We asked the community what factors they felt were responsible for their success and we’ve highlighted some of those responses below.

Tash Galgut

As a model, most think success is bound by to your physical appearance. A perspective that I myself used to agree with.

I operate in an industry that judges you on how well you encapsulate the essence of the brand you are representing and how well you form yourself into the aspirational vision of beauty, so it can be easy to judge yourself and others in a very black and white way. Do you fit the brief and are you beautiful; yes or no? Read More>>

Chris Bredesen

At Visit King Harbor, we are focused on increasing awareness for our wonderful businesses in our area. We are located in King Harbor, Redondo Beach and have 10 restaurants, 3 hotels, apartments, 4 marinas, 2 yacht clubs, and numerous other activity based businesses.

Our success stems from our ocean front location and high quality business operators that strive to give their customers the best possible experiences. Read More>>

Savanah Norman

Consistency, dedication, and passion have been key. I’ve worked hard to stay up-to-date with trends, techniques, and products, while still keeping my own artistic identity. But at the heart of it all, I think it’s the trust and loyalty of my clients that has helped drive the growth of my brand. Their support, word-of-mouth referrals, and excitement about what I do have been invaluable to me as a business owner. It’s more than a business—it’s a reflection of my love for creativity and the relationships I’ve built through it. Read More>>

Gary Stockdale

That it is focused on educating people about the fundamental principles of human movement, on land and water. Read More>>

Lorenzo Lewis

If I had to choose the most important factor behind my success and the success of Street Diplomat, it would be authenticity and cultural connection.

Street Diplomat isn’t just a brand, it’s a movement. It represents the journey of those of us who come from environments where resilience isn’t a choice; it’s a necessity. It’s about bridging worlds from the block to the boardroom, from the streets to the big stage but without losing who you are. I built this brand on the understanding that our voices matter, that the lived experiences of minority communities deserve a platform, and that we can be both polished professionals and unapologetic advocates for our people. Read More>>

Steve Staley

Seeking out professionals in my field for advice and then… TAKING the advice. Read More>>

David Krassner

CAMP BRAVO is a unique educational theatre experience. Performing Arts Summer programs are most often wrapped around some public performance. BRAVO is a process-based experience, that is not about casting or rehearsals. It focuses on trust, collaboration, and taking risks. We are located 7,000 feet “up a mountain” so literally no contact with the outside world for seven days. We are doing nothing but theatre from 8:00A till 11:00P at night. Read More>>

Sarah Lewis

I am definitely a big risktaker and put myself in situations that force me to think and grow within my business. I attend conferences where I don’t know anyone, sign up for shows that I’m nervous to attend, say yes to big projects, and make connections with big industry leaders. If you’re not taking yourself out of your comfort zone then you’re not growing! Read More>>

Darius Farrelly

The foundation of general education, the understanding of how to communicate with others, the ability to take a concept from a client and create a path to completion.

The overall results from being in the business for a long time and the valuable elements that come within the relationships created from the past to the present Read More>>

Monica Whitlock

Authenticity. Having a goal is helpful but in all honesty, remaining consistent in my authenticity and how I show up for myself has created the foundation of my success. Authenticity, gratitude and staying present in the energy of God! Read More>>

Carson Breber

I think the fact that our content is distinct and different from the norm in a very over-saturated sports media landscape has been key to our success. Instead of starting from a generic sports talk place, we began on TikTok by occupying the specific niche of sports trivia, where our knowledge is unique and stood out. That led to exponential growth on TikTok, which allowed us to grow on other platforms and expand beyond just trivia to give our own opinions and analysis, in which we still have a pretty distinct brand of “nerdy,” intensive breakdowns. We also have an excellent collaborative dynamic and people often tell me they enjoy our on-screen chemistry and humor as something else that makes us different, so the fact that we’re close friends has definitely helped in multiple ways. Read More>>

Kimberly Heimbach

Ladyfolk Studio’s success can largely be attributed to my focus on blending creativity with authenticity. I’ve built a brand around celebrating women’s voices, often creating empowering and relatable content that resonates deeply with my audience. The studio’s commitment to a unique aesthetic and high-quality production creating live watercolor fashion illustration guests art also plays a key role. Additionally, fostering a strong community through collaboration, creative workshops and inclusivity helps me maintain long-term engagement with my followers and live event art clients. Read More>>

Micah Wilson

Taking risk and having faith knowing it was going to work regardless of any roadblocks. Read More>>

Eric Sharp

I put my brand name “Sharpo!®” behind everything I do. That makes me hold myself accountable to the highest standards of excellence I can possibly provide. My name is on it so I must always do my best. I built this from scratch and created a name for myself in a very hard business. I now am the guardian of my trademark and it means the world to me. It must always be a welcomed word. Read More>>

Eddie Zaratsian

I believe success is the result of talent meeting opportunity. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of creating breathtaking environments for hundreds of clients—experiences that will remain cherished in their memories, as well as my own. However, one of my proudest achievements remains my partnership with Restoration Hardware. After nearly 30 years in the industry, this opportunity didn’t come easily. It was the culmination of countless hours of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice that set me apart. Read More>>

Patti Negri

The most important factor behind my success and the success of my brand is my unwavering passion and commitment to the belief that magick, spirituality, and self-empowerment are accessible to everyone. I deeply trust in humanity’s ability to transform, heal, and manifest incredible change with even the smallest shift in perception. My work—whether through teaching, podcasting, or guiding others in their spiritual journeys—is rooted in the understanding that empowerment isn’t just for the select few; it’s something we can all tap into with the right tools, mindset, and intention. Read More>>

Moses Jackson

That I’m completely consumed in God. My faith drives me where rejection cannot separate me. Having that reassurance I submit non stop, saturating casting platforms. Read More>>

Spliff And Bezel

I feel like my original characters really stand out to people and I’m often told it reminds them of something else, usually nostalgic, which I take as something good because I also grew up on the same types of influences they reference like Pokemon and Adventure Time. I’m often told that I’m creating stuff they’ve never seen before with the embroidery layering and three dimensional shapes and fabrics. I continue to push my limits with my creativity. Read More>>

Mak Hoeksema

The most important factor to me is the willingness to learn. Being open and willing to learn from the others in my field has opened me up to amazing opportunities and taught me skills I had not had. By listening to those more experienced than me, I have seen my own skills progress beyond what I could have imagined and I’m grateful for those who let me shadow them. Read More>>

Lisa Zipken

Embracing my neurodivergent brain. Diagnosed with ADHD at 36, I discovered its genetic overlap with autism—traits I see in myself. By understanding how my mind works, I have leaned into its strengths—deep connections, hyperfocus, and big-picture thinking—while creating the support I need. Prioritizing sensory management with noise-canceling headphones, dim lighting, and somatic work helps me stay grounded and thrive. Read More>>

Lori Balue

I have successfully lost 100lbs on my keto weight loss journey. I have taken my success and created my brand around aging beautifully and adventurously while living this lifestyle and inspiring other women over 50 to look at life as a health adventure. The fact that I am doing this, living active at 62 & adventurously, maintaining my successful weight loss as a woman over 50 without disease or medication and having reclaimed my health has made my brand powerful. My certainty, conviction, inspiration, motivation for low carb nutrition has lead to my longevity lifestyle as a health adventure to age adventurously. Read More>>