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.
Tania FLORES
When I was 8 months pregnant I knew I no longer wanted to be in a job where I was sitting wasting away my life in a small office, I knew my life was made for so much more. I would pray daily for the lord to change my path for what he intended and not what I wanted. Soon after that my health started going downhill in my pregnancy that I stopped trying at work because I had no energy and felt sick constantly. Read more>>
Shaina Hernandez
Its 2020 , I’ve been a makeup artist for 12 years already at this point.I’m doing weddings on the weekends amongst other jobs, and also working almost full time at a Spanish tv network doing makeup as well. I’m busy doing what I love which all started in 2008 with a passion and becoming a Mac makeup artist. I always wanted more just never made the time to focus on it, basically, I was comfortable. Read more>>
Roma Osowo
I left my career in marketing to become a full-time stay at home mom once my son was born. After a few years of my children attending school, I felt strongly that I was supposed to homeschool them. So I did that for four years. During this period of being a stay at home mom and then eventually being a homeschooling mom, I always felt that there was something within me that I wasn’t fulfilling, but I had no idea what that was. Read more>>
Sandra Brigman
All my life has been lived taking risks, the risk has been part of my life, I love to feel the adrenaline of the uncertain, although that has kept me on a roller coaster of emotions, it has made my existence more interesting and passionate, it has made my life more alive. I have always said that the most dangerous risk is staying in your comfort zone, it is the safest, yes, it gives you a sense of stability, yes, but it keeps you stagnant, dead in life, because you are not well enough to be happy and you are not bad enough to change your life, you are there, still, stable, safe, without living intensely, without following your passions. Read more>>
Dominique M. Williams
I believe that in life we must take major risks to obtain major rewards. In order to take big risks, we must overcome our fears, push through stagnation, self-sabotage, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and negative aka stinking thinking. How do I overcome my fears you ask? By adopting a fearless mindset. You choose to be fearless while taking the risks. I began taking risks by asking myself this question, how will I ever achieve anything if you are NOT bold enough to take the risks? I realized that I must decide if i wanted to be powerful (fearless) or powerless (fearful). Fear fades away when we believe our future is secure in God’s hands. Read more>>
Anissa Blair
In 2018, I chose to risk it all. I resigned from my position with a Fortune 100 company. You say I’d had enough would be an understatement. I would physically get ill as soon as I drove into the parking deck, hopefully, that will paint a visual for the readers. I had always written, but the journey of being a published author is a long and tedious path, that for the majority of black writers, typically ends with either letting go of your dream or choosing to self-published. 20-plus years ago I had written my first book, but with life, I sat down that of me down and chose to put all my energies into being a great mother. Read more>>
Irina Pushkareva
I’ve taken many risks in my life! But all of them were intuitive and mindful. The biggest risk I’ve taken was to step away from my “9 to 5” job in the gallery and start to create and sell my art. It was very uncomfortable for me to do. I was scared. But I felt that it was the right move. I just felt it, and then I made a plan and started to work for myself. It worked out great! I am still working hard, but that’s what it takes to pursue one’s dreams. Read more>>
Adam Rioux
In college, I realized I wasn’t enjoying the business world I was learning about in classes. I had a pretty good handle on it all, but it didn’t excite me. That same year in college, I was getting back to my creative roots. As a kid and throughout high school, I would write then create short film ideas and skits. I would get lost doing them. Once I got to college, I buckled down and focused on academics and a more proven career path. Read more>>
Krysteena Marteena Zumaya
The biggest risk I’ve taken is simply – being myself. I don’t conform to social norms or current trends. I cannot be contained within a box and stick to just one niche. I take inspiration from all aspects of life; mi cultura, goth subculture, style that’s avant-garde, my friends & family and anything/anyone else close to my heart that sparks my creative interest. It can be difficult to stay relevant in a society that prioritizes trends and the “latest and greatest”. However, I feel my best when I’m authentic and living up to my own standards. Read more>>
Gabriela Flores Morales
I believe choosing to be a designer and work in the creative field is a risk on its own. When I chose to become a product designer I did so naively, not really knowing what I was getting into. Now almost ten years later, I still don’t know the full extent of my decision. It has been an awesome journey but it has come with many risks. Read more>>
Jose Rico
On the night of Election Day during the May Primary Runoffs this year, I felt like my heart sank when I saw the results. I looked back at all the hard work we made and it felt like it just went to shreds. The unofficial results were in and our campaign was down by 72 votes. It’s true, every vote counts and I didn’t know the true meaning until that day. There wasn’t a clearer more qualified candidate than the one I was campaigning for but in the world of Politics anything can happen. Read more>>
Amir Hossein Marvasti
I can think of two times in my life where I took a “big” risk. One was moving to America, and the other was taking a non-traditional path in medical school. A. I have to be honest, I had a comfortable life in Iran, where I’m from. I had the support of my family, and could probably succeed in pursuing any career, including medicine. In fact, my father being an ophthalmologist, would have probably paved the path for me If I wanted to take over his practice. It was actually the much easier path. But I decided to move to the states, where I had to start from scratch. Read more>>
