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.

Shay Moore

Success begins with having a clear sense of purpose knowing what you’re aiming for and defining what it means on your own terms. It takes discipline and consistency, showing up day after day even when motivation fades. A growth mindset and the willingness to learn from failure are essential, as setbacks are part of the journey. Surrounding yourself with supportive, driven people keeps you grounded and motivated. Resilience allows you to keep going through challenges, and adaptability ensures you can adjust when circumstances change. Ultimately, success is defined by what you deem as successful, you have a vision for yourself and it’s up to you to follow through with the plan. Read more>>

Ben Lack

For me, success comes down to three things: consistency, self-awareness, and relationships. You don’t have to be the most talented person in the room if you’re relentlessly consistent, know your strengths and blind spots, and build authentic relationships with people along the way. Read more>>

Sophia Love

Success, in my view, comes down to a combination of resilience, self-awareness, and consistent effort. It’s less about a perfect plan and more about how well you adapt when things don’t go according to plan. One story that illustrates this idea is about a woman named Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. She started with no background in fashion or business and was selling fax machines door to door. What made her successful wasn’t a huge financial investment or industry connections—it was her persistence. Read more>>

Lindsay Malkovich

I think the most important part of becoming successful is finding your thing. What do you love to do? What are you passionate about? And how does it serve you—not just financially, but emotionally and mentally? For me, that discovery was everything. Because the truth is, there will be challenges. There will be roadblocks. There will be burnout. But when you truly care about what you’re doing, those obstacles won’t stop you—they’ll push you. You’ll fight for it, even when it’s hard, because it matters to you. Read more>>

Lia Moore

I believe success takes unwavering faith, dedication, and the ability to persist through adversity. Some of the most inspiring success stories come from individuals who refused to give up, even when life hit hardest. It’s not about avoiding setbacks. It’s about finding meaning in them and moving forward anyway. Read more>>

Allison Lai

When you have passion, anything is possible. A person who has zero connection with their role and is confined to seeing their work as only work will be restricted in how much success they meet and what they can accomplish in that field. However, someone with passion will have the will and emotional connection which inevitably pushes them to find ways to make things happen. People with passion and values towards their goals will be pushed to be creative to carve their own paths towards success. When we become doubtful in our capabilities and whether something is truly in the cards, tangible, or realistic, our passion is what tells us to go after it anyways. With passion, the sky’s the limit. Read more>>

Alex Kalatzis

Success can mean so many things and is different to everyone, but I think one of the biggest (and most underrated) moves is taking pride in your work. Actually caring about the quality of what you put out there, big or small, even when no one’s watching. You’re motivated to do a good job, not just for praise, but because you realize your output is a reflection of you. It shows up in the details, in how you problem-solve, how you follow through, and even how you receive feedback. People notice. Opportunities find you. And you build a reputation that quietly sets you apart from the rest. Read more>>

Holly Hughes

To be successful, I think it starts with having a strong work ethic—showing up, following through, and taking pride in what you do. Especially in remote settings, it’s important to be direct and over-communicate to avoid misunderstandings and keep things moving smoothly. I also believe in maintaining good relationships with coworkers; you never know who might offer you a job down the line or who you’ll end up working with again. It’s just as important to advocate for yourself—don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. Whether it’s a raise, a promotion, or new responsibilities, be clear about your goals and ask what steps you can take to get there—then actually follow through on the feedback you’re given. Read more>>

Lola Denwe

I believe success is defined differently by each person, it all depends on what it means to you. For me, success means growth, identity, and a changed mindset. Let me break that down.
1. Changing Your Mindset
Real success begins in the mind. It’s about being intentional and developing the discipline to focus on what you can do & not what you lack. I grew up believing that success meant getting a formal education and following a specific path. I thought if I checked all the boxes, I would automatically feel successful. But even when I reached some of those goals, the feeling didn’t always follow. Read more>>

Stacey Roberts

Honestly—just keep showing up. That’s been everything for me. Being an artist and chasing your passion isn’t the easy path. It takes serious dedication and a thick skin. There are so many moments where you feel rejected or wonder if you should just throw in the towel. But I’ve learned that if I push through those rough patches, new opportunities always seem to open up—sometimes through social media, sometimes through connections I’ve made just by putting myself out there. Read more>>

Gina Maltese

To be successful, I believe it takes clarity of purpose, resilience, and a deep respect for the journey — not just the destination. For me, success isn’t about fame, followers, or even financial milestones, although those can be part of it. It’s about showing up fully, doing meaningful work, and staying grounded in why I started. Read more>>

Crystal Williams

I believe success is built on two things: never stopping and staying focused. Relentless effort—showing up again and again—is half the battle. Focus gives that effort direction. But here’s the part people often forget: it’s okay to pivot. If your plan isn’t working, change the plan—but never abandon the goal. Just keep moving. Read more>>

Ikaika Padron-Haakenson

Honestly? It takes way more than just being good at drawing. I mean, yeah your linework, shading, and technique have to be solid. But beyond that, it’s about consistency, showing up even when you’re tired, and building real trust with your clients. Read more>>

Nancy Lansdowne
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As a self-published author of a memoir and three children’s books, I can say with certainty that the greatest success I’ve achieved through my writing has been learning to get out of my own way. Letting go of the idea that everything had to be perfect; that was the moment the magic truly began. Once I shifted my focus from perfection to connection, everything changed. I began writing from my heart instead of obsessing over every sentence. I started asking myself not, “Is this good enough?” but “What do I want my reader to feel?” That shift opened the door to creativity, honesty, and healing. Read more>>

Steven Meloney

In my experience, success hinges on two essential drivers: (1) a clear definition of what constitutes success, and (2) consistent and relevant action. In the context of music production, I frequently see artists struggle because their criteria for success are vague, leading to inconsistent and ineffective efforts. To solve this problem, I employ two tools: the SMART goal method and the Wheel of Action. Read more>>