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.

Monika Michniewicz

I think there are different paths and it is worth listening to yourself and your intuition first.
In my opinion, in order to achieve success which brings happiness and fulfillment, several things are important. In the artistic industry, such as tattooing, the basis is to work in harmony with yourself and your values.
What part of myself would I like to give to others, how can it help them and how will it develop me and my path? Read more>>

Dr. Ciera Graham

I was raised in a working-class family, my mom worked as a cashier at a neighborhood grocery store, and my dad was a machinist. I also was the oldest child, so naturally there was a lot of responsibility placed on me to care for my younger brother, be a role model, and to work hard to ascend into a middle-class lifestyle. Many working class and first-generation college students grow up with intense pressures to succeed and often possess an unwavering drive to succeed. With a strong desire to succeed, it can be extremely challenging to navigate a world that is classist, and without a blueprint for success. I didn’t grow up with access to generational wealth, or knowledge on how to navigate predominately white and affluent educational systems. Read more>>

Kaleigh Stackpole

There five key elements to becoming successful. It takes work ethic, resilience, passion, adaptability, and goals.
Coming from a family of self employed entrepreneurs, these are characteristics that have been instilled in since I was a child.
To run a successful business, you have to have the discipline and drive to create goals and work towards them. Never giving up on your long term goals even when you have set backs. Read more>>

Anna Johnson

From the get-go I believe it takes passion. A passion for what you do and to be better. In my case, I had always worked for someone else. I had always been very loyal to any job I had, some times to a fault. I was so scared to go out on my own and trust my business. Once I finally decided to take the leap, I had to go all in. If it wasn’t for an underlying passion to create things, I wouldn’t have lasted this long. Over the past four years I have kept that passion to get better in my craft. Read more>>

Angela Morano

I think there’s a lot of factors that determines how successful you’ll be. In the music industry, obviously there is an expectation of talent and skill that has to be met, but what I’ve found is that one of the most defining qualities of successful people is simply being genuine and kind. You could be the most talented person in the room, but if you are unkind or egotistical then it will be impossible to become successful in this industry. I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by the most genuine people I know and those are the people that make creating music even more rewarding! Read more>>

Dorine Andrews

As an entrepreneur for much of my career, success had three components – (1) creativity and discovery, (2) positive impacts on organizations and people, and (3) the freedom to decide how, when and with whom I work.

I refused to bend to the expectations of others or their rules. I grabbed unexpected opportunities and pursued that which filled me with enthusiasm and excitement, disregarding my own fears of failure. I had to be honest with myself about my strengths and weaknesses, constantly listening and learning, then adjusting and reinventing. Read more>>

Rahki Giovanni

In August of 1991 was born in Miami, Florida—Opa-locka, to be exact—and by the time I was four, I was living in San Juan,Puerto Rico, attending school on the island and soaking up my culture. After the first grade, we moved back to the States, settling in East Point, Georgia. And let me tell you, we were RICH. Not just comfortable, but that over-the-top kind of wealthy where everything felt larger than life. Read more>>

Bianca Bee

Success to me is about navigating the journey, growing through challenges, and learning how to pivot. Moving to Los Angeles at 17, I faced rejection, but it taught me resilience and how to push through setbacks. Starting my own talk show at 19 came with its own obstacles, but it helped me learn business, branding, and consistency. Read more>>

Gianna Maltbie

“Are you sure you want to go? It’s going to be 95,” my mom questioned as I packed up my tote bag with sunscreen, sunglasses, and gardening gloves.

“Yes, I’m sure. We’re almost done.”

We had been working on the garden for months now. The plan had been put into motion in January, after my GripTape Project grant was approved. It was now the beginning of June and work was still left to be done. Every day after school, I worked on the finishing touches, sometimes with students from my weekly after-school environmental crafts class, sometimes with friends, most times alone. Read more>>

Ivorie Weatherspoon

Having a purpose is important. I believe without a purpose or a drive there’s nothing to push you to keep going. What’s also is important is consistency. I see a lot of businesses that might not be that good and what they do but they are very consistent. I know a couple of YouTube influencers and photographers that were very consistent and they’re very successful now. Read more>>

