There are so many factors that can play a role in determining our results, performance and ultimately our success, but some factors matter more than others. We asked folks what they felt was the most important factor driving their success.

Daniel J. Reece | Actor/Singer/Dancer/Artist

My Mother. She raised me and my older brother on her own so I truthfully really do want to MAKE IT back up to her. That couldn’t have been easy and I know she made sacrifices on my behalf. Read more>>

Iesha Daniels | DJ

The most important factor behind my success is the support of my community of family, friends and professional network. It is because of them that my name has been mentioned in so many rooms for opportunities. I am very grateful for my village. Read more>>

Laïla B. Potvin | Founder & Designer at harly jae

The key to our success lies in our unwavering commitment to delivering on our promise of creating truly timeless garments that customers will reach for time and time again. We produce everything in small batches, repeatedly, to show our customers that their investment in our brand remains valuable—even years after their initial purchase. We’re not just selling clothes; we’re here to support our customers on their journey toward a more intentional lifestyle. Read more>>

Katy Strouk | Owner Monsieur Marcel Gourmet Market, Bistro and Roxy & Jo’s Oyster Bar and Seafood Grill

I’d say there are three major factors that contribute to our success. We pride ourselves on offering curated products. With a considerable portion that we hand pick abroad then have sent to us in a shipping container. This doesn’t keep us limited to just what distributors offer. We often will run point on getting a niche European producer approved by the FDA in order for Monsieur Marcel to be the first ever US reseller of their products. Read more>>

Claudia Evette | Elopement & Lifestyle Photographer

The most important factor behind my success is being a simple human who is always willing to learn but most importantly always ensuring that the people I photograph feel like the most important human in the world while they’re with me. I always want my clients to feel comfortable and important. I never ever want to make anyone feel small around me. Read more>>

Julia Koliushkina | I am a co-owner of the Basi Pilates studio in Marina Del Rey., fitness instructor

When I opened my Basi Pilates studio in Marina Del Rey, the key factor behind our success became our unwavering commitment to quality and professionalism. We specialize in the classical Pilates method, which not only helps improve physical fitness but also harmonizes the body and mind. Our instructors are experts in their field, trained by the best masters, and are ready to share their knowledge with every client. We take pride in creating a space where everyone feels part of a community striving for excellence. At Basi Pilates, transformation begins here, and every day is a new step toward achieving your goals. Read more>>

Gary Marsh | The Chop Tops founding member, lead vocalist, and standing drummer

We have long felt that the secret to gathering what success we have is just being ourselves and writing music that comes naturally to the band. That resonates with our audience, they don’t feel like they’re watching a bunch of phonies pose their way through a set of far-fetched songs compared to whom we are. At any rate, one thing is for sure we have never been anything but grateful for every person who liked what we did and called themselves a fan of our music! Read more>>

Wakako Takagi | Founder of Baum-kuchen

“People over Profit” is an overarching business mantra I have worked with for the last 14 years. Though it sounds simple, the concept is multifaceted and requires me to frequently check in with how we are doing.\When our business was in its infant stage, and it was just me doing everything, I focused on connecting with our customers in the most genuine human way. Read more>>

Nicolas Al Yacoub | Hairstylist and creator of his own balayage technique

The most important factor behind my success is the training that I had , the rigor and the discipline that I followed to get where I am today. Read more>>

Charles Mcdougald | Photographer & Creative Director

One of the significant things that’s propelled me into the space I’m in now with photography and creative direction is that I focus on the experience with people. To me, the connection is everything. Technically speaking, you can have the perfect photo, and if you can’t connect with the person in front of you, the image you create feels empty. Before I picked up a camera, I was a music producer and engineer. Read more>> 

Ron Epstein | Publisher of L.A. Parent and President of Epstein Custom Media Inc.

Without a doubt, it’s having the right team. I love what I do and look forward to work every day, but no one does it alone. I’ve hired some outstanding people over the years who have helped us grow, and I’m forever indebted to them, including the all-star team we have now. I look for three traits in people: solve problems, deliver excellent customer service and work well with others. If you check those boxes, you’ll probably do well with us. Read more>>

Aidana Tuzelbayeva | Film Director

Obviously, it’s a passion and love to my work. The secret of success is when you truly enjoy doing your job. Especially, when you have to come up with the creative solution and you learn and get experience every day from what you are doing. Read more>>

Ricky Baba | Ricky Baba | Art Director

My success in creative fields can be attributed to an unwavering commitment to learning. I’ve always maintained a curious mind and sought out new methods of working. This has allowed me to use transferable skills to move between industries in creative fields. So in my case, success has been characterized by adaptability, resiliency and consistently creating value in different domains. Read more>>

Jessica Lee | Photographer

The most important factor is to keep pushing and not give up even if it feels like it opportunities aren’t coming as fast or consistently as you thought. In the creative industry, especially in Los Angeles, I feel like many begin our journeys fantasizing about a “big break”. “If I star in this movie, I’ll make it”, “If I can sell out a show here, I’ll get signed by a record label”, “If I do X, Y and Z then this big moment is going to happen and I’ve made it”. Read more>>

