We’ve been fortunate to connect with so many brilliant artists, business owners and leaders over the years and so we reached out to some of these talented folks to discuss what it takes to be successful.

Shranjay Arora

Success. Read more>>

Angela Enwezor

Being successful can mean different things to different people, but there are some common factors that contribute to success. Clear goals: Read more>>

Nina Chau

Success comes in various forms. I believe what takes one to be successful is knowing what you’re good at and repeat that step to the world. When I was younger, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to be or to do. I went through numerous amounts of trial and error to know that I wanted to be a marketer. Read more>>

Darelle Noel

To become successful I always believed in something called the Red Thread Mindset which is 1. Developing a deep passions for your goals in your life and your field 2. Having the will (mentally and physically) to not stop until you ultimately become successful at that. That has helped me in My career is in al facets. Read more>>

Tony Merkel

In my experience, the first step is to focus your attention on your vision and block out distractions from your surroundings. Most people tend to socialize with a core group of individuals who know them for who they are today, not necessarily for who they aspire to become in the future. If a visionary can’t set aside the opinions of those who don’t share their dreams, they may feel isolated and encounter challenges in achieving their goals. Read more>>

Anna Wise

When I assess other individuals or businesses, I consider two key factors in gauging their success. The first, which is readily discernible, is the quality of their work. Being a part of the wedding industry, our work is profoundly artistic and visually impactful. Photography and videography are integral to our field like no other. Read more>>

Kenna Porter

In my opinion, what determines success, is the relationships you build and maintain as a business owner. Read more>>

Gabriella Griffin

I think being successful has a different meaning for different people. Speaking specifically for creatives, I believe the first thing it takes to be successful is patience. In this industry, slow and steady is more likely to win versus rushing the process. Good creative work takes attention to detail, on the creative and business side, so taking the time to gain knowledge and doing things the right way has to be more important than doing things quickly. Read more>>

Arriel Wilkerson

Hard work. Simple. I think it takes hours of practice and putting everything you have into something you want to see grow so that the outcome can be great and bigger than you’ve imagined. Read more>>

BreAshia Bonner

To be successfully takes a lot of sacrificing, hard work and dedication. I don’t like the saying “Success won’t happen over night” because you can literally be broke today and rich tomorrow. In order to be successful you have to do things you’ve never done before, take risk, and know exactly what is is you are chasing. Read more>>

Edith Johnson

What it takes to be Successful absolutly has to do with the people you surround yourself with. I throughly believe what you put out into the universe is what you get back. Being negative, attracts negative people. I chose to enjoy the ups and downs. Learning how to be humble as a chef is a skill in its own. We tend to love our craft to a passionate fault. Read more>>

Sharath Yerra

Through years of personal and professional exploration, I’ve come to understand a fundamental truth: true success rarely arrives effortlessly. The things that come easily often lack the lasting impact we seek. Read more>>

Tracy Stahl

“I believe that true tenacity is the cornerstone of success, whether you’re running a business or navigating life’s challenges. As the owner of a 3-year-old notary business, I’ve learned that determination, perseverance, and unwavering commitment are essential traits. Success demands the ability to overcome obstacles, adapt to changing circumstances, and stay focused on your goals. Read more>>

Delaney Mott

I think to be successful, you first need to know what you’re striving for and passionate about. I also think it’s important to understand that you need to have failures in order to succeed. Without failing, you wouldn’t be able to learn from your mistakes. I developed this view on success while in college and more recently adjusting to post-grad life. Read more>>

Janese Maricelli

Being successful is subjective to the individual. I feel very successful in raising my family, having created two profitable businesses, sitting on two non-profit boards, and working hard to better my community. In my fifteen years in Galveston, Texas I have worked hard to develop my brand. Now my name and JanMarAgency is synonymous with integrity and quality work. Through day-to-day hands-on work in the community, my business and personal connections have prospered, and I am forever grateful. Read more>>

Michelle Bellamy

I think success is individual to every person and what the word success means to them. I think success is often antiquated in society as making a whole bunch of money. I don’t equate money entirely to success. Of course I want my business to be successful and grow beyond my wildest dreams and in turn that will give me money to help create a better life for my family, create community, give back and leave this world a better place for future generations. Read more>>

Mary Yasol

Success has a different meaning to everyone. For me, success is when I achieve the goals I set for myself and people around me year after year. To be successful, you need to have a plan and dedication to pursue what you want to achieve. You are constantly learning, having fun and innovating to make things work. it’s also essential to break down your big goals to a series of smaller goals to not overwhelm yourself. Read more>>

Joanna Revel

This is a question that one often hears, but in essence is one that requires a bit of mileage over time to really understand fully, how does one measure success is a question, that has alot of layers, I truly feel to he successful one has to really be able to evaluate your inner most strengths, combined with what truly lights you up, a true passion. True success comes from a strong vision, strong focus to take initiative, and persistence, the last ingredient is an instinct or openess to find new avenues to grow an existing idea, all of this combined, creates not only a more exciting path with one’s idea, but helps an idea flourish into success, ultimately creating more happiness and meaning. Read more>>

Glenicia Neal

To be successful it is important to remember that you are he expert at what you do. While there may be others in the same industry it is imperative to understand the customers that are meant for you will find you. I believe that success is highly individual and can take various forms. Some people want career success, personal fulfillment, financial prosperity, or just want to make a positive impact on society. Read more>>

Jacquelyn Fletcher Johnson

So many of us have a definition of success that comes from other people. I started my business when I was in my 20s as an F you to all the people who told me that I couldn’t make a living as a creative. Anger is a really effective energy to drive action, but it’s not sustainable for a lifetime. After a bout with breast cancer, I finally understood that I had to discover what success meant to me and no one else. Read more>>

Sierra Smith

Whew lol that’s a good one. I think lots of patience and remembering to remain consistent and authentic. You have to be able to enjoy the journey. Nothing happens overnight. You have to lose some to win some. I know LOL. I’ve had to rebrand and truly step into my purpose and what felt genuinely right for me. Read more>>

Alexandria Daniels

As we know, success looks different for everyone, but I think the one thing it has in common is the need to be resilient, innovative, self disciplined and brave. Read more>>

Sally Ullman

My photography career started many years ago.  In college I did not only complete assignments but I took time to reflect on my surroundings visually so my work encorporated a broader viewpoint than just my own. That statement may sound vague, but as an artist in whatever form you chose to express your skills toward,  there is more than a natural talent that helps you succeed. Read more>>