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.

Brent Butler | Music Producer & Recording Artist

I was diagnosed at 13 years old with Obsessive-compulsive disorder. OCD takes many forms for many people. For me, I believe it manifested from risk-aversion and served as a defense mechanism. When making even the simplest decisions (like what color underwear to put on), I needed to weigh every option and try to imagine how that choice might impact the rest of my life. As you can imagine, that type of anxiety and magical thinking makes it very difficult to take chances and pursue your dreams without being paralyzed with doubt. The thing is, a life without risk is dull, colorless, and unfulfilling. I cannot count how many times I delayed doing what I want most and missed opportunities because of fear. Fortunately, making art and music has always been an exercise in defiance of that fear. Not only is pursuing a life in arts and entertainment inherently risky, but even the act of starting a project (like writing a song, drawing a picture, etc.) is a small journey into the vulnerable unknown. Read more>>

Rogelio Douglas III | Actor & Spoken Word Artist

My dad taught me that in life I will always be making choices; and with every choice made [good or bad] needs to come an acceptance of responsibility. When I think about risk, I think about taking responsibility because taking responsibility is a risk. There’s pressure and the stakes are high because… “what if?” What/who am I willing to love and glorify at the risk of being judged and rebuked. “What if?” What am I willing to expose about my true self at the risk of being shamed. “What if?” How far am I willing to go at the risk of losing people who aren’t able to love and support me unconditionally. “What if I don’t make it?” Have I risked enough to acknowledge that though most odds were against me, I’ve accepted that I am not a contender. You know, I think the most important factor behind my success is that I applaud where I am today, but I embrace the fight. I’m not asking for things to be hard but, it’s too easy being complacent. Through taking risks, I gain wisdom which then serves as a new tool for navigating my journey. Read more>>

Jay Thakur | Visual Development Artist

Risk taking is made to sound like a scary, unconventional, and unstable approach to living, that needs to be done in sparse doses, when it is the only way for life to do what it does. It is more about trusting the process, and that can seem scary if all you have ever done is work from, and towards, expectations. Life evolves by taking ‘risks.’ Mutations work by seeing what does not work, and slowly discover what does. It is an ongoing process. By defining what should work you will never be satisfied. Only through negation can you see what is. Basically risk taking is actually the natural state of being which has been mislabeled as a deviation from what is normal. Every moment should then be a ‘risk taking’, and then your actions automatically do what is needed, nothing more and nothing less. That is what I try to practise. Seeing the falseness of expectations, and a comfortable cycle, and being open to deviations all the time. Read more>>

Melanie Loon | Writer, Illustrator, Creative Consultant

Risk for me has been more about following calling, and having the guts to follow through in the present when you don’t know what’s next. Walking through the doors that open, and making the leaps as they come, be that changing industries or just focuses. I think it’s a risk to call yourself an artist or any kind of creative: mustering the audacity to say you as a human are one, that you make things or try to tell stories in a way that gives something to the world, whether it makes you your living or not. But the only risk that doesn’t reap a reward is to avoid them altogether. Read more>>

Daniela Azuaje | Venezuelan Actress and Warrior of Justice

“El que no arriesga, no gana” which means: No risk, no reward. Risk is that exciting point between fear and taking a leap of faith. Making it happen while letting go of control of the outcome is an exhilarating and empowering achievement. Once you’ve learned to work with fear, you learn to say YES to living. Without risks I wouldn’t be where I am now. It has played a key part, both, in my professional and personal life. Read more>>

Saiyidah Morris | Talent Manager & Entrepreneur

I’ve lived by motto ‘No Risk, No Reward’ for so long I stopped hearing the negative connotation in the word risk. The reward in taking a risk is seeing a result, whether it’s the one you wanted or not. Taking risks in my life and career has forced me to learn faster and surrender control. I used to think think that the key to success was planning, but you can end up running in circles creating the “perfect plan” to execute. You have to start, TAKE the risk and not get caught up analyzing it. Read more>>

