You’re working hard, things are going well, piece by piece you’ve built a life you are proud of, you’ve overcome obstacles and challenges, beat the odds and then you find yourself at the center of an unexpected dilemma – do you risk it all to keep growing? What if growing means leaving the job you worked so hard to get or the industry you worked so hard to break into? How we approach risk often has a huge bearing on our journey and so we’ve asked some of the brightest folks we know to share stories of risks they’ve taken.
Evan Lee Breed
When I found out I was pregnant in Tulum Mexico! After an impressive 16 year career at the executive celebrity and top tier fitness in NYC I was burnt out! I was a workaholic doing the grind EVERYDAY and hustling everywhere I went. My mentality was go, go, GO. After saying goodbye to NYC, and dropping into the healing of Mexico, I became pregnant at 40! Read more>>
David A. Flores
I moved to LA to be a filmmaker. That WAS the risk. I’m the first in my family to leave my hometown. I left a hero. I set out to conquer. David and Goliath shit. Betting all on me. Then, the dust settles and you quickly realize, “I need to pay rent and making a film on my own dime is not gonna do that.” Cut to nearly 12 years later and I’m finally making the films, doing the thing I moved out here for. Why so long? LA is expensive and I don’t come from money. I’ve had to work day jobs. It took me nearly a decade to just get to a point of not being in pure survival mode. Read more>>
Cherrie Lynn Almonte
I was a registered nurse prior to being a content creator. Technically, I still am, but I just do not work in the hospital as much as I used to. When I was working long hours in the hospital, content creation used to be my escape and creative outlet. I would travel and take photos on my time off. One day, I was talking to one of my patients and it just hit me how life can be unpredictable. One day you are healthy and the next you are no longer able to do the things that you want to do. So I decided to take a big risk and take a chance on me. I quit my full-time nursing job and started traveling full-time and creating content for tourism boards and hotels. Read more>>
Wynter Eddins
I found myself at a crossroads after a decade of teaching in the classroom. Teaching had always provided me with a sense of security, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was limiting me from imparting essential life skills to my students. I yearned to share knowledge beyond textbooks and exams, to teach them about building healthy relationships, financial responsibility, and exploring diverse career paths that would unlock endless opportunities. As I approached my 10th year of teaching English learners in the ELD classroom, I knew it was time to take a leap of faith. Deep down, I had heard a calling from God long ago, nudging me to leave my familiar classroom environment. Despite this divine guidance, fear held me back from embracing change and taking the risk that lay before me. Read more>>
Ligia Hernandez
Well, I can start by saying that I was unsure & unprepared out of High school. While most went to college to pursue a career, I worked as a receptionist for a well-known Rheumatologist because I had to make rent for my apartment. Growing up in North Hollywood, I was surrounded by the children of people who worked in the entertainment industry; they didn’t consider college because they had jobs waiting for them, and they could get into unions with the support of their parents. Read more>>
Korrine Maher
Firstly, I believe all artists take a risk by putting themselves out there into the world. The world can be a scary place and to open yourself up to harsh critics can be personally damaging. Back in 2018, I went back to school for small business management, survived a divorce and battled with lots of debt. How was I suppose to come back from that? Why was I even going back to school for business, when I wanted to do art? Art was my therapy and helped me heal a lot trauma, nothing else could touch. Read more>>
Justin Krompier
5 years ago I laid on a picnic bench staring up at the stars along infamous highway 1. A week into traveling through California in a rented 1980’s VW van making memories and photographs, I realized I could no longer show up to my 9-5 and not feel like I was wasting precious moments of my life. I felt that I hadn’t come that far just to get THAT far. I desired something more. All I ever wanted in life was adventure and romance, and I wasn’t getting either delivering cardboard for UPS. Read more>>
Sarah Leistico
Risks can transport us to the places we’re usually meant to go. So many of us, including myself, are afraid of diving off the deep end to pursue our dreams because there is a possibility of failure. Whether that is making moves in your life, business, or across the canvas, it takes bravery to step out into the unknown. In riding the wave of launching Abstract Adventures, I’ve learned to embrace the art of balancing risk and research. Before hitting the trails or tackling business operations, it usually remains the same: do your homework, map your course, and most importantly, don’t let the risk of failing stop you from chasing your literal or figurative peaks. Read more>>
Rue R.
