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.

Barbra Stover | Realtor

Factor behind my success is having no fear of rejection. My determination provides empowerment to successfully run my business, manage my team and negotiate the best deals for my clients. Read more>>

Franco Factory Adam Plax | Co-Founders, Beachside Moto Club (BMC)

At Beachside Moto Club (BMC), our growth and influence within the Los Angeles motorcycle community stems from our commitment to putting riders first. Whether you’re a seasoned rider looking to expand your network, a beginner rider seeking a safe learning environment, or new in town looking to expand your social circle through a common interest, BMC is the place for you. Read more>>

Megan Parker | American Traditional Tattoo Artist

I think the most important factor behind the success of my brand would be the hours I was willing to put into my apprenticeship. I worked eight hours a day, six days a week for the two years I apprenticed. It’s also important to note the importance of apprenticing under someone at a shop. There are so many important lessons to be learned at a shop with guidance that you simply cannot teach yourself when you’re not learning to tattoo the correct way. You need those building blocks and fundamentals to make any real progress, not to mention health safety. Read more>>

Diana Garcia | Brand Creator

We truly value all the support we’ve received, from friends and family to those who discover us at community events. Even if they don’t make a purchase, they now know who we are and can recognize our brand. Our goal has always been to create a brand that the people of Palmdale, CA, can proudly embrace and feel excited to represent beyond the city’s limits. Read more>>

Jess Perna | Live Wedding Painter & Studio Portrait Artist

My paintings honor the wedding gown designers, florists, hair stylists and makeup artists who create the look for the brides, by painting them as beautifully as they are on their wedding day. After many years of study, practice and dedication, the couples who hire me are given a museum quality painting they can hang in their homes. I paint in oil on gallery wrapped canvas in a variety of sizes. Gallery wrapped canvas is when the background scene is continued on the sides of the thick canvas, so a frame isn’t required. Read more>>

Anna Shiwlall | Interior Designer

Always be authentic and see how you can service others. I think that a lot of times people emphasize certain “sales” tactics and rules. But for me, what has worked best is being authentic and listening to my clients needs and putting myself in their shoes. If I were them, what would I want? Knowing everything I know in my industry, what are the best possible options that can help make my clients lives easier and more enjoyable? When those things are factored into my consideration, my designs come out easier, and the clients are able to connect to it more. 9 times out of 10, clients will always purchase through us because we’ve built that trust, I suggested items and designed something based on their needs and I make sure they understand that I’m always in their corner. Being very authentic and passionate about the service that we offer and being honest will always be a win. Read more>>

Danielle Reid | Actress, Writer and Director

Loving the process, following your bliss and receptive to the surprises life brings along the way. Read more>>

Pashtana | Roxanna | Raheba Abedi | Talaie | Afredi | Pashtana Abedi; Roxanna Talaie; Raheba Afredi – Saya Athletica

The key to our brand’s success has been our ability to step into the minds of our customers and engineer a product that truly enhances their athletic experience. With a team of partners deeply engaged in a variety of fitness activities, we’ve been able to merge our different worlds and create grip socks that are not only versatile, but also meet the specific needs of diverse workouts. Whether it’s providing traction for squats and deadlifts or offering stability during a deep lunge on the Reformer, our socks are designed to support every movement. Read more>>

Joe Caito | Muralist and Filmmaker

RISK. Without it I would have never made the decision to start an art journey with zero formal training/experience. It’s lead me to enter my work into galleries, collaborations with artists, mural projects, etc.. I believe to truly succeed at anything difficult, you must be willing to take the uncomfortable steps forward and accept the uncertainties that come with them. Read more>>

Christian Yang | Chef & Owner

For us, the most important factor behind our success has been doing the right thing. Since day one, we’ve always wanted to do the right thing for our guests, our team, our partners/suppliers, our community, and in a broader sense, the world. It’s worked for us because it’s such a simple motto, basically our north star. Read more>>

Scott Kohno | store owner of Yama Sushi Marketplace

The key factor behind our success is understanding the value of a single customer. My personal mantra is that one customer is worth $10,000. You see, if you give that single customer the best service possible, and they share their experience with just three friends—something we know nearly all Yama customers do—the power of this concept becomes clear.

By embracing this principle, it becomes evident how we must prioritize our quality and authenticity to create meaningful, emotional connections between each customer and the Yama brand. Every hour, our staff and managers face challenges and must make decisions that directly affect our customers. “Is the quality ok?”, “This fish seems a little off.”, etc. However, when they focus on the long-term value of each customer, the decision to make the customer happy becomes quite simple. Read more>>

Adithyakiran Pb | Music Artist | Record Label

The most important factor behind my success as an artist has been staying true to myself and my music. I pour my heart into every track, ensuring it reflects genuine emotions and connects with people on a deeper level. Whether it’s through the lyrics, the melody, or the vibe of the song, I strive to create something meaningful that resonates with my audience. Read more>>

El Soto | Chainmail Artist

The most important factor behind my success is community support. I started making jewelry because of how depressed I was, and it was my community at the time that supported my endeavor. The queer community has uplifted and supported me in my success the most, which is why I sell in queer spaces. That’s also why I keep the prices the way I do- I know we’re all struggling and I want to keep chainmail accessible. Read more>>

Spencer Folmar | Film Director & Producer

The most important factor behind my success has been staying true to my purpose and vision as a filmmaker. I’ve always aimed to tell authentic, impactful stories that challenge and inspire audiences. That focus—combined with hard work, persistence, and a willingness to adapt—has allowed me to navigate the ups and downs of this industry. Faith has also been a cornerstone, guiding my decisions and giving me the strength to persevere when challenges arise. Success, for me, comes down to creating work that resonates deeply with people while staying true to my core values. Read more>>

Holly Lindblom | Paranormal photographer

The truth. The facts. The actual history of the properties and houses. The fact that some of the house’s hold secrets. And may or may not be still haunted. The questions. The why? The who? And all the pictures, are all my very own. I have always taken the time to research the places before I go. Then I am really trying to tell the stories, when I publish my photography. The process that goes into every single place I photograph. The time. The effort. The love and dedication. It’s not just a hobby. It’s my passion. Read more>>

Bobbie Breckenridge | Actress and Transformational Coach

Choosing to let myself experience it. It’s so easy to get caught up in the pattern of blasting past moments of achievement to focus on what’s next, what’s next, what’s next. Instead I choose to see every role I book as a massive win. Every award a film I’m in receives, I share in that win and I let myself be proud to have contributed to that award. Every acknowledgment someone gives me for my acting, I allow myself to really take it in. Read more>>