Ashley Nichole Walkowiak

In recent years, I have been struck by the dichotomies of life. Perhaps it is the poet in me that recognizes that this life is both heartbreaking and beautiful and we must hold space for both if we are to be successful. In today’s world where we are consistently on the go, often distracted, and urged to conform our views to the masses, it is easy to get caught up in the good vs bad mentality. But the reality is – as all artists know – life is both black and white, habitually a greyscale. This is also the hardest lesson I’ve deconstructed and learned to embrace, kickstarted by five years serving in the Pennsylvania Office of Victim Advocate, a state agency dedicated to the rights and interests of crime victims. Read more>>

Jana Astrouski

For me, success has meant creating a business that works for me, rather than forcing myself into a system that doesn’t. That means setting up workflows that match how my brain works, giving myself space to rest when I need it, and trusting that my process, though unconventional, is valid. Read more>>

Monica Garcia

I takes guts! Being an entrepreneur is though work. You have to believe in yourself when no one else does. You have to keep pushing when everything seems to be going the opposite way from what you had originally planned. You have to keep pushing forward. But you cannot give up. Read more>>

Karen Dayana Perez

Success isn’t just about talent or luck—it’s about persistence, mindset, and constantly learning. If there’s one word that describes me, it’s persistent. La vida no siempre es fácil, but I truly believe that if you keep pushing, learning, and surrounding yourself with the right people, you will find your way. Read more>>

Stacyann Evans

In establishing a clear vision of what you want or where you want to be will give you the direction in which you need to go.

Managing your time effectively will allow you to get more done and within a specific time frame.

After these goals are set and you have managed your time then you need to be intentional about getting it done. Read more>>

Alex Berner, Chase Harris, Jason Kovalski

Success means different things to different people, so the first step is defining what success looks like for you. Is it a balanced life doing what you love with the people you care about? Is it financial freedom by 40, followed by wild adventures that lead to enlightenment? Whatever it is, take the time to understand yourself and be honest about your goals. Success should be yours, not someone else’s idea that you’ve unconsciously adopted. And if you know you’ve set the bar high, don’t shy away from acknowledging it—that clarity will be your compass. Read more>>

Emma Evans

I believe success comes from intentional focus and disciplined prioritization. One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was from an amazing manager who told me, “If you want to get something done, you make time for it.” That stuck with me because none of us have unlimited hours in the day—it’s not about having time, but about making time for what truly matters. Read more>>

Lauren O’neill

Simply have to focus on the positive and practice gratefulness through all times from challenging to celebratory. Through each day there are obstacles and challenges along with endless positive moments. I always learn from each experience and person who enters and sometimes exits my life. My mindset has propelled my career in real estate and helped me build relationships to last a lifetime along the way. The thing about real estate is that you can work with a client looking to downsize once their children are grown, buy their first ever home to make their own, relocate and the list goes on and on! I set aside time each morning to think and write about positivity and gratefulness and how I impact lives on a daily basis. I love to bring happiness into lives no matter what stage they are in. I always say that real estate is not simply a job but a way of life! Read more>>

Ibukunkristi Bankole

Here is what I mean: the thought of success itself is borne from the mind, and that mind inhabits a person who originates from a background of people and experience that have either expressly or subtly made their marks on that mind. This person grows with these several marks, which then form beliefs and desires that become the person’s guide and approach to living. Read more>>

Dereja Mason

I think it takes perseverance, being committed to your goals and also believing in yourself to become successful.
Another key factor in being successful is being able to accept and embrace criticism and failure and use it as a chance to learn and make improvements to provide a better product /service and also become the best possible version of yourself. Read more>>

Brooke Adams Law

I think a lot of qualities go into what it takes to be successful.

But the first one is sort of counterintuitive…and that’s to ask yourself what success means to YOU.

In my late twenties, I had just finished my graduate degree in creative writing, was newly married, and was working full-time for a respected nonprofit in New York City.

By all accounts, I was “successful.” Read more>>

Jennifer Olsen

Success is built on a foundation of self-belief, strategic thinking, collaboration, and effective leadership. Believing in yourself and your ideas is paramount—your independent mind and unique perspectives have value. If you are passionate about an idea, chances are others will be too. The key is to trust in your vision and commit to it. However, success also requires facing your fears head-on. What’s holding you back? Is it the risk of losing money or the time investment required? Identifying these fears allows you to create actionable plans to mitigate risks and move forward with confidence. Read more>>

Kaitlyn Armitano

In my experience, having a curious mind and realizing that nothing is set in stone is what’s most important to being successful. Being curious about all the facets of your field as well as what’s going on in other fields around you is extremely important because it opens you up to unique and creative solutions that otherwise you wouldn’t have. Read more>>

Cinthia Ortiz

I firmly believe that success hinges on a strong work ethic, the ability to adapt, and maintaining a positive attitude to overcome obstacles. A strong work ethic is crucial, as with any successful business, it demands dedication and effort to achieve success. Adaptability is equally important, as there are many factors beyond our control. Being able to pivot swiftly and effectively is essential in such situations. Read more>>

Jonathan Cheeve

Move fast, take risks, work a lot. That is really all one needs to be a successful entrepreneur.