Venturing into the world of small business, I took a risk by using my savings to establish my company. Despite the absence of guaranteed returns, my belief in my potential motivated me to keep moving forward. This risk allowed me to transform my vision into reality. I initially launched with just a few soap bars. I now have soap bars, body washes, body butters, face masks, face washes, pet shampoo, and more. While the path has been challenging, the journey has proven that calculated risks can lead to impactful and fulfilling outcomes. Read more>>
Ty Colgate
I graduated from UCF in 2018 with a state-of-the-art Radio-Television degree, and about 25k of debt. I had no idea what to do next, only wanting to be a comedian, while still putting my degree to good use. That, and a faint memory of a conversation I had with the only person I knew that worked in the TV industry… telling me that if they were starting today, they’d go to Atlanta. So I went to Atlanta and realized pretty quickly that working in TV/Film was hard and living in a city you knew nothing about was hard and also stand-up comedy was, contrary to my dumb ego, very hard. Read more>>
brooke deaton
It can be very scary and intimidating starting your own business but so worth it in the end. God has shown up in so many ways, and all the credit goes to Him. One of the major things i love about it, is all the people i have come to know and the relationships i have built with each one. If it weren’t for them we definately wouldn’t be where we are at now. Cheers to sippin’! Read more>>
Dani Savka
What is risk, but a choice that has a great potentiality to throw us into an area of unknown cause-and-effect? We run risk every day by the choices we make. We run a risk by falling in love, saying yes to engagement. We run a risk by signing a new apartment lease or a contract for a new job. We run a risk by investing our last several hundred dollars into an investment or a plane ticket to somewhere we’ve never been – because we’re seeking something on the other side of familiarity. To me, taking a risk is opening up to growth – artistically, mentally, physically, spiritually. A lesson will most definitely make itself clear once the risk is taken, and the effect happens. Read more>>
Corrie Christian
I started my company with all the risks but with so much hope! I never even dreamed of where or what this whole thing would become. I took a leap of faith at 18 years old and launched a floral and wedding business. I began a journey marked by hard work and long hours. I always loved to work with people and to create, and this was a passion that helped fuel my company and vision. Read more>>
Valerie Valera
So at the time I’m living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. During the day I worked as a professional fetish photographer and on the weekends I rotated between photographing queer parties and curating local art markets at my friends kava bar. Looking back it was honestly such a mood. I was busy, but I was finally at a point where I was fully making a living off of my many creative talents. And little side gigs would pop up for me. I felt like there was a genuine momentum building. I start even getting asked to showcase work in local galleries and organizations. I felt like the city was finally noticing my existence. Read more>>
Dvan Lucaylucay
I truly believe taking risks are an essential part of being a creative/artist. The reason we have a lot of the artists we have today that we look up to is mainly because they dove into the deep end before they dipped their toes in. For me personally, the risk I took for myself is is just setting myself apart from the world/people I was around. A lot of my following consists of dancers from having a prior life in the dance industry. Moving onto the things I am currently doing as a guitarist don’t typically line up with their interests which is completely understandable. Read more>>
Yavin
This year I decided to make the jump to Los Angeles from Boston, which was originally a very scary idea, but ended up being entirely worth it. I sent my entire life in Massachusetts, and so though the thought of living somewhere different completely removed from the world I knew for so long could’ve been something that broke me but it ended up being a whole new fuel. I’ve been able to find myself in new ways and learn about my own capacity for change, and this new start could not have come at a better moment in my life. Read more>>
Jocelyne Garcia
One of the biggest risks I have ever taken was opening my small businesses, Furevermade. The year was 2021, we were in the Covid-19 pandemic, and I was working front line at Urgent Care. I contemplated opening a “maker” business for many months before I did because I kept seeing small businesses shut down during quarantine and lock down. I thought to myself if they can’t make it how I could I? After watching endless tik tock videos on maker businesses, I was inspired to take the plunge and stop over thinking. I also thought the small business community needed more diversity. Read more>>
Lauren Parrett
Starting a business is risky for anyone. Not only financially, but emotionally, mentally, and physically. You never know how it’s going to turn out, and you put your time and reputation on the line. I started my first company in 2020, in the midst of the pandemic. I started a brick and mortar meal prep company with my husband, and 2 other business partners. I had no background in business, I was 6 months pregnant, and I just quit my teaching job to do this full time. Read more>>