Cook Thugless | Music Collective

I think every decision you make as an artist carries risk. Trying something new? You risk alienating your audience. Sticking to your guns? You risk people getting bored with your sound. Entering a record deal? Now you’re risking something more tangible; your masters, your royalties, control of your project. Investing a lot of time planning a tour around the country? Maybe the whole world will rapidly enter a pandemic. So what are you supposed to do? STOP making decisions? NAH!!! You make decisions, you take the hits as they come. It’s a part of the job. You have to learn somewhere. But once you’ve gone through the hoops a couple of times, you start to plan ahead for next decision. Did it rain on the day of your music video shoot? Next time, plan a backup day or idk, bring some umbrellas. Some of these examples have happened to us, and we’re still kickin’. Read more>>

Jimaye Nguyen | Founder & CEO

The people who take risks are the people who succeed. If everyone did what everyone else was already doing, there wouldn’t be innovation, growth, or excitement. I came into this industry with very little knowledge of fashion and swimwear. But that lack of knowledge is what made me successful. Due to my lack of knowledge, I took a lot more risks and challenged a lot of traditional practices of swimwear. I took the risk producing the first reversible swim briefs. I took a risk with bringing textured swimwear to the men’s market. I took a risk with every part of my swimwear: how it was sewn, the stitching, etc. Risks may sound scary, but it’s really the only way to make things better. The key with risks is to make sure you have strategies on how to manage it. Instead of avoiding it, can you mitigate the risk? Can you transfer the risk? Thinking through these risk management strategies will help make taking risks not so scary. Read more>>

Xareni Ramirez | Freelance Illustrator & Designer

I believe that risks have been present during my whole journey as an artist. If I could go back in time when I first decided to become an artist I would tell myself to stop being so afraid to take risks. At first I was terrified of them and always took the safe road instead. In hindsight I see how this has only affected my career negatively. I’ve learned that taking risks only increases my growth and success and even if I fail or there isn’t a great outcome, at least I learned something from it. Read more>>

Jose Barrancas | Coffee Shop Owner and Restauranter

Risk taking has always been part of my spirit because I’m always looking for new opportunities to grow. Therefore, I consider risk taking my window to achievement. However, understanding the environment is key to making the right decision before taking the risk. In Mestizo’s case – the entire project was a risk. But in particular it was difficult for me develop something on my own, in a new city without anyone to help or guide me. I just had to take the leap. Read more>>

Dani Colucci | Comedian & Actor

I feel like people have their own definitions of what “risk taking” means to them personally. To me, risk taking means trying something new that I’ve never done before. Especially if that new thing seems quite intimidating or scary. I’ve always felt like a dichotomy between a shy introvert who is literally scared of the dark and sleeps with the light on, and an extrovert who isn’t afraid to be weird or performative in public. I’ve always gotten some kind of adrenaline rush from surprising people with something they never thought I would do. One time I impulsively posed nude for an art class, which confused the hell out of my close friends. I thought it was hilarious. Risk taking definitely plays a part in my creative career too. It’s actually the reason why I am where I am today. If I let the fear of failing hold me back, I would never have written my first bit and said it into a microphone. I bombed majorly the first time I did standup. Dear gawd, it was painful. But I knew that if I keep pushing myself and writing and just doing it, eventually I’d get to a place where I’d feel good onstage. I think that can apply to anything you do in life. Read more>>

Dean Woodson | Music Producer – Songwriter

In 2017 I took a student loan at the bank and left France without ever visiting Los Angeles anywhere else than on Google Maps. I didn’t know a single person in the US music industry but I trusted that it was the right move to do if I wanted my career to move forward. I strongly believe that if you’re in the music industry, whether you’re an A&R, an artist, a manager or a songwriter/Producer you have to be willing to take risks. I’m not saying you have to take risks just for the sake of taking risks and shout around “hey look at me I’m taking risks why am I not a superstar yet”. You have to be smart about it. I’ve heard the term “Calculated risk” a bunch of times while talking to people I really look up to; and it took me a while before understanding what it actually means. It’s like playing chess, try to ask yourself what happens if you take that risk and weigh your options: if what you could gain is worth more than what you could lose you should probably go for it (also check your judgement. Read more>>

