t just focus on the space itself—I wanted to know how it would fit their future plans, how we could make it work to grow their brand. We found the right spot, and they hit the ground running. They still come to me for advice because they know I’m committed to their success beyond just the sale. The takeaway? You succeed when you see yourself as part of the client’s team, not just as a broker. It’s about trust, commitment, and really being a partner in their vision. You do that, and not only do you win deals—you build a reputation that keeps clients coming back. Read more>>

Nikayla Russell

Success can be defined in so many different ways. For me, I think of success as being fulfilled and balanced in both my professional and personal life. This has taken time to achieve and there are always different factors that come into play that call for adjustments as professional and personal life evolves. As a yoga studio owner, i feel eternally grateful to have created an environment that I genuinely love being in and allows me to teach and practice something that is so dear to my heart. The passion I have for my business is felt by the consumers. The same is felt with the other Instructors I have hired at the studio. When people are happy and thankful for the service that is provided, that feels like success to me. Read more>>

Jamal Cormier

Success in anything takes hard work and perseverance. I developed this point of view through many life experiences. It’s applicable to every aspect of life including martial arts , business, family , health /fitness , education and faith in your belief system Read more>>

Crystal Bowie

I fell that it takes consistency and determination in yourself to be success and you have to believe in yourself . Even on days when you feel like you cant keep going you have to because it may be the day you catch your big break. I developed my view on this by just getting up and being consistent and trying different things to see what my niche is . Over time I found that doing review and posting content on social media actually makes other days even when I feel personally that i am not where I want to be in life but I keep going. Read more>>

Melissa Sementilli

I’ve often heard the saying that true success demands persistence—that relying solely on luck or natural talent can only take you so far. When I first transitioned from the fashion industry to the wedding world, I was brimming with optimism, thinking that my eye for beauty would naturally draw clients in. But stepping into this new industry was humbling; I quickly realized just how many talented creatives were already thriving here, each with their own distinctive voice and established path. It was easy to let doubt creep in, and for a time, I found myself caught in a loop of questioning whether I could truly make a mark. Over time, however, I came to realize that talent is merely a foundation, perhaps 25% of the ladder to success. The rest is built through an insatiable curiosity—the drive to always be learning, evolving, and embracing change, which I believe makes up another 35%. What I didn’t yet know, I could seek out and master, and with each step, my confidence and skills grew. Read more>>

Pratibha Dixit

Beyond technical knowledge, I believe that true success lies in honing my creative abilities. Bringing a client’s vision to life through compelling storytelling, experimenting with dynamic compositions, and communicating my ideas effectively all contribute to the successful completion of each project, enabling me to continually advance in my career. Additionally, I prioritize networking to remain visible to potential clients and industry colleagues. Staying organized and responsive builds professional trust, which is essential for long-term success. As the industry constantly evolves with new technologies, trends, and client demands, I make it a priority to adapt—whether through learning new software, adopting emerging styles, or exploring different genres. Read more>>

Guy Grundy

There are many elements that go into becoming successful in your chosen field. How you deal with failure is a huge indicator, if you will succeed or not. No matter who you are, failure is something you will experience much more than you realize. I follow a stoic way of thought. My motto is, the Obstacle is the way. Every time I face an obstacle or failure, I tell myself, “good”, as they allow you to take another path & if you are smart enough you learn so much from each failure. I have failed in so many ways in my life & each provides a lesson if you look for it. Getting emotional doesn’t help in any way, it clouds your judgements ,thoughts & creates anxiety. Controlling your emotions is key in any field. Discipline is also very important, in a nutshell discipline is doing the things you need to do even when you don’t want to do them. Motivation is fleeting, while discipline is always there. Most aren’t willing to do what’s needed to be successful. The more you put into something the more you get out of it. I only do things that lead me to my goal. It’s a huge sacrifice & it can be a lonely path. It all comes down to how much you truly want something & what you are willing to sacrifice. Success doesn’t come easy!!! Read more>>

Adrian Russi-jimenez

What I myself believe it takes to become Successful, is solely the journey of discovery along your path provided to you by our Creator, like it or not. We consistently base our efforts to be “RICH” or “Famous”, for what? Generational Inheritance? Perhaps, who am I to judge… I believe being Successful is finding Peace, Love, Joy, and Good Health. Without any of those 4 things, how will you become successful..? Money is not everything hahaha… all jokes aside, Reality will humble you, so take it all , and appreciate what has been provided to you. Give it all back, because some may have never had what we have, before. Help others, love one another unconditionally, there are simply too many Detestable Realities, which can be remedied by Serenity. Our current state of the world, is at stake. What we do with our lives, always matters. It’s the biggest Butterfly Effect since the dawn of existence. God started this journey for us all… He can also take it rightfully back. Humility, Kindness, Empathy, Compassion, it goes a long way…. What do you think it takes to be successful? Read more>>