My journey as an Olympic athlete underscores this. After joining the U.S. Snowboard Team in 2005, I spent 13 years training, overcoming challenges, and refining my craft. That dedication culminated in competing at the 2018 Winter Olympics. It was a reminder that success isn’t instant—it’s earned through relentless effort. Read more>>

Brian Bossany

Success, to me, is not just about achieving a goal—it’s about growth, resilience, and the lessons learned along the way. I believe that failure is never truly an option because every challenge presents an opportunity: you either succeed or you learn. Every setback is a stepping stone, every obstacle a lesson, and every effort a step forward. Success isn’t just measured by accomplishments, but by the perseverance, wisdom, and strength gained in the process. Read more>>

Jennifer Hoffman

Our owner, Abbey Brown, has always emphasized that if serving is beneath you then leadership is beyond you. At The Brownstone, we operate like one big family, where everyone plays a crucial role in making each wedding day a success. From event prep and coordination to bartending, late-night transformations, and early-morning cleanups, we value every part of the process. Each team member contributes to the flawless execution of an event, and we’ve found the perfect formula to make it all come together. Read more>>

Baili Holland

“Successful” and what makes you successful is all a matter of opinion in the photography industry. When I first began with my business I was under the impression that a fully booked schedule is what made you successful, then when I hit that point and and the immediate feeling of success did not hit I knew I needed to reevaluate. Read more>>

May Thompson

Success started with curiosity and vision. As a child, I asked a lot of questions, and my mom encouraged me to think critically and find my own answers.
At 14, I wanted to improve my English, so I interviewed tourists in Bangkok for a school project. That sparked my curiosity about studying abroad, and with a friend, I earned an international scholarship to study in the U.S. Read more>>

Emily Geisler

Success. A sweet word that whispers promises of achievement, fulfillment, and maybe even a little bit of that fame and recognition life. But what’s the magic recipe? Is it raw talent? A lucky break? While those can certainly play a role, the true engine of success is often built on far more fundamental ingredients: grit, a positive attitude, unwavering focus, and relentless dedication. These aren’t just buzzwords; they’re the cornerstones of turning aspirations into reality. I’ve seen this in the mentors I have and in the results of my own efforts. Read more>>

Tommy Moss

I think that success as an entrepreneur requires alot of passion, risk and perseverance, as well as the ability to see each “set back” as a “set up for a come back !” And belief in miracles doesn’t hurt! (I am a “Law of Attraction” junkie…”ask, believe and receive”!)

Success as an artist appears to be a bit of anomaly. People seem confused when I tell them I am an artist for a living. “That’s nice…what is your real job?” I find that most artists, regardless of talent level, lack the sales and marketing skills that are necessary to thrive in a world full of creative talent. I was in sales and marketing for 20 years before I started making art so I have zero issue with being “shamelessly self-promoting.” You have to believe in yourself, be proud of your work, not be afraid to ask for money, Read more>>

Jade Mendoza

Success in business isn’t just about making money—it’s about impact, integrity, and intention. For me, success means having high integrity, being disciplined, staying organized, having faith, and operating with a clear passion and purpose. Integrity is everything in my work. People trust me to capture their most important moments, whether it’s a wedding, a branding session, or something deeply personal like a boudoir shoot. That trust is earned by consistently showing up, delivering what I promise, and treating every client with respect. Discipline and organization are just as essential. Running a creative business means wearing multiple hats, and without structure, things can easily fall apart. Read more>>

Emory Mcchargue

Success isn’t luck, it’s the result of doing the things no one wants to do, doing them consistently, and eliminating distractions that stand in the way of progress. I’ve built my career, and ultimately Advisorly Consulting, on these principles.