Suzanne Borders | Co-Founder & CEO, BadVR

Everyone is always looking for a shortcut to success; risk is that shortcut. However, risk has to be utilized properly. Risk, in and of, itself doesn’t yield rewards. It has to be used thoughtfully, within a highly-planned framework. This was the biggest lesson I learned in my 20s and early 30s. The evolution of my life has roughly followed this path: – take careless risks with no plan, completely unprepared – take careless risks with a plan, completely unprepared – take somewhat calculated risks, somewhat prepared – take fully calculated risks, completely prepared As a risk junkie, it’s been an eye-opening experience to truly understand how much having a plan and being smart and calculated about the risks I take affects their reward and outcome. It’s not risk alone that yields; it’s risk + planning + preparation, in addition to factors (such as timing) that are outside of our control. Read more>>

Itamar Ben Zimra | Film Composer & Clarinetist

The word risk might have a negative connotation, but if you are a risk taker it means you’re always asking questions, trying to reinvent and get out of the comfort zone. With all things in perspective, too much risk taking and imbalance makes a constant of uncertainty which might not be healthy, but I believe taking a chance is the only way to make your dream come true. One of the biggest moves I’ve made about 5 years ago was to leave my home country and push myself forward as a musician by relocating my life to the US and study at Berklee college of music in Boston. I knew this place was not only a gathering spot for talented musicians and a hot music scene, but also a melting pot of people from all cultures, languages and music around the world. Just as an example, being in a classroom where 10-12 different countries are represented was the norm, and it was never taken for granted. Read more>>

Chad Covington | Co-Owner of Sol Kendamas

Risk plays a huge role in every aspect of business. Every time you start a project from scratch, get a new person involved, or expand your business physically, you must take risks. When my brother and I first launched Sol Kendamas, we did not think much about the potential risks we were taking on. We made a lot of decisions instinctively, and took much larger risks early on that ended up working in our favor in the long run. Our naivety in entrepreneurship allowed us to confidently take big steps without the fear of failure getting in the way. Often times, the fear of messing up prevents you from taking those big risks. Mistakes lead to learning opportunities and growth, which lead to making better decisions. The times where Sol Kendamas has experienced the most growth were times where we stepped out of our comfort zone, took big risks, and ran with it. Read more>>

Theo Brown | Director

The way I personally try to look at risk is, it’s much more riskier to stay safe and comfortable that to stretch out further than you thought possible to grab ahold of your dream. Fortune tends to favor the bold, and since we all take risks every day, it’s easier for me to try and go all-in on something bigger. Even if I fail, I’m still trying to learn something about myself. Coming from Texas, there weren’t any filmmakers that I could connect with. It wasn’t until coming to LA and meeting people that I was able to find friends and mentors that had taken those same risks that I did – that a lot of us do to get here! But that’s the interesting thing about life, isn’t it? With every risk you take, you can find that sliver of encouragement to keep going. That kind of optimism is all that I personally need. Read more>>

Evan Zissimopulos | Director & Cinematographer

Filmmaking is probably one of the riskiest businesses to get into next to music or sports. It is my personal belief that, if you’re not taking at least one risk on most projects, you’re probably not pushing yourself hard enough to advance to the next level. Of course those goals are different for everyone, but the risk can be as simple as changing a lighting style, overall filming style, or just doing that experimental project you’ve always wanted to shoot to flex a different creative muscle. I’m constantly taking those risks because I feel it is how I learn what works the best for me and sometimes I may even surprise myself along the way. For instance, when I was in my early twenties I decided to spend my savings on my first feature film rather than continuing on to a larger film school. I shot over the course of 6 months whenever talent and crew were available and completed post about a year and a half later after some additional photography. Read more>>

Adam Pedicini | Actor & Fitness Presenter

I view risk as a growth opportunity, the bigger the risk the bigger the growth. Being in the health profession though I know there’s certain types of risks that can be detrimental to our health. In the past there’s been times where I’ve taken a risk on something and just seen where it takes me. There’s been other times I’ve really looked at all my options and been very concise about the risk at hand. I’m very comfortable about making lifestyle choice that are based around my desire to enjoy life. Risks associated with money I find much harder to take and find they provide me with the most stress. While money is certainly important for me I’m not prepared to take large risks as I feel it could affect my quality of life. I live a modest life and find when I can prioritise my lifestyle it yields the best result. I’ve done multiple jobs over the years following skill sets and occupations I really enjoyed. Read more>>

