We asked some of the city’s rising stars to reflect on what made a difference in their journey. We asked them to tell us about what they think the most important factor has been behind their success.

Aimee Lewis | Photojournalism Wedding Photographer

I think pursuing a career in an art field has forced me to redefine what success means to me. Growing up I would have emphasized financial success, and while that remains an important aspect of any business, it’s no longer my main focus. I think it’s the connections with my clients I analyze to gauge my success. The wedding photography industry is insanely saturated with incredibly talented artists. Anyone can deliver a beautiful gallery, so in order to feel fulfilled through my work I spotlight how I’m able to serve my clients in a novel way and grow a meaningful relationship with them that makes their photography experience that much more impactful. Read more>>

Alina Tang | Visual artist and big boss at pansy

I love sharing and inviting people into my colourful, friendly world both physically and online, and I think this has really contributed to the success of pansy. I was very intentional in creating a space where I could connect with people, hear their stories, and share my thoughts and journey too! I’m not afraid to share funny and vulnerable moments, especially when things are a bit tough or there’s an issue I feel really strongly about, moments which I think people can relate to, which hopefully creates a space for them to feel more comfortable to share as well. Read more>>

Kristel Yoneda | Sad But Rad Club Founder & MFT Trainee

My full-time job is in marketing, particularly a specific flavor of marketing I call purpose-driven marketing. Ikigai Marketing is based on the Japanese concept of ‘Ikigai,’ which roughly translates to “reason for being.” I work with a wide spectrum of clients, from adult performers, to magazines, therapists, restaurants, and so on. It may seem random on the surface, but the connecting factor between the companies I work with is their desire to represent their businesses authentically to their consumers. In my 15+ years in marketing, Read more>>

DaShaun Thomas | Owner of DTermined Athletics

The most important factor in my success in simple. I always stay true to my vision and mission. I wanted to use the game of basketball to teach life lessons. Basketball taught me how to navigate through adversity and stay level headed during success. Also, I never allowed situations to become my outcome. The word DTermined saved my life. Read more>>

Evetta Petty | Milliner and Artist

The most important factor behind my success is my unique design ability. Read more>>

Lindsey Ruth | Photographer and Mixed Media Artist

Trusting my creative instinct and looking inward for direction. Learning to be confident with my own voice instead of trying to fit in to what I think people want me to be has brought me success and allowed me to create work that feels true to me. Read more>>

John Paiz | VJ/ digital artist/ 3D artist

Being and excellent communicator, making sure I can learn from everyone I work with and make sure they are happy Read more>>

Kyle Goetsch | Landscape Photographer

Organic engagement. 90% of my clients come through my social media or website. Creating a platform where I can genuinely engage with my future cliental has been an essential part of my business strategy. I want to build relationships with my viewership as these in time leads to them attending my photography workshops or buying my images for their homes. Read more>>

Jim Downes | Founder & CEO of Blueprint CFO

Our success at Blueprint CFO can be largely attributed to the unique way we work with our clients, and our unique outlook on the role of accounting and finance. At Blueprint CFO, we believe that having completed monthly financials in hand is just the tip of the accounting iceberg. Here, we understand that accounting and finance professionals can play a much larger role in a company than simply reporting the numbers. Read more>>

Parker Alexander | Founder | CEO | The Heartbeat Brand

The most important factor behind the success of my brand is in the logos. Well, the logos and the super unique hat designs. Our trademarked logos consist of a symmetrical EKG (Heartbeat) design on the left and right of a variety of states, sports, etc. We ask the question ‘what makes your heart beat?” If you love it or care about it, we have a logo for it. We’re putting passion into fashion, allowing the consumer to wear a logo that expresses something they love, without having to say it. It’s fun way to offer expression of self. We also have some of the most unique styles around, gorgeous color ways, quality fabrics, sublimation, and more. We make nice hats, hats with meaning. Now ask yourself, what makes your heart beat? Read more>>

Tiffany Ingram | Curator of Lux Experiences

The most important factor behind my success and the success of my brand is staying true to who I am and my brand. It is so easy to get keep caught up in what everyone is doing on social media or in the industry. Tiffany loves being natural with no make-up and braids. Some may see it as unprofessional, but I see it as being true to who I am. Our clients loves us for being relatable, honest, and authentic. Read more>>

Philippe Louis | Fitness Trainer

The most important factor is to make sure you have the right people on your side. Because being a young entrepreneur is tough, and your surrounding needs to be in your corner uplifting you, and encouraging you to keep going. Read more>>