Mandy Grotie
It was 2014, I was done with college and on the lookout for an adventure. I had always been making art, and sold my first piece in college for a mere $20 dollars. I didn’t study art, but always had a need to create. Smaller gigs started coming up as I learned the way to digitally create work on my pink, 10 inch mini laptop. Read more>>
Connor Tieulie
My mom always reminds me of the story about my first time getting dropped off at preschool, let’s just say I was not happy about it. Something about a controlled classroom environment and being taught things I didn’t sign up for just got me anxious and annoyed. These feelings persisted all the way throughout my school life until sophomore year until I decided I had enough. That following Monday morning I walked into Vantage Point High school knowing I wouldn’t be back. Read more>>
Joseph Lopez
After an honorable discharge from the Navy, I spent 2 years working for a shipyard in Hampton, Virginia. I was making good money but I was unhappy because I didn’t feel like I was walking in any type of purpose. One weekend I decided to pack my car, leave my apartment furniture to my friends, and head back to Atlanta. Read more>>
TJ Peden
There is definitely all types of risks involved in owning and operating your own business. The last risk I took business wise, was about a year ago. I decided to add on to the business. Not only do I make all types of custom leather goods. But I decided to start making custom fur felt cowboy hats. That’s not quite like the leatherwork where you can go by 50 dollars worth of material and tools and make you a wallet. Read more>>
Anaïs Lund
I recently made the plunge and moved across the country to pursue music. I was lucky to grow up in beautiful San Diego but for as long as I can remember I had an itch to leave. Growing up, I had always imagined I would join my family and move to Paris for college. When that did not pan out, I thought about San Francisco, Seattle, or New York but when it came down to it, I had no money to make such a move and no opportunities to pull me away. Read more>>
Sheppard Morose
When I left my job as a graphic designer in the corporate world and for my husband’s company, I knew I wanted to work from home and pursue my fine art talents. It was a risk to leave those comfortable paychecks and start to create my own clients, but I am so glad I had the courage to do it. To be able to forge your own creative path and make your vision come to life is part of why we’re here. I see it as a responsibility to develop your talents and some day help others to do the same. Read more>>
Kiki Risque
While celebrating a friends divorce, I got offered this opportunity to not just perform but produce my own show. I confidently said yes, knowing dam well I have absolutely no experience with this realm of work! Once it became real I knew I had to make something happen – and as terrifying as it was and knowing I didnt know what on earth I was doing – ideas just started to come to me, along with the next step of action. I trusted the unknown and just like that unexpected magic started happening. Read more>>
Kandace Kichler
Every decision you make in life comes with some kind of risk. Choosing to change my career from a General and Bariatric Surgeon to a Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon definitely falls into this category. I had from the outside a perfect setup. And I was not unhappy with my career. But the opportunity to train and expand my practice to the field of Cosmetic Surgery was not only a dream but what seemed destined for me. Read more>>
Siah
The risk taken is life. I say that because of the everyday lessons that we are faced with. I had to make a choice, be a number or actual being. I chose to be myself with everything I do and with that the universe has brought me many blessings earthy and within. The focus put into my gym life has transitioned into being one of the best individual I can be. Family life and inner happiness has intertwined within each other and the results are shown within my smile and body everyday. Read more>>
Montonio Smith
The biggest risk I’ve taken is starting my food business. In the restaurant industry, it’s very hard to make it pass 3 years. With all food businesses, I feel it is the same way. Food is another art form that is ever changing. You have to have your niche together with your business along with finding answers to challenges that haven’t surfaced yet. It may sound like a lot but working for yourself is a glorious feeling. The sense of self-satisfaction you get when you get a happy customer and you don’t have to answer to anyone is a feeling that makes these experiences and challenges all worthwhile. “Aspire to inspire until you expire.” Read more>>
Otisa Eads
Starting my business in 2019 was a huge risk at the time. I was laid off from my job at the time due to the slow season in the hospitality world. This was a common occurrence during the winter months and I just remember in 2018 telling myself that I want to have a back up plan. I didn’t like the idea of wondering if or when I was going to be laid off. Read more>>
Adrienne Grace
Ever since I was a little girl, I always played it safe. I followed the rules never wanting to ruffle any feathers or draw any attention to myself. When it was time to decide where to go to college, I conformed to what my parents wanted which was for me to go to the same school as my older sister, University of Delaware. While in school, I majored in finance because I heard that would give me the greatest changes of landing a secure, good-paying job after graduation. Read more>>
Kymberli Williams
The biggest risk I’ve taken is starting my career over in a brand new state. I recently decided to move to Los Angeles, California from Poughkeepsie, New York to fully pursue my dreams of becoming a makeup artist. I always saw myself moving but didn’t know when or if I could do it. I was really scared and sometimes I feel anxious about not knowing what the future holds. So far my move here has brought me so many new opportunities that I wouldn’t have gotten the chance to do if I was still in my hometown. Read more>>
Leona Latrese Thomas
I was raised to do well in school, obtain a degree, secure a well-paying job and work that job until I retire. My parents did it; my grandparents did it. The thought of being an entrepreneur didn’t happen until I met my husband. Before that, I considered doing things like writing books; I blogged occasionally but hadn’t considered making those “hobbies” part of my career. Read more>>
