By far the most common conversation we have with the folks we interview is about work-life balance. Starting a business or pursuing a creative career makes finding work life balance really tough because there is no clear start and end to one’s work day. We’ve shared some of our conversations on the topic below.

Russel Donahue | Actor and Voice Over Artist

The most crucial factor behind my success in the world of TV and film has undoubtedly been consistency. In an industry known for its unpredictability, staying committed to honing my craft, delivering compelling performances, and continually pushing myself to improve has been paramount. Whether it’s a breakthrough role or a small part, consistently giving my best has helped build a solid foundation for my career. Read more>>

Sabrina Zellis | Yoga & Wellness Professional

This is such an interesting question. I would say my success as a yoga and wellness professional is rooted in my unwavering commitment to fostering a kind and supportive community while ensuring the accessibility of yoga for all. Whether it’s from my studio classes or my virtual studio FLOWbyBree. I’ve prioritized creating a space where individuals feel not only welcomed but embraced, cultivating deep connections through events and initiatives fueled by kindness. That kind of path has now taken me to an unexpected opportunity as the General Manager at Coachella Valley yoga, Palm Desert’s best yoga studio…I am not just saying that cause I’m biased…there was literally a vote a few years back LOL. Read more>>

Yasmine Tanres | TV Host, Producer & Multimedia Journalist

First of all know what you define as success, because for each person this differs and sets an individual standard that results in greater ease and true success in life. On a practical level, for me success is defined as being healthy, living in harmless conditions, surrounded by love from family and chosen family, my friends, and the bonus is to make a living by doing what I love, all the while being of service to others. What lies beneath my definition of success is being incredibly intentional, in alignment with my core values, to be unafraid of taking risks, and to stay committed to myself. Moments of self-reflection, observing sources of inspiration and ultimately trusting my intuition is key to figuring out the next best steps within any given situation that for me personally result in success. Read more>>

Tiffany Nguyen | Photographer & Dentist

For me, the most important factor behind the success of my brand is that I put myself out there and share my personal experiences and adventures. I think others can relate to my story and live vicariously through my adventures and hopefully I can inspire them to go on their own adventures. Read more>>

Panagiotis Balalas | Radio producer & host

I have been actively engaged in the dynamic world of radio since 1997.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of working as a radio producer/host and voice-over artist, contributing my skills to various projects and broadcasts. In 2014, I made the exciting move to London to pursue my master’s degree in Media and Communication. Despite the change in location, my commitment to the field remained steadfast. Read more>>

Texas Tre Williams | Inspiring Lives Inc / Property Management Director

The most important thing behind the success of inspiring Lives Inc is that we have a team of servant leaders that believes in impacting the lives of others.

We are a family organization that provides resources to families and youth from housing, food distributions, disaster reliefs, job placement programs, educational resources, youth development and more. Read more>>

K’Seas Treasures | Online Business

My business, which I started with my husband Sanat, hopes to enlighten the public about how their purchases, no matter the size, can have a positive global impact on the earth by purchasing home goods that are made from sustainable material and support small businesses, which typically are owned by women and minorities. Read more>>

Adele Gilani | Artist, Gallery Owner, Art Writer

My brand of art and art appreciation comes from a deep knowing that art is for everyone and we can solve big problems together as a society through our art. Art is a way our subconscious expresses that we are one. I make my artwork with this in mind, I created my gallery with this in mind and this idea of oneness is the backbone of my newsletter, Adele Delivers, where I introduce people to two artists each week with the hopes that they will connect to art on a deeper level, one artist at a time. Read more>>

Juan Pablo Reyes AKA JPmurals | Mural Artist/Painter

The most important factor behind my success stems from my younger days working with my dad doing wood flooring. This Job in specific carries a lot of physical stress and endurance. For 20 years I’ve seen my dad wake up at 5 am EVERYDAY ready to go to work, even on his sick days. No complaints. I really admire that, even until this day. Consistency is the key to a successful Buisness. There will be days you don’t feel good but your will power has to be greater than your feelings. You don’t always have it all figured out, and you will take many losses. The important part is to change the lens in which you look at things and turn your losses in to lessons. I will leave y’all with this “The Man who does more than he is paid for, will soon be paid more than he does” – Napoleon Hill Read more>>

Alessandra Bielli | Content Creator and Entrepreneur

The main factor contributing to both my personal success and the success of my brand to my unwavering determination. Described by those closest to me as ‘stubborn,’ I view this trait as synonymous with my persistence and unyielding drive. When I set my sights on a goal, I devote myself entirely, demonstrating a strong commitment to achieving it. This determination has enabled me to accomplish milestones such as establishing myself as a content creator, maintaining a frequent travel schedule, and finishing my master’s degree at age 22. Read more>>

Khern$ | Artist

“All that matters is that you are making something you love, to the best of your ability, here and now.” ― Rick Rubin, The Creative Act: A Way of Being

To answer this question with a single response would be a disservice to my process and experience. The success of my art is based on a mixture of inspiration, effort, knowledge, authenticity, collaboration, and opportunity. Much like cooking, the combination of ingredients produce something greater than what any individual ingredient could provide. Still, the desire to make a sandwich alone does not guarantee a delicious result. Vision is just as important as drive, consequently, success is not only dependent on your desire, but also your experience gained through failed attempts. “The whole is greater than sum of its parts”. – Aristotle. Read more>>

Stephen Snyder | Casting Director & Acting Coach

work hard and focus on giving 200% Read more>>

Nathan Stefanelli | Maker & Instructor

I’m always hesitant to view any of my businesses as “successful”. I’m fully aware that all of this can go away in a moments notice. For now I am just doing what I love every day and affording the essentials in my life. Any success that I have can be almost entirely contributed to all of the people that I have surrounded myself with throughout the years. Without their knowledge, support, and guidance I would be treading water. I always knew that I wanted to run my own business and create my own schedule (even if that includes much longer days/nights than 40hr week jobs), but I have found that finding the right partners and friends have been integral to building my businesses. I thrive and am motivated by the energy and drive of others and also acknowledge there are plenty of aspects to business that I am not the greatest at. They fill in the gaps here and also provide accountability for me to do my part to the best of my ability. I think anyone can find something they enjoy doing and work hard at it, but finding the right people to help out is the true catalyst. Read more>>

Yeakun Yoo | Game, Film/TV Composer & entrepreneur

I don’t want to claim that I’ve succeeded as a composer just yet. To say I’ve succeeded would imply there’s no room for greater leaps forward, and as a composer, there’s still so much I need to learn and achieve. However, I believe I can share some tips based on what I’ve accomplished so far. Read more>>

Marley Maitland | Cinematographer & First Assistant Camera

I think the most most important fact or behind my success are the people I chose to surround myself with. Over the last 6 years I have met quite a lot of people but I really chose to work with people who were there for me and vice versa. There are a lot of people who gravitate towards the newer generation of film makers who want to use them for cheap work or just free bodies to throw at a project but if you can find people and clients who really respect you and work and truly trust you it makes climbing this industry super fun and rewarding. Read more>>