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.

Jeanette Haggerty | Executive Chef & Lead Event Designer

I honestly believe the success of my brand is accredited to the love of Family and an honest desire to walk in integrity. Every team member is of family relation and we work hard to create beautiful memories for our clients. Read more>>

Dindi Priadi and Jos Christopher

One of the most important factors behind the success of our organization is definitely how well we set up our team to work together. When we first came into the role, we knew we wanted to build a team that are committed to each other and that share the same mindset and vision of serving our Indonesian community away from home. Read more>>

Skylar Erna | Model & Influencer

I think that the most important factor behind my success has definitely been staying true to who I am. I’m a 22 year old girl’s girl through and through and I am figuring my life out as I go (much like most girls in their 20s). I really try to stray away from the normal “influencer” stereotype of being clean cut, talking like a barbie, etc. Read more>>

Antonio Josh | Actor/Producer

Defining success can be challenging, especially when you reach a point in life where you view learning something new every day as a blessing. I believe my success is best described by those close to me, who offer perspectives I might overlook. Read more>>

Jeanine Hattas Wilson | CEO & Creative Director of Hattas Studios

The most important factor behind my success and the success of my team is the willingness to say yes to difficult challenges, combined with the willingness to learn how to do them well. It’s not enough to simply say yes to something new, and then fumble through it poorly. Read more>>

Jolie Karno | Woodturner Custom Furniture/Architectural and Sculptural Art

It’s freedom. I give myself permission to try new things that are difficult, time consuming or unusual. Traditionally this kind of thinking makes for bad business when time is money, but I’m more interested in art than in fast profit. Read more>>

Chi Fan Wang | Motion Designer & Animator

Continuously learning new knowledge, embracing different ways of thinking, and persistently exploring the world are my secrets to continuous progress and ultimately achieving success. Read more>>

Lava (Ashley Hancock) | Multidisciplinary Creatrix

I believe the most important factor behind my success is always staying true to myself. I have noticed when I say ‘no’ more and continue to move as my authentic self, I naturally enchant even better opportunities, people, and energy that aligns with a strong ‘yes’ from my being. The powerfull initiation of shedding those people-pleasing tendencies from within lets the world know you mean business and are not one to mess with. Read more>>

Arieh Berl | Music Producer & Artist

I think the most important factor to success is internally defining what that is to yourself. In a creative space, to me, success is really about expressing myself and getting my feelings across in ways that I can’t really do anyway else. When I was a kid, I used to go into my own musical world where I can make anything, say anything, be weird and freaky and it was all good. Read more>>

Stephanie Leshney | Founder, Dabble & Dollop

The most important factor behind my personal success and the success of Dabble & Dollop has been family. Before I started Dabble & Dollop, I had worked for my Dad for twenty years and helped him grow his natural ingredient business. Building that company alongside my Dad, becoming CEO and ultimately leading us through a successful sale was an incredibly rewarding experience. Read more>>

Vahagn Stepanyan | Award-winning Music Producer, Songwriter, Composer, Keyboardist, MD

The most important factor behind my success is relentless dedication. Consistently pushing creative boundaries, honing my craft, and maintaining a strong connection with my audience have been key. Each project reflects passion and commitment, resonating deeply and earning recognition and awards. Read more>>

Pico Mirandola | Associate Designer for Dead Poets Hard Wear Tote Bag Division

Success is indoor plumbing, love and reliable wifi. Everything else we can improvise. Read more>>

Kevin Park | Founder/CEO at Laminar Logistics

The freight and transportation industry historically has had the stereotype of not being the most professional or employee-friendly environment. Since the inception of Laminar Logistics, the team has been laser focused on creating a workplace that is safe, professional and high performing. We currently have a team of over 60+ drivers. Read more>> 

Angel Anthony Marrero | Actor, Producer

Prayer, Passion, Persistence. I call it the Three P. You need God to have your back in this world especially when striving to go against things bigger than you. In my case it’s going against the grain. You need passion, if you’re not passionate about what you are trying to achieve, then you won’t put in all the work and remain persistent. If you don’t have persistence, you won’t make it far. Read more>>

Kathleen Strukoff | La Chica Art — Modern Impressionist Oil Painter

Developing personal connections with potential customers and other artists. I work hard to get people to know, like and trust me because I think that makes a big impact on their decision to spend money on a discretionary item such as art. Luckly I love people and am endlessly interested in them! Read more>>

Michelle Horton | Owner & Founder

Our market is unique because in addition to being a place of commerce, we put a strong emphasis on creating positive social change. Our official Mission is to “Strengthen the communities of Hawai‘i, one market at a time.” Read more>>

Mariana Rivera-Mariscal | Content creator

I believe that I’ve done everything correct , I chose do make makeup content and I’ve gotten opportunities from making my content ! That is my success i believe in myself and know I can achieve more of my goals in life. Read more>>

Ariana D’souza | Actor & Singer

Success to one, is sometimes just a starting step to another. That’s why success is different to everyone. For me, the idea behind success is basic. Ultimately, I feel most successful in life when I am happy with where I am, at the current moment. I see success as a long road of discovery rather than individual goals that I just need to get out of the way. Read more>>

Rachel Keaton | Director, Writer, & Actor

I would say the most important factor behind my success is my openness to fail. It’s terrifying putting yourself out there-to be judged on what you have to offer the world. There are SO many people who dream of pursuing filmmaking but are terrified of not being amazing right off the bat. I think there is something so very powerful about making a choice and sticking with it.  Read more>>

Zachary Hollis | Psychotherapist & Actor

I think the most important factor behind my success finding comfort in the process as a whole. I think another big factor has been my ability to try to learn something from every experience I go through, negative or positive. I think sitting with your emotions then constructing a meaning from the experience I can learn from has been a skill I’ve been trying to only get better at. Read more>>