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.

Kayla Johnson

Success is measured in so many different ways for so many different people. But for me, as a small business owner, over the last six years I’ve found that success doesn’t mean what most people think it does. It’s not always about getting a bunch of sales every month, it doesn’t mean reaching all of your goals, although those things are integral to it, it truly means being consistent. Learning from your mistakes, and being passionate in what you do. If I wasn’t passionate about my art, if I wasn’t passionate about combating over consumption and fast fashion with slow-made, ecoconscious pieces – there wouldn’t be much motivation to keep at it, and to give it my all. I feel like a lot of other small business owners can relate to that as well. Read more>>

Rose Pulver

Growing up, I equated success with a certain salary, and a job title. It was attaining a certain lifestyle. I thought it meant climbing a ladder, following a script, and hitting all the expected milestones. But as I’ve gotten older, especially since becoming a parent, I’ve come to understand that real success is far more personal, and much more powerful when it’s defined on your own terms. Read more>>

Michael Mackey

To be successful, you really just need a few key things: Know what you want – Like, really know. Not just “be rich,” but what kind of life do you want?
Stick with it – Keep showing up. Even when it sucks or doesn’t seem to be working.
Be flexible – If your plan isn’t working, don’t quit—just try a different way.
Build good relationships – People help people. Don’t be a jerk. Help others too.
Don’t give up – Seriously. Most people quit too early. Read more>>

Candie Renee

At Illèa Bridal, we truly believe that success is rooted in love. It might sound simple, but it’s profound. Love fuels everything we do; from the way we consult with brides to the energy we bring to their wedding day. When you approach every interaction, every challenge, and every celebration from a place of genuine care and love, success becomes a natural outcome. Read more>>

Chelsea Quintanilla

Success, to me, isn’t just about the outcome—it’s about the experience you create along the way. As the founder of Creative Events by Q, I’ve learned that true success is rooted in intentionality, resilience, and service. In the events world, you don’t just plan parties—you design memories. That requires vision, consistency, and the courage to stand out in a saturated space. Read more>>

Kylie Bissell

As human beings, it’s natural to compare ourselves to others—especially on social media. But to me, success means setting a goal and working toward it every single day until it’s achieved. That doesn’t mean I work 24/7; it means I ask myself each day: What can I do today to get 1% closer to that goal? Read more>>

Maja Danica Pecanic

In my humble opinion, success isn’t something you achieve once and for all. Like a living organism, it requires continuous nurturing and adaptation. I believe the first step is defining what success truly means to you. When we’re young, we often envision numerous clients, constant market presence, and money. However, from my perspective, success is about balance. Read more>>

Justin Katz

I think success is entirely subjective to each person and that is what makes it such an interesting goal for everyone to achieve. Many have a bucket list of what they hope to achieve in their career, or have specific financial targets they think will be the ultimate indicator of being successful. As I have progressed throughout my own career, I realize that success is something that is ever evolving, not something that has to have a set end point. Having a creative career involves constantly challenging yourself to take on new projects that fuel the fire that burns inside all creatives. Read more>>

Jennifer Yates

Perseverance: stick with your goals, don’t give up, try different avenues and work until it happens. Read more>>

Andrea Gordon

You 100% miss every shot that you don’t take. Read more>>

Taylor Noelle

I believe that success takes time and it’s more about how you develop as an artist versus how quickly you rise to the top.I developed this perspective after believing that I had to be famous to be a successful artist, but learned that I’ve always been successful because, I found my passion. People that resonate with my work remind me of that. Read more>>

Kai Waldron

What do I think it takes to be successful? Well first off, if you want to be successful in ANYTHING you do; You MUST have a relationship with God! He is the true key strength to becoming successful in anything you want. But that doesn’t mean just trust Him and then leave Him, You have to keep building a relationship with Him and put ALL of your trust in Him. Last but not least, You HAVE to work as hard as you can, don’t get lazy, don’t give up! Keep fighting through the struggles that try and stop you. And keep a great mindset or else all your hard work won’t pay off. Read more>>

Dana Di Iorio

It’s about doing something you genuinely love, staying true to your passion, and helping people feel confident in their own skin. That’s my passion—making people feel good in their skin—and it’s what drives me every single day.

But it definitely takes hard work. It means making sacrifices, staying consistent, and pushing through the tough days even when no one’s watching. There’s so much that goes on behind the scenes—late nights, figuring things out alone, learning through trial and error. Read more>>

Jenna Brown

Being adaptable, willing to evolve, and embracing the idea that your goals and needs will change over time. Read more>>

Julia Littlewood

St. Joseph Auction & Antique Mart: Your Premier Antique Mall in St. Joseph, Missouri. Since opening our doors on December 5, 2005, St. Joseph Auction & Antique Mart has proudly served as a cornerstone for antique enthusiasts and collectors alike. Nestled in the historic former Chase Candy Company building, our 20,000 square foot space in St. Joseph, Missouri, offers an unparalleled selection of antiques, vintage, collectibles, and timeless treasures. At St. Joseph Auction & Antique Mart, we’re passionate about uncovering and sharing the charm of the past. Our diverse inventory includes everything from delicate stemware and robust stoneware to handy tools, eclectic tokens, elegant antique furniture, vintage pinball machines, and vintage vinyl records. Read more>>

Zara Rogers

Audacity. Sounds simple on its face, but even the most well known, knowledgeable people face imposter syndrome. When you’re creating something, you care about the small puzzle pieces that make up the bigger picture. There’s also a vulnerability in presenting that big picture to your audience because audiences have opinions. Sometimes you can get so worried about the potential opinions that you rethink, pivot, or shrink. You have to have the audacity to stand behind your work, regardless. Read more>>

Matt

I think hard work and consistency is what makes a person successful. Especially in the field of photography that I am in, social media presence is huge. Always having to find new ways to make your work stand out is key. Keeping an eye on what is trending as well as keeping an open mind helps a lot. Hard work and consistency that you put in will always come to light. Read more>>

June Saunders

I think to be successful it takes consistency, authenticity, drive and not giving up when you hit bumps in the road and having a great support system. Read more>>

Alandra Christante

Three things are key to success… 1.) It is my belief that self-confidence is key in the success of any person. A healthy esteem only boosts your confidence and ensures success in any venture. 2.) Having the proper resources and a strong support system also helps in reaching the goal of success. 3.) An abundance of knowledge of your area of expertise, and knowing how to execute is also key to success. Read more>>

Molly Black

Perseverance. You have to keep going. The vision you have in your mind that is so difficult to articulate will arrive. Read more>>

Baily Soderlund

I believe success takes unwavering dedication and a refusal to give up, even when things feel impossible. In my first year of doing lash extensions, I constantly found myself at a crossroads, one where I wanted to throw my tweezers down in frustration because things just weren’t clicking. I wasn’t getting it, and I questioned if I ever would. But even in those low moments, there was this pull inside me to keep learning, to keep pushing, and to trust that the effort would eventually pay off. Read more>>