Annika-mie Racadio | Pastry Chef & Co-Owner

Our community. We aren’t self made, we are community made. We wouldn’t be where we are today without them. I am in constant awe of how loved we are and how much they show up and support us. From markets to online sales, they are incredibly vital to the success of our business. Without them, we wouldn’t be here. Read more>>

Jimmy Star | TV Host/Public Relations Guru/ Social Media Influencer

So I have two brands….one of them is The Jimmy Star Show with Ron Russell podcast….
The Jimmy Star Show with Ron Russell is one of the most popular tv/film podcasts in the world. Ranked in the top 100 shows in 10 countries including the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Germany, France, Spain, India, Colombia, Indonesia and Algeria. Read more>>

Cole Mitchell | Hero Home Specialist & Team Leader

The most important factor behind our success is our unwavering mission and the strong sense of community we’ve built around it. As more Heroes hear about our mission and as our community grows, our business continues to expand. People naturally want to give back to those who help us most, a sentiment that was especially evident during the 2020 pandemic when the vital contributions of these careers were highlighted.  Read more>>

Kay Durairaj | Facial Plastic Surgeon

The success of Beauty By Dr. Kay (www.beautybydrkay.com) is a direct reflection of my commitment to excellence and my unwavering dedication to advancing the field of aesthetic medicine. At the heart of my brand is a philosophy that merges cutting-edge, evidence-based medicine with an artist’s eye for beauty and perfection. I believe that true success comes from a deep understanding of both the science and the art of aesthetics, which is why I continually invest in research and education to stay at the forefront of the industry. Read more>>

Jen Montgomery | Graphic Designer. Book Design ☼ Branding ☼ Botanical Art

The most important factor behind my success is the strong relationships and communication I’ve co-created with my clients. I prioritize consistent follow-ups and staying in regular contact, which has resulted in a client base that’s 95% referral-driven. I truly love working with my clients, and this genuine connection and commitment to their needs has been the cornerstone of my success. Read more>>

Eddie Pimentel | Guitarist, Singer & Songwriter

I would say that the most important factor that has always driven me forward is my persistence, combined with consistency and continuous dedication to music and my career. It’s hard to pinpoint just one factor, but I would say that developing the three pillars of guitarship, musicianship, and music business to the fullest is the way to grow in such a competitive and simultaneously underserved field.  Read more>>

Emily Stroia | Trauma therapist, Author & Meditation teacher

The most important factor behind the success of my brand is consistency and connection. As a service-based entrepreneur, showing up consistently with content that is valuable and speaks to helping someone ease their suffering or learn a tool to help them cope with stress is incredibly valuable. Many people reach out to me because my emails resonated with them or my message connects to something they are going through. Read more>>

Irena Reedy | Actress & Filmmaker

The most important factor behind my success is, without a doubt, the unwavering love and support of my family. When I was 10 years old, after performing in my first play in Australia, I came home and told my parents that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. They told me I had to choose between being a professional Olympic gymnast, which I was also pursuing at the time, or following my passion for acting and filmmaking, as the rigorous hours of gymnastics left little room for anything else.  Read more>>

Jason Bahamundi | Entrepreneur and Endurance Sports Athlete

There are a lot of factors behind the success of the Run Tri Bike brand but the most important one is to show up consistently. Not everyday is going to be unicorns and rainbows but by showing up we can learn a lot more than if we don’t. Some days you hit the ball out of the park and other days you get struck out. That happens and will always happen. Read more>>

David Minishian | Personal Trainer & Nutritionist

Our Small Group Boot Camp, Semi-Private Training, and Private Training programs include everything our clients need from training to nutrition to accountability. What started as only a group fitness training class has been expanded on and refined over time with the help of client feedback. We’re constantly looking for ways to improve our services and offerings to meet our members’ needs. Read more>>

Spencer Gilbard | Actor & Podcaster

Consistency! As an actor, the more auditions that you go on, the more opportunities you have to book a job. As a podcaster, putting out episodes consistently keeps your audience growing and coming back for more. Read more>>

Saulius Baradinskas | Film Director

All my life, I have had a dream of becoming a film director. I wouldn’t say that I am a cinephile, but I was always attracted to how film magic works. I remember the first time I went to the cinema when I was a kid; I had so many questions: where is this world, and how can I live in it? So, 12 years ago, when I started working on this dream, I became a “magician” behind the camera. But the biggest fulfillment came when I understood how many beautiful and talented people I met when I created movies. Read more>>  

Alana Marie Cheuvront | Voice Actress and Narrator

Although my wide vocal range has been a great factor in my overall success as a voice actor and narrator, I believe that most of my voice over work and my brand has primarily been focused on awakening the “inner child.” We live in overstimulated society that demands a lot from us and so much of my audiobook work and some of my voice over work caters to our need to center ourselves, relax, and take time away from our noisy world.  Read more>>