Enzo Kristensen | Film Maker

I am a big believer that taking a risk is the right way forward in life. Historically, playing it safe hasn’t helped anyone get far, from Christopher Columbus searching for India, taking the risk of dying at sea with his crew to the founder of Amazon. Jeff Bezos quit his job as Senior Vice President at an investment firm to invest whatever he had in his pocket, plus borrowed money from his parents, to start an online book store. Risk has, in my eyes, proven to be a successful strategy in building something truly great. Of course, risk comes with the chance of failing, but that is what makes the reward so much more satisfying. I am always ready to take risks for what I personally believe in, like moving to Los Angeles at the age of 18, with no friends, family, or connections in the country to help me or rely on. It is hard to be on your own and trying to make it with no one else but yourself. Risk-taking and being the guy who sets everything into motion, that’s what will get you results in life. Read more>>

Sara Khayat | Poet

Risk is the only thing people pay for. Honestly, I’d prefer not to take risks. I’m an overthinker, so risk is exhausting. In poetry we are always asked “What’s at stake in this poem?” Does something always have to be at stake? Is our worth determined by whether everyone is on the edge of their seat deciding to root for. Read more>>

Kripa Koshy | Filmmaker, Senior Content Director, Supervising Producer

In filmmaking/TV, since subjective interests and preferences heavily influence results, nothing is guaranteed. Pretty much everything you do in the space has some element of risk. So, the best you can do is hedge that risk with preparation, observation, and experience, all of which sharpen your instinct to help you think efficiently and effectively on your feet, especially when things don’t go as planned. In my life, I’ve risked the most when I have uprooted myself and moved countries. I have lived in about 20 different cities across four countries, and I have moved countries eight times, either for college or work or to live. No matter how much I prepared for them, each move was a giant leap of faith. However, all of that constant change pushed me to re-define myself in every new setting and taught me to take nothing for granted, mostly since stability was so hard to come by. Read more>>

Anthony Francisco | Artist & Musician

I see risk as a necessary and unavoidable part of life. There are two things on the other side of risk; failure or success. Some of the biggest risks I taken have either lead to my greatest successes or my life’s biggest lessons. Furthermore, some of my life’s most unfulfilled moments were times of avoiding risk out of fear of failure and pursuit of comfort. In many ways by playing it safe, you’re already choosing failure of attaining what you truly want. The scarier the risk, the bigger the reward. It’s important to learn to distinguish the difference between risk-taking and recklessness, which I think comes with trial and error; Taking-risks, succeeding, taking-risks, messing up and learning from your experiences, repeat. Lastly, you have to have faith and believe that there’s nothing that you can’t endure. Read more>>

Kalen Chase | Musician, Storyteller, and Self-Proclaimed Fool For Hire

I think risk is essential to success, even when the risk does not pay off. Veering away from a style that I’m known for this far in my career is a risk. It’s not even a calculated risk; some would say it’s insanity. But, if I didn’t take this risk, I would know exactly where I would be in the next 5 years. And that’s not worth it to me. Read more>>

Ege Alper | Art Director / Illustrator / Animator

I feel like when people are comfortable there is no internal need for taking risks. Risk taking comes from wanting something better, trying to change something, wanting to grow, and develop, live and experience. It is an internal journey which everyone goes through one way or another and I have had my fair share of it as well. I feel like the riskiest decision I have ever made was to move to Los Angeles from Turkey. Before I decided to move to LA, I was in Berlin after I had finished working for a short film festival in Detmold, Germany. In my eyes at that time Berlin was the epicenter of art. There was something new happening every moment. My plan was to stay in Berlin for good and produce my art. When my mother told me on the phone that the Green Card that we had applied for through my uncle in the States had been accepted and we had to go to the US as soon as possible, I had no choice but to leave Berlin. Read more>>

Mike Kim | Standup Comic & Actor

Risk is necessary in life. People try to play it safe, but if you think about it we are at risk 24/7. We could get hit by a car randomly while jogging. We could have a congenital heart disease and not know about it until it’s too late. I literally almost got crushed by a tree a year ago on a college campus. Potential freak accident, no? Knowing that I was going to die anyways I figured why not go all in with what I really want to do. By taking that risk and leaving my previous career behind, it has unlocked a plethora of new opportunities and high levels of joy and satisfaction. Every amazing thing that happened in my life is a byproduct of me taking a gamble on myself. If you can’t bank on your own being, who is? Trust yourself. Read more>>

