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.

Katherine Kae” McSpadden | Artist and Voice Actress”

For my art, I learned many different art skills growing up (from coloring pyansky eggs at the International School of Luxembourg when I was a child, to glass bead making using molten glass, to creating the art installation piece called Find Your Wings for the music festival Electric Forest) and using the skills and memories I have growing up to help me think outside of the box and become adaptable and versatile in the way I draw. Read more>>

Brandon Washington | Founder of The STREAM Engine/ Ron’s Signature Sauce

The cornerstone of my success and the prosperity of my brand revolves significantly around the support I continually receive from my family, friends, and fellow Philadelphians. Without this collective backing, my non-profit organization, The STREAM Engine, wouldn’t be the influential entity it is today. Their contribution, along with the collaboration of our partner organizations, truly embodies the potency of unity and collective effort. Read more>>

Angel Torres | Founder

I would say the most important factor behind the success of All Paws Express would have to be our determination to help families reunite with their pet(s) during an ever changing world within the pet relocation industry. Between a global pandemic and regulations that continue to change we were forced out of our comfort zone to find creative routes to get pets home which in the larger picture helped us grow and improve our skillset and knowledge. Read more>>

Daniel Machorro | Guitar Player, Music Producer and Sound Engineer.

Discipline must always be present. a lot of my progress has been made by myself having a good organization on time and also being always ready for everything, if I have to learn something I will become a Sponge, if i have to create i will bring all my skills to the table, If i have to record I will be ready before the session. DISCIPLINE is the most important part of my success and that also reflects on the people that I work with, they know i am a hardworking and professional musician. Read more>>

Grace Aguilar | Photographer & Director

I still have so much more I’d like to accomplish, but I think my enduring desire to continue learning, experimenting, and developing as an artist has helped. Collaboration is also extremely important to me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of every friend who entertained my ideas and allowed me to either take their photo or bring them onboard as collaborators and crew members. I want to pay all of that kindness forward. Read more>>

LittleDove Rey | Artist, Indigenous Healer, Clinical Psychologist

When I think about what feels the most important about my brand and creative endeavors, two things immediately come to the forefront for me. The first thing is spreading love in everything that I do. I believe that love is a cure for many things and I hold a lot of love for the things that I do and also for the people in my life. It is hard for me to understand the fear of love as it is such an important emotion to share as humans on this earth together. Read more>>

Robin Randolph | Photographer, Content Creator, Media Professional

There are definitely a few important factors behind the success of my brand — reliability, integrity, adaptability, diversity, personality, etc. But if I had to pick “the most important factor”, I’d have to say it’s authenticity. I have always been a very direct, upfront, and honest person, with or without my camera. This is something I take pride in and something that I’ve been told makes people feel seen, heard, and comfortable. Read more>>

Kevin Stone | Hollywood Hypnotist Kevin Stone

Hollywood Hypnotist™ America’s Celebrity Hypnotist Kevin Stone – Master of Suggestion™ Kevin Stone is a Master Hypnotist and a Board-Certified Hypnotherapist. He is recognized as the #1 global expert and authority on hypnosis. Kevin’s hypnosis and hypnotherapy techniques are sought-after by Hollywood A-list celebrities, world and business leaders, and top athletes. Kevin helps hundreds of people daily to improve their lifestyles for the better. Read more>>

Amanda Stamboel | Jewelry Maker

While the factors of unique product design and high-quality craftsmanship are essential for this brand, I believe that above all, effective communication with customers is the most crucial element: genuinely listening to their needs and desires and making every effort to meet their expectations. Read more>>

Wei Li | Filmmaker & Editor

I attribute my success to my ability to always think a little bit more or one step further than others. As a detail-oriented and hardworking individual, I believe that constantly pushing myself to go beyond what is expected has been crucial in my career advancement. By anticipating the needs of the project and envisioning potential creative solutions, I have been able to contribute effectively to the films I’ve worked on. This mindset has allowed me to excel as an editor and secure the promotion to lead assistant editor at Ignition Creative in only one year. Read more>>

Giovanni Machorro | Gio M | Head Distiller

The key to our company’s success, as well as my personal success within the company, lies in our unique approach to business. We strongly believe in upholding our core values of sophistication, community, and quality. By consistently applying these values in all aspects of our operations, we have been able to achieve ongoing success. Read more>>

Ken Somers | Independent HR consultant, passionate about making a difference for clients

SImply put, networking. and then delivering high quality results when presented with the opportunity. I was fortunate to discover the value of networking quite early in my career. It’s not rocket science, either. You have to put yourself out there, care about what you can do to help others achieve success, and it is typically returned to you with dividends. 100% of my client base is through referrals. Read more>>