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?

Wil Cohen | Photographer

I’ve tried to be very consistent with the images I work on and produce. That starts with finding the right client to collaborate with, honing my shooting style, and perfecting my retouching techniques. It is important to me that the quality of my work goes up each year, even if it’s just by 1%. I spend a lot of time thinking about ways I can improve my work. Hopefully that comes across in my pictures. Read more>>

Lisa Illingworth | CEO and Licensed Clinical Therapist

The most important factor behind my success are relationships. I would not have created this business if it was not for my supportive husband Andrew. He believed in me, and encouraged me to create my own practice. With his prior knowledge in managing a family business and experience in accounting he runs the Administrative and business end of the practice while I run and oversee the Clinical Department. It is truly a team effort. Read more>>

Yana Beranek | CEO Beranek Realty Group & Licensed Realtor

I am an immigrant and a self-made woman. I came here from Novosibirsk – a city in Siberia, Russia, almost 20 years ago. Coming from Russia, I hoped to find a better future in the United States and build a career. I was looking to find stable ground, a safe home, and success in whatever future had in store for me. It seems like my dreams came true: today, I am an experienced real estate industry professional and a founder of Beranek Realty Group (BRG). Read more>>

Nicole Zimmermann | Trauma informed breathwork coach & ceremonialist

I believe that there are many different elements that play into the success of my brand. I also feel like I have to note that my definition of success has changed immensely over the last couple of years. I think for a lot of us, when we hear the word “success,” our minds are automatically driven to think in terms of money & status. To me, success is about being able to be the most authentic version of myself possible. It means not having to hide behind a mask or run away from my feelings. It means being loved in both my darkness and my light. Read more>>

Phyllis Toben Bancroft | Writer/Director/Producer

The most important factor behind my success is community. Nurturing supportive friendships and alliances has been extremely beneficial when it comes reaching my goals. My latest project “…with salt.” (www.withsaltthemovie.com), is a powerful short film that deals with the self-silencing that occurs in the aftermath of a traumatic assault. Read more>>

Danielle Connell | Wedding Stationer

Once I started becoming very intentional with the style of invitations and signage I was creating and showing to the world, I started to become consistently booked out with my dream clients! We love a moody, minimalist vibe around these parts. Think 1 part modern, 1 part romantic and just a touch of old world to keep it interesting. I remember receiving advice to get really specific, niche down and only show what you want to attract more of and that’s what really worked for Paper Cliché! I also love learning about marketing and listen to like 5 hours of podcasts a day, ha! Read more>>

Angelique Martinez | Small Business Owner & Full time college student

The most important factor behind the success of my brand is that I did not create it for profit, I it started to help people. I feel like our clients have been able to fall in love with Serene Tempest because they know that we genuinely want these products to change their life. In the CBD market I can honestly say I am the youngest. Starting in this market at 19 years old, while still being a full time college student, no business experience, and being a Latinx women I knew that it was going to be challenging. Read more>>

Buzz Campbell | Professional musician, founder of musical group, Hot Rod Lincoln, lead guitarist for Shanana (2000-2004), Lead guitarist for Lee Rocker, bassist of the Stray Cats (2003-present)

Perseverance. When I started playing guitar professionally and decided to put together my own group, I was relentless about practice, lessons, and spent hours working on my craft. I had a decent day job working for the Price Club before it became Costco. I was a single guy with roommates and low rent. I spent most of my extra money on guitars, amplifiers, and lessons. At one point, I was spending $1200 a month on voice lessons, which was quite a bit at the time. Read more>>

Desiree Gomez | Boss Lady

Oh man…in a restaurant, there isn’t just one important factor that leads to success. I guess it also depends on your perspective of what success means. If I had to choose just one, it would be relationships. I don’t solely hire staff on their capabilities, I also hire for their personalities. Will they jive well with the rest of the crew? Will they be a team player and be a people pleaser? Are they capable of holding a conversation? Read more>>

River Liu | Visual designer

As a graphic designer, I get this question a lot. I have various clear objectives for my achievement. Let’s start by asking why we need design. I believe that design goes beyond aesthetics to increase user desire, economic value, and even social value. My profession has been made easier by the good taste I’ve developed since I was a child, but designers must offer more than just aesthetic services. The capacity to communicate is crucial for graphic designers. Read more>>

Cissi Efraimsson | Director, animator and musician

I decided early on in my career to never let my fears impact the choices I make for my art. I’m doing anything I want and I will be scared the first time I do anything. People close to me know how nervous I can get before a show or an exhibition or a meeting with someone I haven’t worked with before or what ever it is. But I do it anyways and most times while doing it I realize there was nothing to be afraid of and it’s fun. I’m constantly trying to push the boundaries of what I can do. I think the most interesting area to work within artistically is in the unknown and uncomfortable. It’s good to not be too comfortable as an artist. Read more>>

Joshua Ets-Hokin | Photographer

I don’t think anyone should have to pay for a family photograph that they don’t absolutely love. For thirty five years I have guaranteed to all my clients that if they are not completely thrilled with their family photographs, I will continue to photograph them until they do. I can assure this, because I know that anything of great lasting importance takes time, and I always put in as much time is needed to create a photograph that will be cherished forever. This separates me from so many others in today’s fast paced world, where instant gratification takes precedent over quality. Read more>>