Mallory Jade | Hair, Mind, Body, and Soul

Risk taking to me is necessary and the only way to go beyond your limits and achieve your ultimate desires and wildest dreams. To achieve the career I have today is literally by taking risk after risk. I chose to move away from my home state, with no promised salon, no promised anything, risking it all to make my name something more then I was taught was “possible” Leaving a salon I was being taken advantage of, before I had a guaranteed position at another salon because I KNEW I was meant for so much more. Choosing my clientele wisely, turning some away, risking not making money that service/day, so I can manifest the type of clientele that aligns with who I am… ultimately attracting the Income + clientele I desire. Risk has becoming a second language to me, I have become comfortable with being “uncomfortable” for the purpose of. Read more>>

Yeen Weaver | Illustrator

Having such an unusual lifestyle, I am no stranger to risks. I left a secure but humdrum job and a safe but stationary home on land to pursue fulfilling, location independent, freelancing work and life on a boat, traveling to new places and seeing new faces in the company of my husband and kids. Society is so risk averse and regards making mistakes as a bad thing, to the point that people have lost their sense of self advocacy and self determination. Of course, it is scary to step out of the box that society has outlined for us. But life is short, and at the end of the day, we all have to ask ourselves if following the script has led us to feel fulfilled and proud about our lives, if we felt free to express our dreams and true selves, or if all we have done is pretend to be what others want us to be and always left questioning what could have been. Read more>>

Bensie | Music Artist and Content Creator

Pursuing a career in the arts and entertainment is a risk itself, especially in Los Angeles. in addition to a higher cost of living and a populated housing market, the music industry here (and everywhere) has become a strict numbers game. How many followers do you have on instagram? How often do you release music? What are your views on TikTok? Its very easy to dwell on how quickly the field changed but the internet isn’t going anywhere. Because of this I have to alter the parameters in which I can take chances. I personally don’t think I can take the same stylistic risks I did 2 years ago. Now it is time to focus on building a brand and recognizable sound. As much as I enjoy taking risks artistically, I have learned how to take more calculated risks. In this new era the most important thing an artist can do is be consistent. Read more>>

Sydney Kramer | Film & Television Freelancer/ Writer

I think taking a risk is a big step especially when it comes to making changes to your life. Almost four years ago, I packed my bags and bought a one way ticket to Los Angeles to Pursue a career in Film & Television. Both in front of the camera and behind the camera. I didn’t have a job nor did I know a lot of people but I figured I had to take this jump or else I would wonder what could have been years down the road. My first year wasn’t exactly how I planned it. In fact it turned out way different. I took a lot of little jobs and had to do so much to make connections. But that’s the thing about taking risks. You have to do it at some point and you can’t worry about the outcome. Because in the end, it will be worth it. Read more>>

Taylor Jazz Martinez | Professional Beauty Expert & Makeup Artist

When asked about taking risks the first thing that comes to mind is one of my favorite quotes by Jack Canfield, “Everything you want is on the other side of fear” I have held his quote close to my heart throughout my 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, knowing that whenever I felt scared I was in the right place. In the beginning of my journey as a flourishing business owner everything felt like a scary risk. I spent my first year commuting from OC to LA almost daily, taking as many free jobs as I could. I paid for parking out of my own pocket, and essentially was doing anything and everything I could to be working creatively with clients. I had to learn the ins and outs of what I wanted to do , and what impact I wanted to make on the industry. But when something scared me or made me nervous, I would always see that as an opportunity and I would never say no to anything despite how risky or fearful it was at the time. Read more>>

