Every overnight success we’ve seen has been years in the making.  And those overnight successes are rarely because of an amazing idea or a stroke of luck.  We asked some of our favorite folks from the community about what characteristics are at the heart of their success story?

Ardashes (Dash) Najarian | Storyboard Artist

In terms of my actual work, I think a factor that separates me from other artists that led to my success is to be inspired by artists and take aspects from work that I admire and apply it to my own, but to also to make sure my work was authentic and very “me”. A big thing I had to learn was that I couldn’t be another Mike Mignola, Ian McCaig, or Hayao Miyazaki, I had to keep being myself, and there was a lot of insecurity in my work that I had to face because of that. Read more>>

Laura Schaack | Founder & CEO of Tattd

The most important factor to my success is the direct line I have to the community I’m trying to serve. Tattooing has always been a bit of a counter culture, and I’m not here to push any unnecessary changes onto the industry. I genuinely want to help make the lives of tattoo artists and people that love getting tats as easy and seamless as possible. I’m committed to building a product that people want and will love using, not something I’ve decided they need according to the trends of the tech world. Read more>>

Jennifer Yonda | Owner of LA Skate Hunnies

The single most important factor behind the success of the Hunnies is the community of people that show up week after week and help spread awareness about our group with friends and strangers alike. I’d be lying to say I built this community on my own, and there are countless people that have been a huge part of our growth. I love to see new faces, and love it even more when they say a friend recommended them to the group. Read more>>

Chenice Branquinho | Nurse, DJ, Founder of You Are Important Project

Authenticity. You Are Important Project is a manifestation of the genuine need for human connection. Read more>>

Mason Glenn | Mama Sue’s Kitchen & Table Owner, Private Chef

I started Mama Sue’s Kitchen & Table at just the right time. Who would have figured that no one wanted to cook their own food during a pandemic? Who would have known that desserts made their intimate gatherings a little more special more so than ever? Furthermore, I feel the specific types of baked products we offer are fairly niche to the Los Angeles market. We aren’t those cheaper pastries you get from a more commercial, “big box store” means, but we also aren’t presenting desserts like french patisserie. Read more>>

Sherrell Jackson | Creative Developer/Lead R&D

I believe the most important factor behind my success and the success of our brands RastAfri Braid and Fs Wigs is staying unique and optimizing teamwork. We set ourselves apart from other companies by connecting through unique styles, colors, and community. This is all done in a team atmosphere. It takes a team of like-minded people to build a successful and unique brand and multiple people play their roles as we all provide support, diverse ideas, and creative energy. Read more>>

Meghan Pulles | Emo-Positive Singer-Songwriter

I think the most important factor for me is my authenticity. I always want to show up exactly as I am whether it’s in a song, interview, or performance. My authenticity really shines through in my music, and I think people can resonate with that a lot. Read more>>

Buchi Osondu | Serial Entrepreneur

Trust. I think one of the most important pieces of a successful brand or business is trust. I believe that this trait is what brings validity to your brand and also drives customer retention. With this being one of my driving forces with A Tee Shop, this helps with one of the least talked about, but one of the most important marketing techniques “word of mouth”. Read more>>

Jeannine Fisher | Casting Director

Over time people have come to trust my company because I provide the best possible service no matter how big or small the project is. I have a good eye for talent and communicate openly with the Directors and Producers. All of this has allowed me to build my brand and reputation solely on word of mouth. Read more>>