We asked some of the most interesting folks in the community to open up about how they think about taking chances and the role risk has played in their lives and careers. Risk is by far the topic folks talk to us most about and we hope the responses below will help shed light on many different perspectives.

Pablo Riesgo Almonacid | Filmmaker

For starters, my last name means risk in Spanish, so I could say that risk has always being in my veins… But on a serious note, risk taking has shaped my entire life. During childhood, my father took risks leaving our home in Spain to find better work opportunities, but that meant leaving a comfortable life behind. I would say that spirit for going against the norm has shaped me. In undergrad, I got a double major degree in Economics and Film, why? Because film was not the safe path to a good life, it was risky. Read more>>

Shauna Haider | Founder & Creative Director, We Are Branch

To me, taking risks in business is 100% necessary. What I’ve learned over time is that when you are willing to go all in and take a big leap, the universe rewards your commitment and meets you halfway. Even when you can’t predict the landing, somehow things always work out. Read more>>

Giancarlo DiTullio | Restaurant Owner & Commercial Broker

Risk taking takes practice. It may be difficult to jump into something that is uncertain. No one likes to fail. There is something to be said, however, about how much you learn from failure and how this could propel you to new heights. Anaid and I differ very much about how much risk we allow in our lives– she is very much calculated and likes to envision the worst case scenario in all decision making and I thrive on all the possibilities. Read more>>

Katy Foley | Actor, Writer, Producer

I believe that everything in life is a risk. Including the safe things. There is no security in anything so why not do what you love? Jim Carey spoke about how his Dad would’ve been the most amazing stand up comedian but went for the safe job instead. He got let go and they struggled. It really spoke to me. Life is too short to not pursue what you love, even if it is not “safe”. The thing I love about my career in entertainment is it is dangerous. Read more>>

Aksa Lima | Commercial and Film Director

In my opinion, life is about taking risks. I’ve been directing commercials for 7 years in Brazil and last year I decided to take a risk again and come to Los Angeles to expand my possibilities as a director. Despite being exciting, it always gives butterflies in the stomach. I hope I always have the courage to take risks, instead of staying in the same place. Read more>>

Annette Mathis | Business owner / Entrepreneur

When starting a business its all a risk. But if you don’t take risks, you won’t have the opportunity to get ahead. There no ceiling when you do your own thing. I have had to take plenty of risks since I began the business. If you don’t put yourself out there you won’t advance. For example I have employees who work for me. When I first started out needing help with phone calls I didn’t feel like I could afford to pay a caller and have enough to survive. Read more>>

Yolanda Felton | Real Estate Broker

Taking risks has been a huge part of my professional and personal life. I didn’t grow up as a risk taker. I was a firm rule follower, until I started traveling. Seeing the world opened my eyes. There are so many ways to approach life, and so many potential paths. I went to law school and practiced labor and employment defense after graduation. After a few years, I decided to transition into real estate sales, which was at the time a huge risk. Read more>>

Veronica Trang | Photographer

Life is truly a roller coaster that either runs smooth and straight or with twist and turns, not knowing what the next move will be. My passion for photography has always been a part of me since I was 16 years old but I never thought it was going to become a business. When I thought I had the best and secured job as a Project Manager for a successful company, we get hit by a worldwide pandemic. When 2020 pandemic happened I lost my job, leaving me with so many worries and fear. Read more>>

Mark Givens | Artist, Publisher, Musician

One of the major functions, and one of the greatest strengths, of the independent press is the ability to take chances on adventurous authors. Not every project is approached from a monetary viewpoint and quite often the ones that are the most exciting and challenging to the status quo are the ones that don’t have a wide market appeal. The authors take risks, the independent press takes a risk, and the literary audience responds. Read more>>

Michael Taylor | Professional Skin Therapist

Life is all about taking risks. My motto is if you’re comfortable you’re not growing. I genuinely do not think that my business or brand would not be where it’s at today if I didn’t take a risk. It’s definitely a scary feeling but if you put everything you have into it, it’s totally worth it. Read more>>