Efe Karadağlı

That answer depends on how we define “success” and what isn’t. As a freelance illustrator and animator, I feel it’s not really up to me to judge how good or bad I am at my own work. Also, achieving success as an artist is one thing, while achieving success as a freelance artist is another entirely. If we define success in terms of a certain level of income or online/real-world visibility, it’s now much easier to reach than it used to be. I believe I’m improving in this regard every day and working toward it. But if we’re talking about professional, personal, and moral satisfaction as success, then to me, this is a never-ending story. I can’t believe anyone could truly say, “Okay, I’ve made it; I’m successful now.” I’m always a student in my life, open to learning and staying current. Read more>>

Laila Abdelnour

Something I have always said in this life is, “The most successful people in life are the ones who just keep going.” I truly believe that anyone can be successful if they are willing to KEEP GOING. When someone tells you no, or things don’t go according to plan – when it becomes “harder than you thought it would be” – if you find the will and the courage to just keep going, you will find your way to success. The road might be bumpier or longer than anticipated, but I truly believe that if you keep pushing yourself past the limitations your own mind has set on itself, you will find the success you are looking for.  Having faith in yourself to know you are capable enough to figure things out, no matter what is thrown your way, is also an important tool in carrying on when things get challenging. The amount of times I’ve said “you’ve got this, just find a solution or a new avenue to make it happen” – and believed in my abilities to do just that – is a larger number than the times that things actually went according to plan. Get creative, use all of your resources, and KEEP GOING. Read more>>

Radiance Bryant

Keep your heart and intentions pure. Do good by people without being taken advantage of and the love and support will come without being forced. Read more>>

Taha Chanouha

Hard work, dedication, discipline and commitment with the a hint of luck sometimes! Story: When I first started my photography journey in Toronto I was putting out a lot of content and photos without seeing much results to the point where I wanted to give up and sell all my gear. However, after deciding to keep going I was lucky enough to get an opportunity to work with Fujifilm Canada which changed my entire trajectory. Read more>>

Erickson Arrunategui

I think it takes drive and resilience to be successful. You have to want it bad enough but also be willing to put in the work. The most successful people in the world had many doors close in their face, and failed many times. Read more>>

Deidra Bailey

I believe it takes dedication and the drive for wanting something to be successful. Success is all about the mentality that you possess and the people surrounding you to uplift you and encourage you. It took me a year to feel confident in my business and the craft that I create. I had to try different styles and open new doors for me. That leap of faith is what helped me to become successful in what I do. Read more>>

Kaylani Mactaggart

I think the keys to achieving success as an artist or painter requires a blend of talent, dedication, and a genuine eagerness to learn and grow. It goes beyond merely developing a distinctive style or technique; it involves a continuous journey of refining your techniques and expanding your creative horizons. Actively seeking and embracing constructive criticism, as well as remaining receptive to fresh ideas, can significantly enhance the evolution of your artistic expression and journey. The importance of networking cannot be overstated in the art world. Cultivating meaningful relationships with fellow artists, gallery owners, and art enthusiasts can lead to invaluable opportunities that may otherwise remain out of reach or impossible. Engaging with your audience through social media platforms and participating in art exhibitions or local vendor markets and events not only boosts your visibility but also helps you forge connections with a broader community that can and will appreciate your work. Read more>>

John Afravi

FAILURE. Do not be afraid to fail. Do not be afraid to be genuine. Show everybody who you are through your business and you’ll get people that resonate with you. When I lost my corporate job in August of 2020, I was presented an opportunity disguised as a failure. I asked my wife to give me until the following March to try my hand at trading full time and running my photography business as a source of income.  It wasn’t easy. There were times I felt it was too much and I almost went back to searching for a job. At times I would talk myself into it saying, “it’s ok. Being an entrepreneur may not be for me. It is a ton of work and stress. A job is much easier.” It was a tug of war of emotions, failures, and wins. My family was skeptical…..even I was skeptical at times. But what I learned is that you must have an unwavering confidence in yourself. In your ability to push through the tough times…….you can also do with a dash of stubborn-ness! And here at the end of 2024, I still struggle with these emotions at times. They never go away. But I’ve gotten better at believing in myself. And the only way that can be developed is simply going through it. The experience of it. Read more>>

Samantha Mirallegro

As the founder of Samantha Digital, I’ve learned that consistency is one of the biggest factors in achieving success, especially in the digital marketing and SEO space. But here’s the thing – consistency isn’t just about showing up and taking action day after day. True consistency goes hand-in-hand with thoughtful analysis. To put it simply, consistent actions followed by consistent analysis create a feedback loop that keeps you moving forward with purpose, rather than just spinning your wheels. Every day, I’m performing a mix of repetitive and strategic tasks: creating content, optimizing for SEO, building client websites, and engaging with our audience. These consistent actions are important because they create a reliable framework for my work and provide the momentum to keep Samantha Digital growing. However, I’ve seen firsthand that doing these actions without analyzing their impact is like sailing without a compass. Sure, you’re moving, but are you moving in the right direction? Read more>>

