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.

Will Palomino

To answer that question, it really depends on how you measure success and what being successful means to you. For my field of comedy, success could mean making it big and selling out the biggest arenas around the world, or it could just mean making a honest living just off of doing what you love, that is comedy. Read More>>

Marvin Lee

It takes defining what success is to you, to be successful. If you cannot identify what the desired outcome or your vision is, then how can you expect to take steps in reaching that goal. The mom and pop coffee shop has found success if they define their success to humbly serve the neighborhood with one store, have the best sourced coffee, and close up shop by 3 PM. Read More>>

Katie Fong Biglin

One of my favorite quotes that I try to live by in my personal and professional life is “We rise by lifting others.” Growing up in a in a family of entrepreneurs, I was taught that success is about who you surround yourself with. Through surrounding yourself by those who make you a better person and lift you up, you will ultimately achieve success. Read More>>

Natalya Reaves

Success is defined differently for everyone, for me it starts with consistency. Starting a business takes a lot, a lot of all of the things! (All the things consistency, determination, knowing your self worth etc.) That being said I think back to when I first started baking, sooooooo many years ago to where I am now and it was from me being consistent. No one, well the average person doesn’t start with a huge client base. In this era of social media it’s easier to promote yourself but you HAVE to do it on a regular basis. Read More>>

Apoorva Choudhary

I think being successful takes resilience, adaptability, and a solid sense of humor—because let’s be honest, the universe loves throwing curveballs, and sometimes all you can do is laugh and figure it out. Read More>>

Jennifer Day

My belief about success is quite simple and deeply rooted in compassion. When we approach everything with human kindness, the benefits can be truly transformative and endless. I find immense joy in engaging with my community, creating activities and events that bring people together, making sure everyone feels welcomed and valued. For me, that’s what success looks like. Read More>>

Chelsea Boxwell

For me, success isn’t about selling a piece or racking up accolades—it’s about those electric moments when I’m pouring my heart into something I genuinely believe in. I’ve come to understand that my “masterpiece” isn’t finished yet, and the best is still ahead of me. Recognizing that my journey is ongoing eases the pressure to achieve “success” immediately—it’s a reminder that both my work and my life are constantly evolving. This perspective frees me to keep experimenting and exploring, without feeling tied to any arbitrary finish line. Read More>>

Bradley Raymond

I believe that if you always believe in yourself and keep focused on your goals, you will succeed. There will be people that don’t hire you, don’t like a project that you are pitching or give you negative feedback. Those are the times that you need to stay focused on your goal and never lose faith in yourself. I applied for a job at a big studio and was told that I was not good enough to hire and that I should change careers. They suggested that I give up on my dreams. I didn’t take their advice, continued toward my dream and had a successful career. Don’t give up on your dreams! Read More>>

Lane Buoen

Ive been trying to redefine what “success” means for me. It’s easy to get caught up in the logistics of success which I think to a lot of people can consist of making money and being well recognized in your craft. In reality I think the epitome of success is having balance and commitment to what you do. To be successful as an artist, as a creator, is showing up to your work but also knowing when to look away and take a step back. There must be room to breath, to detach from your work and see it for what it is. I think that is success. Read More>>

Freddie Gutierrez

What I think it takes to be successful is the ability to not take “no” for an answer and to never allow the opinions of others define you. If you believe in yourself and your talent and have a very realistic view of your talent and the ability to take constructive criticism, you will eventually succeed. Read More>>

Glow Ngwe

I am a big believer in the notion that success is subjective. My definition of success is being able to transform my passion into something that supports me and my family monetarily. In order to become successful – despite our different views of success — one of the most important things to have is a vision paired with consistency. Read More>>

Kassidy Jack

I believe success requires planning, dedication, and consistency. You can have immense talent or a wide network of connections, but I see success as an ongoing journey rather than a single destination. It’s not just about achieving a goal; it’s a mindset and a way of working. To continue growing and reaching new heights, you need intentional planning, disciplined dedication, and consistent effort to achieve meaningful progress and results. Read More>>

Don Nicholson

I believe it takes an incredible amount of faith and resilience to become successful. When a woman is in labor in order for the child to be delivery a woman has to push! thru the pain, hurt even being tired and etc….. because she knows its not about her its about the childs life. If you want to be successful you’re gonna have to push through the pain, failures and set backs, heart break to give birth to your dreams. All Faith and no Fear! In life you will experience moments of doubt and frustration. Read More>>

Yahshimabet Sellassie

I love this question because I think about it every day. For me, life is all about figuring out how to be successful in everything I do. I want to be great, and that requires looking at my weaknesses and being honest with myself. Being successful to me, is all about my attitude and being accountable for what I want. Nothing is handed to you, if you want it you have to chase after it. Read More>>

Amanda Overton

For me, being successful is continuing to find the passion for photography that I had since the beginning, having the confidence in myself and my artwork, and making connections with people who have turned into life long friends. Pursuing something you are passionate about can drive you to work harder and find fulfillment in your achievements. Read More>>

Jacob Whitley

A clear vision, and a relentless mindset. Read More>>

Beth Djalali

Success means different things to different people, but there are a few key principles that guide the journey, no matter your goals: Consistency: Showing up every day, even when it’s hard, is the foundation of success. Small, consistent steps often lead to big results. Read More>>