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.

Lonnie Mintz

Being a successful Realtor in the highly competitive Los Angeles market takes more than just a license and a smile—it takes relentless drive, constant communication, and a true passion for helping people. For over 25 years, I’ve worked seven days a week to deliver results for my clients, whether they’re buying, selling, or leasing residential properties. I’ve helped hundreds of individuals and families navigate one of the most important financial decisions of their lives, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly. Read more>>

Jalen Thompson

I think success really starts with showing up for yourself. There are definitely days when I feel frustrated or not in the mood to plan a shoot, but I remind myself that I still have to show up. I’ve learned that momentum comes from consistency—even when motivation isn’t there. Read more>>

Imani

My meaning of success has definitely evolved over the years. My definition of success is to be able to achieve a goal and feel joy once it’s complete. I think completing goals can be challenging sometimes and when we eventually get to the finish line, we tend to be drained. For me, I’ve had this mindset to make sure that I find joy in the journey as I complete my goal. I remember getting my first big opportunity to provide makeup services for the lead singer “Lil G” from the group Silk. All I could this was wow.. the journey to get here was so enjoyable. Almost just as much as it was to fly in a private jet because someone recognized my talent. That’s what success looks like. Read more>>

Paul Lange

My idea of success has evolved significantly over the course of my life. What once felt like a noble pursuit has shifted as I’ve grown and my priorities have changed. For example, I pursued an acting career for over 12 years. While I didn’t make much money during that time, it was incredibly meaningful—I had the satisfaction of creating, expressing myself, and telling stories that mattered to me. Read more>>

Malena Permentier

Unpopular opinion, but I believe that a big part of becoming successful at anything is your ability to tolerate boring things. When I started my blog in late 2020, I didn’t make money for months. No viral moments. No big breaks. Just hours of writing blog posts, doing keyword research, and handling all the tiny behind-the-scenes details that no one claps for. Read more>>

Melissa Green

I believe that the ability to pivot instead of quitting when times get tough is the key to finding success. When I started this business, before it became The Binary Code Shop, I made fidgets out of semi-precious stones. I spent a year and a half vending at every event and pop-up I could find. It was so much work for sales that, at the time, barely covered expenses for the events themselves. Week after week I would rework my set-up, packaging, and signage…it was a grind. Read more>>

Robby Hargreaves

In my eyes, success takes determination, grit, and the courage to keep going—especially when things don’t go as planned. It’s about being willing to fall, fail, and get back up again—over and over—without losing sight of why you started in the first place. Read more>>

Joyce Shulman

Success starts with a clear understanding of what success actually means for you as an individual. Success is not one-size-fits-all and shouldn’t be defined by society’s standards or what you see on social media. Success should be personal, aligned with your values, desires, and the life you want to lead. Once you know what you’re aiming for, the path forward requires focus: the ability to cut through distractions and stay committed to your goals. It also takes consistent, often unglamorous work. Read more>>

Salome Pilas

n order to succeed at least for me, you need the following traits. – focus
– perseverance
– resilience
– passion of what you do and need to take risk.

I was burnt out of my job and it feels like a dead end for me and so I went to back to school to get my degree hoping to get a better job. After graduation (with an international business degree) I couldn’t find a job and this is when I started the foodtruck. When I started the food truck, all I wanted was to replace my income of $200 a day as a bill collector. I wanted to share my love for food and introduced Filipino food to the non Filipinos. And this is when my journey begins. Read more>>

Cody Wagner

I believe “success” is a relative term. Each individual needs to define what success means in their own lives. Many on the business side equate success to financial wealth. I believe there must be a balance of happiness and fulfillment in what you do to truly feel successful. That balance has really defined my time as an Entrepreneur. Read more>>

Jim Morrison

I believe that success can only be defined by each individual, and that definition of success should benefit the greater good of humanity. Each one of us is blessed with certain gifts to share with the world. One person may be blessed with the gift of patience and understanding, and would make out to be a great counselor or therapist. Another may be blessed with the gift of healing and would make out to be a great nurse or doctor. Read more>>

James Mcleod

I have always believed that safety is a pathway to failure. Taking risks, failing, and starting again has been a critical part of getting my business to the position it’s in today. Eventually, you take the risk and succeed. This, however, does require a system of belief wherein genuine passion for your trade is the driving factor in your motivation. Without a genuine love for what you do, persevering through the inevitable discouraging moments seem futile. Read more>>