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.

Dona Baker

To me, being successful in this industry is all about building genuine connections with your clients and having a true passion for what you do. When you care deeply about your work and always put your clients’ best interests first, it naturally shines through. That kind of dedication doesn’t go unnoticed, it leads to referrals, word of mouth praise, and a reputation for being exceptional at what you do. Read more>>

Madison May

When I first started modeling, I had no idea what it meant to be “successful.” I think that’s something I’ve had to define for myself throughout my career as every model’s motivation for stepping in front of a camera is different. I believe pure passion is the key to being successful. In an industry that demands an equal balance of skill and creativity, you cannot reach new levels of growth if you are not passionate about what you are creating. When I’m really excited about a project – it shows in the photos. Read more>>

Holly Lynch

I think the definition of success is different for everyone. For me success isn’t defined by having a ton of sessions or a million followers (of course those things are great too) but it’s simply working with good people and creating images that bring joy. Freezing time and capturing life’s important milestones for my clients is what brings me joy. It’s easy to get caught up in the comparison game in this business but it’s so important to take a step back and remember your why. I started this business because I love photography and because I felt like I lost a little bit of myself in motherhood. This business has given me something for me and allowed me to do what I love while creating an income for my family and I am forever thankful for that. Read more>>

Ann Butler

Success in a profession can be very different than success in family life. But one can, indeed, have success in both – and if it works, life will certainly be extraordinary. Success takes perseverance, tenacity, and patience. It takes sacrifice and, of course, the support of people around you. My career as a CIA officer required a very unique set of skills. Because the job -recruiting and handling spies and collecting intelligence to protect our country’s national security – is full of challenges and sometimes danger, it takes a certain kind of person to be successful in the job. One needs to be able to pivot when necessary, be ready for the unexpected. It requires being aware of – and interested in – world events. Read more>>

Lisarose Ryan

Being young and in such a competitive industry can be extremely intimidating and hard to navigate. There are so many levels and ways people describe success. To me, the idea of being successful changes daily and is measured in a variety of ways. Success is taking the stride in what you do to the best you can do it, and then taking that one extra step. Knowing the value in success, to me, means understanding that you will continue to thrive if you trust yourself and build up a team that supports and trusts your vision. Success to me is not measured in physical accolades or benchmarks, it is something that you can determine based on the environment you have cultivated thus far and the successes not only of your own, but of those you contribute to. Read more>>

Alexis Magill

I think we all wish there were a magic formula for success — but honestly, that would make life way too boring. There are so many factors that shape the journey: where you start, what resources you have, and most importantly, how you define success. No matter what the roadmap looks like, though, I believe one thing is essential for anyone to cross that finish line: curiosity. Read more>>

Rachel Vanni

Success comes in many forms, but I believe it starts with the courage to be uncomfortable. When you are pushing past your current knowledge or skillset, it doesn’t feel great all the time. It can be downright scary. You may feel insecure or unsure, but you just learn how to lean into it. I had a professor who said something that always stuck with me: “Knowledge makes a bloody entrance.” When I’m facing a challenge and it feels really difficult, I remember that growth can be painful but when you learn to accept that, nothing can stop you. Read more>>

Steve Schaeffer

Success, to me, is built on a few key pillars: Passion (a genuine interest in what you do), Purpose (a reason beyond money, ego, and self that drives you), Persistence and Perseverance (the drive to keep going when things get tough), Curiosity (the desire to continue to learn and explore), and Organization (which turns being “busy” into being “productive”). Read more>>

Funmi Dosunmu

To me, success isn’t about one magic formula. It’s a blend of consistency, self-motivation, discipline, courage, and maybe a touch of healthy delusion. The funny thing is, most of my best moments emerged when I leaned into exactly those qualities, often without even realizing it. Read more>>

Ryan Moller

Theatre is the quiet industry most do not know about. Because we think of it as entertainment, the work that goes into it is often not seen as a serious career. Like most careers that are freelance based, it can be frustrating always trying to prove yourself to get the next job. The urge to find something steady, that will keep you in one place is strong. To be successful in theatre you really have to love it and be determined to make it a career. Read more>>

Jonathan Labadie

To me, success is about consistency and commitment—especially when it’s inconvenient. It’s not some big breakthrough or overnight win. It’s doing the right thing, the hard thing, even when no one’s watching, and especially when you have every excuse not to. Read more>>

Wil Prewitt

I believe success requires being comfortable with rejection and failure. It’s not just about reaching goals — it’s about how you handle the setbacks along the way. To be successful, you have to not only fail, but learn from those mistakes and grow through them. Read more>>

Jamar Greshh

I believe success comes down to consistency. I’ve seen a clear difference in my own journey. When I am consistently creating and sharing my work, things grow. Opportunities come, engagement builds, and I feel momentum. But when I slip into a season of isolation or stop showing up, that growth stalls. Read more>>

Kevina Oyatedor

I believe success isn’t about money and fame. It is about getting to that finish line, accomplishing your goals by working hard, the family you grew up with and being humble. I remember the first time I wrote a novel and finished it. I’ve been writing it since I was 17. Sure it was messy, but the characters and story stuck with me over the years. I wanted to put a story that I wanted to read and finish no matter what. Read more>>

Daniel Stangroom

What I think it takes for a business to be successful is to connect to the customers. Consumers these days appreciate supporting their friends’ companies and products. So if the consumer knows who they are supporting and get to understand how the item is made they are more willing to buy the item. This also gives the items more value to the consumer so they will less likely throw it away! Read more>>

Logan Thibodeaux

Success starts with a vision. A dream.
Success is not letting fear hold you back.
It takes getting up everyday and pushing yourself to be the best version of yourself, even if takes tears to get there. Show up & Grind. It’s not an option. Read more>>

Gabe Fogleman

I think in order to be successful, you have to be willing to make sacrifices. Over the years, I’ve seen so many people that I have worked with who allow themselves to settle for mediocrity. When we choose to settle, we restrict ourselves from ever reaching our full potential. And that to me is success. So for me, in order to be successful and allow myself to reach my full potential, I have to be willing to make sacrifices. In my experience with creative work that I have done, there have been countless times that I have completed a project that people couldn’t stop raving about. Read more>>

Jack Potter

I believe success isn’t defined solely by dollar signs—it comes in many forms. To me, success in business means freedom. The freedom to pursue what inspires and drives you. The freedom to build something bigger than yourself. The freedom to walk away from the 9-to-5 grind and live life on your own terms. Read more>>

Bree Sophia

I have always believed that if you work hard at something, consistently enough, you will find success. I think consistency is the key, and with this consistency comes extreme discipline, determination and resilience. Consistency means showing up and doing the work that is required of you even when you do not feel up to it, even when you do not feel motivated, even when you may not be seeing the results you want, even if you are experiencing a slower season in business. Keep going, keep showing up and keep putting the work in, even in these times (especially during these times). Read more>>

Luke Soderling

Businesses lose their way early on when their focus shifts from solving a problem to exploiting a problem for their own gain. As a service company who provides plumbing and electrical services for our community, our focus is not on solving plumbing and electrical issues. Our focus is on solving the personal problems that come as a result of the disruption of life and the added stress that comes from having a leak in the ceiling the day before Thanksgiving where your mother-in-law will be coming and is going to judge how well you cooked the turkey and how clean your house is. If we can take care of that plumbing problem in a fast and efficient manner with up-front pricing, we can take one worry off your plate and help facilitate a less stressful family gathering. Read more>>