Michael Van Bodegom Smith | Composer For Visual Media

As a younger artist in the industry, the risk and the career path are essentially indivisible; everyday provides a new financial, emotional, and reputation risk. Living in fear of the risk would be an endless sentence of fear, so I’ve come to welcome it with open arms. Working as a composer for media relies heavily on the people we connect with, as well as the projects we invest in. While I know that I will always give it my all on a project, the actions that a collaborator may take might have serious repercussions. This constant risk drives me to seek and befriend genuinely good people. Surrounding myself with good hearted and benevolent people has helped put my mind at ease, while simultaneously allowing me to take even more risks, knowing that my friends and I will always have each other’s backs. Read more>>

Aminat Odunbaku | Creator, Athlete, Artist, Advocate

My life is all about taking risks, it’s shaped me to be who I am today. I believe in risks as betting on yourself. Believing in something so much that you’re willing to jump and not worry about the end result. At times I see risks a ways to prove to your soul that you’re living your life to the fullest. Fulfilling every need you desire. Now some would argue that risks aren’t safe or smart, but who’s here to not try. I’m not good with conformity, so it’s risk taking all day for me. Taking risks, got me to L.A. with $0 in my bank. Taking risks got me to launch a go fund me campaign to open a 6000 sq ft film studio in L.A. with only $6000. It’s what’s gotten me two professional cinematic cameras on a credit card. I’m always down to take risks and although some plans don’t pan out the way I expect, I at least learn, which is why we’re here, to learn, as life is just a huge classroom. I’m super proud of every risk I’ve ever taken. Read more>>

Maxime Brulein | Filmmaker

Taking risks is essential. Any decision you take, may it be small or big, always involves some level of risk. One of the biggest risks I ever took, and which pretty much changed my life forever, was to leave Belgium and move to the US to start UCLA Film School in Los Angeles. Growing up, I always knew I was going to be a filmmaker, and knew I would one day make that dream come through in the US. Everyone around me thought I was just daydreaming. Until I actually moved and took the big step! Scary? Yes. I knew that with a student visa I would not be able to work and earn money while being at school, so that was really the biggest strugle and risk at the time. Read more>>

Pauline Frechette | Composer/Performer/Writer

Making my way through the barriers of the theatre and music worlds has definitely required being willing to take risks. That’s how I’ve gotten every one of my biggest opportunities. At eighteen I had managed to pass all the written admissions to the London School of Dramatic Arts, but the final audition was in London. I was in Europe touring with a group of singer/dancers called “The Showteens.’ Our final stop was Paris, so I left the group there and went by myself across the English Channel to London for the audition. I was determined to be one of the three Americans that they would admit and my courage and persistence paid off – I got in! That kickstarted a long list of risks that I have taken throughout my career. Results? My music has been produced/performed by major symphonies, and my shows have been produced in London, New York and Los Angeles. I encourage anyone to take a risk – it’s fun and challenging. I also love sailing, skiing and jumping horses. Keeps life interesting and keeps my young. Read more>>

Hardy Vibert | VIP Host & Real Estate Investor

The entertainment industry is all about the client. My goal is to keep my clients happy. You could think, where’s the risk? Well, for me there are two types of risk – one applies to events where you have no control over the outcome. Some of my clients love spinning the roulette wheel, or pulling the Hollywood Casino slot machines. They have zero control over the outcome, and that to them is the exciting part. The second type of risk, the one I like to take, is where we do have a high degree of control over the outcome – it’s calculated, almost strategic. That’s the type of risk I took when I decided to start my Hollywood Hospitality company, (PHH Hospitality) Now, risk has been evident in my life and career engagements. There came a phase in my life when I decided to take hospitality seriously. I went ahead to create a hospitality company and invested all my time and knowledge in it. This was a huge risk for me at the time because starting a company isn’t easy. It requires your full attention and dedication. Read more>>

Emma Morris | Dancer

Risk taking is a scary thing but I always find that after I take risks I either end up very glad that I took the risk or I find myself learning from it. I would way rather take the risk than say ‘Oh I wish I did that’ later on. In my life, I feel like I have taken a lot of risks that have ultimately helped shape me into the person I am today and have helped get me to where I am today. When I first moved over to Los Angeles to study at AMDA from New Zealand it was pretty big risk having never been to the school before yet alone the country. However without taking this risk I would not of had the experiences that I was able to experience at College and now out of college in the hub of the performing arts. Read more>>

