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.

Claudia Salazar | Case Manager/Rehab Specialist, Chemical Dependency Counselor and Domestic Violence Advocate

I have been a Counselor/Case Manager over 10 years. I have had so many moments where the barriers as a provider are frustrating and I want to give up. In those moments, I take the time to reflect on the people that I have helped over the years. I think of the single mother who was able to get a restraining order because of our support. Read more>>

Raquel Fernandez | Immigration Lawyer

Success is measured in different ways for each person. At the end of the day, I believe success is fulfilling your purpose and calling on this earth. We each are called to carry out a greater purpose. We may call this our dreams, passion, career, etc. Since high school, my dream was to be an immigration attorney. Read more>>

Allan Huntsman | Owner of Big Al’s “HOT DAMN” Chicken Food Truck

I think a lot of people think “successful” means being rich or famous but honestly, I think it’s bigger than that! I’ve seen rich and famous folks who weren’t growing and weren’t happy but those aren’t the people I ever considered role models. Success to ME is waking up every day excited to learn and grow! I think being happy is a big part of success too. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think every day in owning a business is going to be rainbows and unicorns because it’s not, but the amount of good days will more often than not, greatly outweigh the bad. I also believe that each person has to define what success looks like to them by setting goals to achieve that. Read more>>

Zachery Ali | Photographer & Printer

It may sound cheesy but success to me is not only the continuing pursuit of growth of one’s self and business but maintaining optimism and pleasure in doing so. I wake up every morning striving to be more and do more not because it is something that will benefit me but because it is something I have learned to love and genuinely want for myself as well. As a small business, you are your business and I believe the most successful small businesses in any space embody that fully. Read more>>