Dee Jackson
Following an injury my career as a RN halted. While at home recovering I decided to take the leap and start a full time small business. I had a “side hustle” while working and thought this was the perfect time to see if I can make it work. I was terrified. All the fearful thoughts ran through my mind. But I kept pressing, also the focus on my business kept my mind off of the physical/mental challenges from my injury. The business has been filled with highs and lows. At times I want to quit but something inside won’t let me because I’m so passionate about the journey. As I continue to regroup and learn I know my business will be where I dreamt. Read more>>
Alfonso Juarez
I think it was very difficult for me to view myself as an artist. I’m first generation, my parents came from Mexico to Los Angeles to give ma better opportunity. I was always told that Art or creative paths were always meant to be a hobby. A majority of my life was centered around math and science, I ended up getting a degree and software engineering. It wasn’t until I lost my job that I had an opportunity to focus on my art, I never really intended to fall in love with it as much as I did. Even when I started doing art everyday I would never introduce myself as an artist or talk about my art with other people. Somewhere along the way I found the confidence in viewing myself as an artist, i started putting my all into my art. I am so glad that I did. Read more>>
Adrian Jones
My whole entrepreneurial experience have been about taking risk. I was a single mom full time employed and working my home based cake business on the side, and I took a leap of faith and went full time. That was huge, not being sure if I was going to be able to pay the bills and take care of my teenage daughter. Then the next risk was leaving my home based bakery and going into a commercial kitchen. I had never paid rent before and that was the scariest thing, knowing that additional bills would have to be paid. It was an entirely different world to me. Not only did I have to elevate the business, I had to elevate my thinking within the business. And my most recent risk is that after 3 years in the commercial kitchen I continued to dream big and want my own brick and mortar. Read more>>
Cannon Jackson
The second week of January I was fired from my full time job. I had just bought a vendor table at my local pop-up shop the week prior to being let go! The pop-up shop is scheduled for February, I still need items, and I no longer have the main source of funding behind my brand. Not to mention this would be my first in-person appearance selling my new merch. At this point I had to make a crucial decision. I could not do the event, hold on tight to whatever money I had, and play it safe. Or, I could roll the dice and use that money to get the rest of my items. I chose the latter. It was something about the unknown outcome that enticed me. It also showed me just how confident I was in my brand. Read more>>
Akiko Frei
I am the single parent of a very ambitious 17 year old, I’ve worked for everything my child and I own. I’ve been working as a massage therapist for a long time. Luckily I had an opportunity to work with Dr’s referral for auto accidents (No Fault) and work injury (Workers compensation) patients after working at a few luxury spas. I was renting a small office (approx 350 sq.ft.) for over 2 years to take care of my own clientele, with 25 appos a week and some help here and there. My goal was always “creating the best massage practice on the island”. One of my friends heard about my dream, and he pushed me to start expanding my business. Read more>>
Darnell Pierre Benjamin
I moved to Cincinnati in 2009 with the intention of only staying for the one-year contract I’d signed with the Know Theatre. I quickly learned about Cincy’s vibrant arts scene; and after other contract offers for the following year, I decided to stay a little longer. In 2013, I found myself having to hustle so hard to make ends meet. At the time, I was working on and off at a restaurant. In a meeting one day, the proprietor said something along the lines of “I don’t need you servers. It’s the kitchen that makes this place. So, if you want to leave, you can leave.” And I did. I took a risk. Read more>>
Stacy Lathrop
In September of 2021, to make dependable Covid testing more available to our community, my husband and I opened a Covid testing location. Under a small tent, we administered more than 20,000 Covid tests in a drive-thru setting. Our patients were so thankful for the convenience and appreciated that they could receive results in less than 15 minutes. We became known for our fast, friendly and focused medical attention. The patients enjoyed the experience so much, that they began asking if we could test for other things such as strep, flu, RSV or check for an ear infection. Read more>>
Trenyce Williams
I thought taking the collegiate route would be safe and secure. That’s what the “American Dream” promises us right? Go to school, get good grades, graduate, and in return, you get a career in your field making enough money to sustain an upper-class lifestyle. So with that in mind, I went to Tuskegee University AND University of Southern California (USC) for Strategic Communications and Public Relations. And though I had luck getting great positions in my field after school, it was ALWAYS something. From layoffs to racial discrimination, I couldn’t seem to get a solid footing at any position for an extended amount of time. Why does the economy decide to crash when I became an adult? Read more>>
