Risk is a topic that comes up a lot in our conversations with entrepreneurs and creatives, but a related topic is investments. Investments come in many forms – investing your time, money, heart and soul, etc. So, with that broad definition of investment in mind, we asked rising stars in the community to tell us the stories of the best or worst investments they’ve made.
Dj 4the Win
The best investment I made was an investment in myself. I know that sounds cliche but it’s so true! Investment in yourself covers many things in my opinion. It creates a compound effect. Investment in myself caused me to take a risk (bet on myself!) by making me believe I could achieve a music career full-time. From the moment I uploaded my first beat online, to the moment I got my first record deal, to the moment I went back to working a 9-5 full time and quit (again lol) there was always some sort of risk involved. As long as it’s calculated and purposeful & divinely driven, an investment in yourself is always going to pay off. Read more>>
Bill Sebald
My most significant and, at times, most challenging investment has been my time. I’ve spent much of it supporting others. Occasionally, this pays off with mutual support when I need it, but often it’s just a kind act without a direct career boost. In today’s world, people want to be valued, but you must first demonstrate your worth. Early on, I focused on building a strong network through helpfulness, which I called “building serendipity.” That is, building the ‘chance’ that someone might return a favor. Read more>>
Toure’ Akela
“Over 3333 Hours of Yoga: A Journey as a Minority Studio Owner in Southwest Atlanta” For the past six years, I’ve dedicated over 3,333 hours to teaching yoga, but those hours only begin to scratch the surface of this journey. As a minority studio owner in Southwest Atlanta’s 30310 zip code, I’ve worked relentlessly to create a space where others who look like me, or share similar experiences, can feel seen, empowered, and understood. Read more>>
Kat Joseph
As the owner of Selfie Wrld, a beloved selfie museum that celebrates creativity and self-expression, I’ve always been passionate about capturing moments and creating memories with my family and friends. This love for photography and storytelling inspired me to open the museum, where others could do the same. One of the best investments I made was introducing a “Family Fun Day” event at Selfie Wrld, where families could come together, explore the room sets, and create lasting memories through fun and interactive selfies. Read more>>
Javane Nugent
The best investment I ever made was acquiring a life insurance license. The story takes place in my apartment 1 month from me securing my Bachelors degree I truly wasn’t sure what I was supposed to do next in life but by the grace of god a opportunity to impact many lives was given to me and I took it. A simple $80 dollar investment turned into numerous blessings down the line. I made the decision because I wanted to truly be able to educate people and help them attain wealth financially and be able to leave a lasting legacy Read more>>
Ephesian Brown
The best investment I feel like I’ve ever made was investing in myself. What I mean by this is blocking out the noise and figuring out who I am and what I want to be. That personal investment is what led me to invest in my education. I chose my path and accepted everything that came with it. One of the best decisions I made was investing in mentorship. Learning from people who are where I aspire to be has helped fast-track my way to success. By “fast-track,” I don’t mean overnight success, but the right mentorship can make the difference between mastering a skill in four years versus eight. Read more>>