Most people say they want success, but when you ask them what success means you get wildly different responses. We recently asked some of the best and brightest in our community to tell us about how they define success and have shared their responses below.

Kendra Villiger | Singer, Guitarist, & Songwriter

When it comes to the subject of music and creating it, I’m sure my answer is similar to many other artists and creators. To preface, I’m not saying anything that hasn’t been said before, and I’m sure my response may be a little “cringe” or “cheesy”. That being said, this is how I feel. I define success vaguely as freedom, and that can be taken in many different ways. Personally, success in music to me is the unconditional freedom to create, and the ability to connect. As a younger musician and elementary artist, my definition of success was an entirely adopted general idea instead of a personal definition of my own creation. Read more>>

Julie Peirce | Sewist

I define success as personal fulfillment. Growing up, my idea of success was tied to monetary gain – the more I made, the more I possessed, the more successful I’d be. I don’t know when but at some point it stuck me that I was in pursuit of recognition. That silent look that said ‘oh, she made it’. I wanted people to see me and know that I’d done well for myself. I no longer see that as success. Success is having the courage to live in a way that fulfills me – no matter what that looks like to the world outside mine. For me, living authentically is living creatively. It’s handmade bags in lieu of Louis Vuitton. Read more>>

Yelpy | Irish singer/songwriter

Success is not about fame or fortune, but about following your passion and making a positive impact in the world. Success is about being true to yourself and your values, and expressing yourself through your art. Success is about connecting with your audience and touching their hearts with your music. Success is about being grateful for every opportunity and every challenge, and learning from them. Success is about enjoying the journey and not just the destination. Read more>>