Aiym Assimkanova

In my opinion, success is only achievable if you’re willing to take risks that others aren’t. If success were easy, everyone would be successful! True success requires courage. Taking a risk means that even when something is scary and there’s no guarantee of winning, you still go for it. For me, the biggest risk was moving alone to a new country at the age of 22, without knowing English and without any family or friends. That was the most significant risk I’ve taken so far. Since then, I’ve faced many other risks, and I’m sure there will be more. I’m excited for what’s to come! Read more>>

Indie Mcfarlane

To me, success is all about consistency and resilience. It’s about showing up every day, even when you’re exhausted. If I have a day where I can’t give my best effort, I make up for it by working on a Saturday or Sunday to reclaim those lost hours. Resilience is especially crucial when you’re running a self-funded business. I’ve faced countless setbacks with Indy Sunglasses—so many that I’ve lost track! But I’ve learned that the key is to keep pushing forward and take each challenge as a learning opportunity. One major setback I faced with Indy Sunglasses was in our early years when we launched in Topshop stores across the USA and London. I self-funded everything—the stock, display stands, and travel costs—dedicating a year of my life to this venture. I had no social life, barely enough money to eat, and was completely exhausted. But I knew that once we were set up in each Topshop location, the sales would start rolling in, and all the hard work would pay off. I chose Las Vegas as the final launch location (obviously!). However, just a few days after I got home to New York, Topshop filed for bankruptcy. The stores shut down, and I lost all my money, stock, stands, and a year’s worth of effort. It was a tough time, but I didn’t let it stop me. I picked myself back up and pivoted to an online-only strategy, diving into social media and e-commerce to rebuild the brand. Read more>>

Meghan Farrar

Sacrifice. Whether that is of your money, your humility, your boundaries, your personal life. There is a grind that needs to be done to establish yourself and find your niche. Then once you have a good groove – it becomes about sustainability, because sacrifice isn’t sustainable. And figuring out how to sustain while gaining portions of those sacrifices back can be difficult finding the balance – but it’s there. Read more>>

Justin Heinselman

Success involves a combination of factors, including hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. It also requires setting clear goals, staying focused, and Networking! I also think taking the opportunity in front you is key to success, for example i once did a showing at a house and the end of are showing a family stopped at the edge of the road and asked what the price was of the home! I continued to share all the information about the home and from there i was able to gain 3 separate transactions with the individual family members in the car! That would not have had happened if i didn’t take the time to try to pursue them and what there needs where! Read more>>

Angela Cherry

To achieve success, I believe it requires a blend of several key elements: passion, resilience, discipline and commitment to growth & continuous learning. First, passion is a driving force behind success. When you genuinely care about what you do, it fuels your motivation and keeps you engaged, even during tough times. Finding a career or cause that resonates with you can make all the difference in your journey. Second, resilience plays a critical role in success. The journey is rarely a straight path; there will be setbacks and obstacles along the way. Developing the ability to bounce back from failures and learn from those experiences is vital. Embracing a growth mindset allows you to see challenges as opportunities for development. Third, discipline is equally crucial. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and it requires consistent effort and focus over time. Discipline keeps you on track, pushing you to follow through on commitments, prioritize effectively, and maintain a high standard in your work. Read more>>

Kimberly Myers

Success comes when you fully believe in what you’re doing, selling, or promoting—authenticity can’t be faked. You know you’re on the right path when it’s constantly on your mind, fueling your drive. It takes real strength to trust your instincts, to avoid being thrown off course by endless distractions and obstacles and constant barrage of public opinion we experience now. Keep pushing forward. Tune out the critics. Follow those wild, unconventional ideas that make you who you are. Worrying gets you absolutely nowhere. Be a warrior! I personally found myself being pulled by trends many times. But when I came back to my true self and true brand , clients knew who that was. They were attracted to the confidence and the clarity of the brand and because it was authentic , those would be the most successful and most satisfying collaborations. Don’t try to be something you’re not- just be the best one of what you are. Read more>>

Eshama John

Success is a personal journey and can look different for everyone, but there are some qualities and habits that tend to be universal in helping people reach their goals: 1. Clear Vision and Goals • Knowing what you want and why is the foundation. A clear vision gives direction, while specific goals provide measurable milestones along the way. 2. Persistence and Resilience • Failure and setbacks are inevitable. Successful people see these as learning opportunities and keep going, adapting as needed. Resilience helps them bounce back stronger each time. 3. Self-Discipline and Consistency
• Consistency compounds. Small, disciplined actions every day add up over time. Whether it’s practicing a skill, networking, or learning something new, steady effort can make a huge difference. 4. Curiosity and Willingness to Learn • Staying open to new ideas and continuously learning keeps you adaptable and open-minded. Lifelong learners are better able to handle change and take advantage of new opportunities. Read more>>