MB Gordy | Drummer/Percussionist/Composer/Producer/Educator

As a Freelance Musician it’s all about risk taking. It is not something I really thought all that much about. It is just something I had to do. Probably If had thought too much about it, I would have done something else. Read more>>

Robert Parker Jr. | Musician

I think the importance of taking risks is vast as a musician/performer – making connections to build your network, taking whatever gig you can to get some more exposure, etc.. These days those morals still stand true to me, however, there’s also an important part of trusting your gut that some people may forget to talk about these days. My view on risk nowadays is somewhat similar to the old story of, “what happens when you put a candy bar in front of a kid?” This goes for just about any and every venture in life – it’s important to surround yourself with people you trust. There are people around every corner that may try to coheres you, make you feel like a friend… just so they can get a taste of your talent and leave you on the sidewalk. It’s a lesson I had to learn the hard way, but a lesson that I HAD to go through one way or another. I lost friends and a part of myself in the process, but those friends came back (as true friends do) and I did the hard work to get myself back on my feet. Read more>>

Leonardo Moleiro | Fien art Artist & Creative Director

Risk is a big part of the artist’s process and it’s thrilling. The more risks you take, the more opportunity you are giving your process to grow strong. When I have an idea, I’m very motivated to see it through. It’s a beautiful thing to invest in yourself and your ideas. I would encourage anyone to calculate their moves wisely, use all the resources this modern world offers, and just jump right in. Ideas have to come to life. Work ethic is very important. If I push the limits, I am available to endless discovery. Pull the trigger! Action!!. Read more>>

Arthur Andre | Ergonomist & Personal Trainer

Risk is everywhere. Nevertheless, some people are paralyzed by the fear of taking risks. Taking risks doesn’t mean succeeding every time, and that’s part of life. Taking risks can lead to failure which in turn can help you grow as a person. I believe taking risks is part of life. As children we subconsciously experience risks unsuspectingly, whether it be through trying a new sport, exploring a new hobby, meeting new friends, and in our growth-related stages. As we go through these experiences, we become more comfortable, developing behavioral patterns, we tend to want to do things that make us feel safe and familiarized with. I give credit to my parents for allowing me the opportunity to take risks and learn through my own challenges, so as an adult it wasn’t a surprise to what risks entail. Taking risks for me has always been due to curiosity and necessity. Read more>>

Marie Jamora | Director & Producer

Life is full of risks because it’s all about choices where you don’t know the outcome. Making choices is a 50% “What if?” situation to the other direction you picked. However, you have to be in tune with your intuition in order to make the right choices for your life. I make choices purely on my gut and listening to the universe, and I am so fortunate to say that my life has turned out great so far. I usually say “Yes” to opportunities thrown my way, even if I am scared, and I always figure it out. Because of risk, I immigrated to the United States eight years ago with no plan, and purely based it out of love for my partner and wanting to build a life in Los Angeles together. Now, all the hard work and struggle is paying off. Taking risks is also about getting outside of your comfort zone, and when you do that, you need to constantly learn while pushing yourself. You end up evolving as a person. For me, we are students of life, and the day we stop learning is the day we pass onto a different life. Read more>>

Walker Noble | Artist, Designer, Creator

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Don’t be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.” We get 100 years on this planet if we’re lucky. I just truly believe that you have to take risks in order to fully live your life. Many could argue that the riskiest thing is to not take any risky at all. Taking chances has been a huge factor in my success. Read more>>

Sofia Ianovskaia | Certified Emotion&Body Code Practitioner, Reflexologist, Ayurveda Wellness Counselor

I am excited to be interviewed for the Voyage LA again, this time for the Shout Out series. For the last seven years, I had been offering Professional Reflexology and Sculptural Face Lift sessions at the Relaxation Station at Whole Foods Tarzana where I had amassed a large following. I had my last Sculptural Face Lift and Reflexology client at the Relaxation Station on March 12th. I came home, and received a message from the California Massage Therapy Council stating that there would be no hands-on work until further notice due to COVID19. I patiently waited another 3-4 days and then realized that it may take a while until I can start practicing again. I went back to the Relaxation Station and packed all my stuff just in case it would be closed permanently at some point. The potential for this being a permanent reality kicked in. So I came home and started thinking about what else I could do. Read more>>