Carrie Rapaport | Frontman for Babes Against The Machine

Wow. “Success” is such a subjective term. I’m not one to be easily satisfied and/or be able to feel like I’ve already achieved the level of success I envision for myself, but I do know that 10-year-old Carrie would say I’m exactly what she hoped she’d become. Read more>>

Suzi Kory | Singer, Songwriter & Motivational Speaker

The most important factor behind my success is faith. It has inspired me to dream big, to believe that it was possible, and to take actions towards my dream even when it didn’t seem rational. I have a very strong trust in my intuition and that has made it only grow stronger in providing me with direction in my life and musical career. Read more>>

Pablomanuel Makfonsdot | Owner and operator of The Caffeinated Cart

I think what makes us special was that we weren’t always there.
We weren’t like a coffee shop where you can find everyday. Walk into and get yourself favorite drink all the time. Read more>>

Yuki Nakamura | Agent

The idea for our modeling agency stemmed from a deep passion for beauty, fashion, and the transformative power of self-expression. Having been immersed in the industry for years, We observed a gap where raw talent and unique beauty were often overlooked by traditional agencies. At Models Package Management, we wanted to create a platform that not only celebrated diversity but also nurtured and developed models who possess a distinctive charm that resonates with global brands. Read more>>

Ashley Stauffer

As an Actress, Hypnotist, and Pilates instructor, my methodology is rooted in the holistic Conscious Conditioning of body, mind, and energy—what I call the “CC360º.” This approach emphasizes the consistency, resilience, and commitment required to show up for yourself. Through subconscious reprogramming, I’ve done the inner work to break free from repetitive patterns that once sabotaged my ability to achieve personal goals. Read more>> 

Bing Yi Oyster” Liao”

I would say “keep learning.” I began my career working with TVCF and Taiwan’s film industry as an art department assistant after I received my BA degree in Mass Communication in 2006, learning practical filmmaking skills by doing. After being involved in film projects for 6 years, I realized I lacked certain requisite skills that could help me advance to the next level. So, I decided to have a gap year, learning skills, such as sketching, watercolors, and perspective drawing, and courses about design fundamentals. Read more>>

Cathy Stanley

I run a non profit dog rescue organization in Los Angeles and I feel like the success of my brand is directly connected to the transparency in which I run the non profit. I want to include my donors and supporters in as much as possible, so they can feel emotionally connected to the dogs they donate to. Read more>>

Anastasiya Makhonka

As a videographer who has been doing what I love for over 4 years, I can say that the most important factor behind a brand’s success is a mix of a few key things. It starts with creating stories and visuals that really connect with people. Keeping up high-quality work and always meeting or beating expectations is crucial. You also need to know what your audience likes and what catches their interest. Read more>>

Studio Outliers

Community support and collaboration. By lifting each other up, sharing resources, and fusing our various skills, we’ve been able to create opportunities and achieve things we couldn’t have done alone. Our first official event recently showcasing an Asian American story through a music video truly made us realize the support and collaborative effort that we as a community want to pour into. With support from various vendors and individuals, our event garnered over 300 people and universal encouragement for future events. Read more>>

Hector Rocha

I think it’s community. I have learned since my humble beginnings that you should surround yourself with people who uplift you. People that you can learn from and people that you see yourself growing up with. Read more>>

Laurie Moulton

Trusting in my vision as it perpetually develops and as the businesses evolve, remains core to my individual success as an entrepreneur. I find that the combination of staying true to my original purpose while at the same time being open to the new strategies needed to get us there, allows me to develop a path that continues to align with our current needs. Read more>>

Evelyn Barajas

Ever since I was a little girl, I had a passion for art and everything creative. As I got older, I indulged in various creative spaces, but continued a career in the tech industry. After many years of feeling unfulfilled, I began drawing the things that inspired me like the people I know, the culture of my family, and the things I value. When I shared my illustrations on social media, it really resonated with many people. Read more>>

Ariel Lowell

Right now I would have to say that the most important factor behind my success is my disbelief in competition. The success of my brand has everything to do with who I am as a person, the skills that I have learned, the energy that I bring to the treatment room, the mindfulness and awareness of my clients and their experience, and the intention in every detail that encompasses Bloom Sugaring. Read more>>

Krissy teskera

Be yourself, be honest, and don’t have money as a motivator. We are doing this because we love to get new Motorcycle riders out to a safe environment to work on their skills and get free training and coaching during the sessions. Trackdaz is a great track organization with coaches who have riding knowledge over 20 years and more. Learn the right skills in the beginning so you don’t have to unlearn the bad habits. Read more>>

Jansen O. Young

The most important factor behind the success of my brand so far has been my passion. When starting this journey I did not know exactly where I was going, or how to get there but I did know I was passionate about creating a gothic/spooky brand. When it finally came time to get started, the data did not support this concept. I have learned through starting a business though, that sometimes you just have to start and figure the rest out later.  Read more>>