From an early age, I realized that success wasn’t about flashy ideas but about execution, getting up early, having a to do list, and tackling the unglamorous tasks day after day. It’s easy to dream, but success comes from showing up and executing, even when no one is watching. The differentiator was work ethic. Read more>>

Amber Smith

I believe success requires consistency and the determination to push yourself—not just to work for yourself, but to strive for excellence in everything you do. In the world of hair and makeup, working for yourself can often be more challenging than working for someone else, but that’s exactly what makes the rewards so much more fulfilling. Read more>>

Sakura Yoshino

I think “happiness” is the key to being successful. Whether or not I accomplish my career goal in 60 years from now, I want to be the kind of person who can look back at my own path and say “I lived a magnificent life.” From my experience, I noticed that good fortune would follow when I have positive energy. I choose my words carefully, even when I am going through challenging times, because my brain is listening. I believe the world could be created by the words that accidentally slip out of my mouth. We need to be careful about what we say to ourselves. I believe if we stay mentally and physically healthy, the roadway to success will eventually open up for us. Read more>>

Ashley Abel

I think it takes a lot of drive to be successful. Loving what you do is a huge bonus in it. I feel as though my business has been successful because I truly do love my job. I am giving people memories, which is a huge gift to give. I have fun at every wedding and every photo shoot I do, and I feel so creative when doing it because I am actually enjoying it. You HAVE to have drive and passion in your career to make it something you want to do forever. I am truly passionate about photography and capturing peoples biggest moments and milestones in their lives. Read more>>

Nicole Simon

Success means something different to everyone, and that’s what makes it so personal and unique. For me, success isn’t about comparing my achievements to someone else’s; it’s about striving toward the goals I’ve set for myself and my family. I consider myself successful in many ways, but what truly drives me is the desire to work harder and harder to create generational wealth for my loved ones. Success also means being financially free. I want to make the choice to work because I love what I do, not because I have to. We spend too much time working to not enjoy what we’re working toward. Read more>>

Athena Newton

Success. It’s not about planting a flag on some pre-ordained peak. Life, business, and purpose – they’re not linear climbs. They’re currents, constantly shifting, demanding adaptability. You can’t brute-force your way to “success” like it’s a fixed point. You have to navigate. That requires vision – not just seeing where you want to be, but understanding the currents that will carry you (or push you back). Resilience, because those currents will inevitably change, sometimes violently. And a relentless pursuit of something meaningful – because without that anchor, you’re just drifting. Ultimately, what you build – a company, a family, an idea – it’s not about monuments of stone. It’s about the ripple effect, the impact you have on the world around you. That’s the legacy that truly matters. Read more>>

Jm “aeior1” Quitalig

You know? That’s a very interesting question. I found that my views of success have changed as I got older. Growing up in the Philippines, it was all about getting good grades because it meant that it would lead to a good life. Now i’m much older, I don’t think that it was necessarily true. I’m sure there are tons of people who had amazing grades in school but do not feel successful now. I mean, I went to college but I didn’t graduate so I felt like a huge failure then. Now that I’m making a living creating art and providing for myself and my loved ones, I’m pretty happy where i’m at and I think for me personally, that’s what success is. Read more>>

Sonny Apollo

I think what it takes to be successful is first you have to define what success means to you and what success looks like to you. For me, I define success as being able to pursue my life and live my life on my terms daily with passion and with enthusiasm. I define success as being able to wake up daily and go to sleep nightly knowing that the time I spent in between was spent as a creative entity… that the time I spent in between would be utilized pursuing and/or doing what I wanted to do and what I am passionate and enthusiastic about doing. When I was younger, I always wanted to be involved with music and entertainment. Read more>>

Erica Faye

To be truly successful, I believe it’s essential to keep God at the forefront of everything you do. Consulting Him in every step of the journey is key, because when you align your goals with His purpose for your life, you’re not just moving toward personal success, but a fulfillment that transcends anything material. It’s about seeking guidance through prayer, trusting His timing, and acknowledging that He’s in control, even when things don’t seem to go as planned. Keeping faith that He is leading you, even in the tough times, allows you to stay grounded and focused on what really matters. Read more>>

Liz Ferro

I truly believe that the key to success is incorporating passion into everything you do. Passion builds upon itself in positive ways, and it’s infectious, because your passion can ignite other people’s passions as well. Passion is what drives us forward from the energy it produces, and with it, comes the courage to pursue our goals and dreams. I know for a fact that my non-profit, Girls With Sole, and the subsequent books I have written after founding the organization, have been successful because I ooze passion as I write each page, as well as during every program I facilitate with the girls or speaking engagement I conduct at a vast array of venues. In order to do this, it was important for me to really delve into self awareness, discover my true purpose, and become crystal clear on my goals. Read more>>