TV, Movies, and culture in general sometimes paints a narrow, specific image of what success is, but we know from our conversations with some of the best and brightest that success can mean vastly different things to different people.

Megan Amato | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

This is such an interesting question which can be answered through a couple of different lenses. Growing up in an individualistic and capitalistic society, I think most people’s first response to this question would be something along the lines of “a good job, making a lot of money, a house with a white picket fence” and so on. The society in which we live reinforces this idea and it can be really hard to feel happy when you are working towards success in a way which doesn’t match up with what you want internally. Read more>>

Kevin Garcia | Real Estate Professional

Success is defined in the dictionary as “the favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors; the accomplishment of one’s goals.” Everyone has their own definition of success, some believe it’s tied to materialistic items, others believe it is spiritual, and some believe it is a life’s journey to finding out what this means to you personally. Read more>>

BREDMAN | Artist & Business Owner of “ANYDAYNOW”

I define success by having the trust and willingness of other successful and creative people and having them being open to work with you. Also taking your opinion and being able to obtain leadership roles in any given environment. Success is all situation but the mindset of success is that of an individual who takes advantage of any given opportunity and does the best to elevate the environment they’re in. Read more>>

Graham Byers | Cinematographer and Entrepreneur

Success is defined by my ability to confront health obstacles, participate in activities that promote a “purpose-based identity,” and maintain quality and balanced relationships. Living a healthy life where I feel physically and mentally well greatly defines how successful I feel. Unfortunately, obstacles often arise. Read more>>

Crystal B. | Licensed Nail Artist and Influencer

To me, success is not defined by how much money you make or how popular you are. Success is having the raw determination to persevere through whatever obstacles you may come across, to obtain the goal sought after. You must believe in yourself and your abilities when others can’t see it. Never stop pushing until you’ve reached your destination. Read more>>

Brianna Barrett | Artist

Did I accomplish what I set out to do? If the answer is yes, then I consider that a success. A lot of times in the creative field, it can be disheartening to base success on how your project is received by the public. Especially when looking at videos on Instagram and Tik Tok, it can be easy to place value on how good your work of art is based on how many views a video got. But some of my favorite works didn’t get a ton of likes or views – and I’ve realized that doesn’t make them any less than what they are. Read more>>