Maryam Khanna
I have a twin sister and when we were born in Iraq the day we were brought home my mom’s mom slipped and died in the shower. My mom was so hurt knowing her mother was still young she took all her blame and anger at us. She believes we are bad luck to the family. Growing up my twin and I we were always abused and neglected. And I know she tried to love us but she couldn’t get over the fact she believes we killed her mom. Read more>>
Ana Nguyen
My biggest risk was leaving a salaried job to start my own business without any saved money. I jumped in and hoped for the best. It was such a risk since I have big household and my husband wouldn’t be able to support our household on 1 income. Also starting a business is expensive so I had to figure out how to pay for the business to be able to give my family a better future. Read more>>
Debra Howard
I graduated from Ringling School of Art in 1977 with a BFA, majoring in what they used to call, Commercial Art. This was before computers, when everything was done by hand. I worked as an illustrator and designer and was happy with my career. In 1992, the computer arrived, I reluctantly embraced the new technology and became proficient, but I was unhappy sitting in front of a computer screen for hours everyday. I thought, if I could switch over to advertising, handle the accounts and hire designers to do the computer work, that maybe that would work better for me. That it would get me away from the computer screen. So, I leased office space, cold called endlessly and hired freelance computer designers. That worked for awhile, but I missed creating with my hands. Something was missing. Read more>>
Nikole De La Mer
When I was starting out, I had no idea how to start a business. But I knew I had to change to grow. I was looking at a space, and didn’t have the money, so I asked the Universe to give me the money for the space. 2 days later, I received a check for the amount I needed from a company I had been fighting with for months. I took that, .my last 500, 60 day term inventory, thrift store Furnishings and jumped in with both feet. Read more>>
LeAnna Cabbagestalk
In 2019, during the Covid-19 global pandemic the state was mandated to shut down. Jobs, churches, restaurants and even schools were closing. At the time my son was in preschool and I was working full time. As a single mother, I made a sacrifice to resign from my job and stay at home to help my son with virtual school. During the shutdown I had a lot of time to think of my next plan in life. I’ve always dreamed of working for myself, but always thought the time wasn’t right. Now (2019) here I am without a job, but more than enough time on my hands. Read more>>
Lauren Asta
Taking a risk, especially a creative one, is something everyone should do at least once in their lifetime. I also think women should cut their hair super short or shave it at least once in their lives. It’s exhilarating and freeing; not unlike taking a risk. Because it wouldn’t be called “taking a risk” if it wasn’t something that went against something safe or perhaps even “normal”. Read more>>
Jillian Boone
I just had a baby. My “real job” was stressful and overwhelming. I had family, friends, and colleagues to care for. I had no room on my proverbial plate for a new endeavor. Yet one had been swirling in my head for awhile. I had recently attended a friend’s baby shower, in which I had written a children’s book for her little one as a gift. One of the women in attendance read it over and said, “Hey, this is good–have you ever thought about actually publishing one before?” I scoffed and sheepishly waved her off. It wasn’t *that* good. And I didn’t understand the publishing world. And I didn’t really need the extra money. And I definitely didn’t have extra time or energy to waste. Read more>>
La’Ondre Jones
I am 23 years old and just like any person in there early 20s its an odd age for us. Were stuck in a time of “we should have everything together by now” to “I have no idea what my purpose is”. Social media doesn’t help that much when people just show success stories and flaunting jewelry and materials. I want to tell the struggle in my story. That it was never easy. And still isnt. I want to show that being vulnerable is okay. And that its never to late to do what you want to do. Take a leap of faith. Take a risk. You never know what it may lead too. Read more>>
Allanah Gonzales
I guess it all started out when I was in MIddle School. A friend of mine had purchased a tiny little Tarot Deck from Barnes and Nobles. I remember being instantly drawn to them. However i didn’t ask for my own until I was in High School. I’d done a little Basic research on Tarot. (I don’t know if you’ve ever heard the “Rule” saying you’re not supposed to buy your own Tarot deck just an FYI it’s BS) Well i had my Grandmother buy them for me. Which lets be honest at the time was very awkward, because these things are considered taboo. I took that deck home and did every reading i could possibly do on myself, my mom, School friends. etc. Read more>>