Makarios Hill
Deciding to do a show on my own without a trainer or a coach is almost unheard of due needing consistent guidance and reassurance. Throughout the whole prep having questions about your body changing and the emotions you’re dealing with from the withdrawals of sugar, sodium or fatty acids. This was my Second show. I wanted to prove to myself that i knew my body and also to put to the test everything that ive learned over the months. Read more>>
Frankie Garcia III
“Starting my own business was a HUGE risk. As a creative thinker and artist, I take risks… it’s part of the process. When I approach a new canvas, I start with an idea… but all along the way, I’m taking risks. I’m trying new application’s I’ve yet to refine, I’m using new color palettes I’ve not used before, I’m confidently moving through these risks and it eventually becomes second nature. I apply this same approach to running my business. There is not a “plan B”. Read more>>
Madison Jay
With the industry I’m in it’s important to take risks. I got to perform at the Hopscotch Festival simply because I contacted the booking agent there directly. I ran down my resume at the time and not to long after submission I was accepted to perform. None of that would’ve happened if I didn’t take that risk to bet on myself. You have to trust what you’re doing will work wholeheartedly. Take more risks and claim more victories. Read more>>
Kashmir Satchel-Jarrett
For years I worked a 9-5, had my own place and everything but I was depressed doing something I didn’t love. I eventually had to realize I had.to give up all of that to become what I wanted to be, which was an actor. I gave up my apt, moved in with family and pursued my dream of being a fulltime actor. I took that risk not knowing of I would have a place to live after the decision because the decision came before I inquired about my living situation. Now I’m a fulltime actor and living out what I envisioned. If you envision ot, dream about it,etc…..ACT ON IT! Read more>>
Bree Suber
The biggest risk I think I’ve taken is actually starting my businesses, stepping out on faith and not getting a 9-5. Most people are afraid to put their all into something because they’re not sure of the outcome. Honestly that’s the best part, not knowing what’s on the other side of the fence but once you see all your work come to life it’s the best feeling ever. It may not happen as fast as you like but it happened and you didn’t give up on yourself. Read more>>
Gabriella Villanueva
Before I started my own business I was working for someone else and doing teeth whitening for her business. She lives out of state so I was the only one running her business for her in Houston. Her other businesses were doing quiet well and she decided to close down the Houston location and have me work from home for her. This was great for a little while, until the job and pay became more inconsistent. I am a single mom of two so this did not work as I was struggling to support myself and my kids. Read more>>
Joshua Vern
I’ve always had an affinity for music– After all, it’s a universal language. I spent my childhood trapped inside my head in more that one way, not only because I was a closeted trans-nonbinary person, but also because I had terrible allergies and a Ritalin prescription that turned me into a virtual zombie. I would come to only to discover I had been having a conversation for five minutes already. Whether this was a factor that contributed to the abuse and neglect from my mother’s partners, I can’t say, but the effects certainly compounded. Read more>>
Alexis “Fly” Jones
As it relates to my career as a creative, those words “Taking a Risk” was the theme for all of year 2021 and as I entered 2022. First, let me provide some background. I am a single mother, who supports a young, growing son and other family members full-time. I don’t say that for sympathy, but like many other families, we rely on one-income. Also, like many other families, we’ve survived a Pandemic, while currently living in a time of inflation and now a possible recession. Read more>>
Carolyn Jaynes
As a singer with my own karaoke business in the 90’s, I wanted to become a professional singer with the background tracks so I wouldn’t need a band. My trio had just sung for a senior community for Christmas, and everyone enjoyed it. II wanted to do more. I told my family I wanted to move to California to pursue a singing career. Read more>>
VALERIE BURGOS
I am fluent in Spanish, but my writing skills were underdeveloped. I minored in Spanish in college. When presented with the opportunity to apply for Production Assistant at Univision, a staple in hispanic households, i was terrified of making mistakes. My boss tested me with a 3 page essay; i had to find every grammar and punctuation error. After that, everyday was a learning struggle for me because I had to be perfect grammar wise. Read more>>
Angel Montague
After teaching at a few yoga studios for several years, I risked going out on my own. I had an opportunity to sublet a space and work for myself. In order to be my own boss I had to let go of the one yoga studio I always held onto. I had been there for seven years, however, the timing just didn’t work anymore. So, I went for it. Read more>>
Beth Hitchcock
I have had to take many risks in my life to keep growing in my career. Trusting my intuition has helped to make those risks feel less scary. Now based in LA, this is the fourth city I have moved to alone as a self-employed person. When I graduated college from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelors in Fashion Design, I moved to NYC without a job. Read more>>
Jonathan Conrado
I took a risk for myself and for my family. During my journey of becoming a well known Dj/ Business owner I always kept this words in my head “Don’t be afraid of being different but be afraid of being like everyone else” and until this day my dreams have come true. Read more>>
Kirstin (K Sha’Ree) Oliver
The biggest risk, which also may seem like the smallest risk, that I have ever taken, that changed my entire life; was in the year of 2016 approximately 3 months after my daughter was born, on December 2, of 2015. Read more>>