There is a wealth of academic research that suggests that differences in risk appetite are at the heart of differences in career and business trajectories. We wanted to go beyond the theory and ask real people from the community about their perspectives and experiences with risk and risk taking.

Shua Buhangin | Filmmaker & Photographer

I feel taking risks is a necessity for any kind of success. I grew up being taught to play it safe when it came to what I wanted to do in life, but to be honest, I was never one to play by the rules; I challenged them! In 2017, I taught myself, through YouTube, how to work a camera properly and edit youtube vlogs. In 2018, I started booking weddings, my first professional gigs! Read more>>

marc sharma | Ecom Entrepreneur & Martial Artist

When starting my business risk is inevitable and was a daunting challenge I faced as an early entrepreneur. For some time thinking of the many potential risks involved with starting my own business prevented me from even beginning at all. Read more>>

Patrick Hasson | Artist/Entrepreneur

As the saying goes, “the bigger the risk, the bigger the reward.” My current success as an artist/entrepreneur is directly related to the risks I have been willing to take…case in point…back in 2013, I was living in LA working as a freelance video editor. I had come to Hollywood to become a successful writer/director but most of my time was spent working and trying to pay the bills. Read more>>

Alyssa Holbrook | SFX and Film Makeup Artist

Risk is absolutely necessary for growth. That was something that was really hard to come to terms with. Read more>>

Tory Smith | Wedding Planner

My business was built on risk – as all entrepreneurial endeavors are – and that can be especially true when it comes to creative fields. Putting yourself and personal style out there for the world to see makes you vulnerable. Read more>>

Darren Jekel | Fine Artist Painter & Teacher

Art is all about risk taking. I think that every artist has an inner creator and an inner destroyer and that the two should be equally matched. It is like the two go together and can not exist with out the other. I think that with experience and very effective artists the creator and destroyer are expertly matched. Read more>>

Casilda García López | Creative Producer

Risk-taking can either surprise you with unexpected ventures or formative experiences to learn from your mistakes. Especially in a career in the arts, which begins by breaking the mold of traditional careers expected from anyone as a kid. Don’t forget what first made you dream of becoming an artist. Allow for that love of the unknown to help you grow both through mistakes and bull’s-eye. Read more>>

Troy Bennett | Bummer Folk Extraordinaire

Taking risks is a big part of being a musician. It’s a tough industry and is almost always a labor of love. I’ve learned over the years to make better choices business wise while not compromising the art I’m creating, but risk is almost always there and inevitable. Read more>>

Zachary Morgan | Experience Designer for Theme Parks and Brands

Taking risks is crucial to success both personally and professionally. I’m not saying one way is right or wrong but without risk, things remain in a status quo. Risk causes discomfort, discomfort causes growth and challenge, which many times leads to success. Read more>>

Bryan Cronk | Potter

Fear of risk will hold you back. There is risk in everything and therefore I don’t think about it much. I’m not fearless, but I trust my gut even if it feels like stepping off the edge of a cliff. We learn more from our failures than from success. I made the decision to leave a “safe” and predictable corporate job to try my hands at being an artist. Read more>>

Karla Bonilla | Makeup Artist

Risks can be scary because of the uncertainty that comes with them. It’s something to consider when it can initiate a positive change or result. For me taking risks has proven to be necessary for my career growth. From the beginning, some of the most significant decisions I’ve made have notably changed the trajectory of my life for the better. Read more>>

J.R Holmes | Award winning Indie Artist & Small business owner

I’ve always had a free spirited, just do it kind of attitude. If I want to go somewhere or do something off the wall I just do it. Taking risks has never been something I’ve been afraid to do. I feel like it builds your self confidence and courage too. When you decide to put your mind to something and accomplish it against all the odds, the self gratification is priceless. Read more>>