Reflecting on the things that made a difference

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.

Love Cordero | Lash Technician

The key to my success has been the strong foundation I’ve built from my past experiences. Read more>>

Colette Yousefian | Caterer & CFO

The most important factor behind our success is our ability to blend tradition with innovation. Since 1960, Robert’s Catering has preserved its traditional values and recipes while enhancing them with modern updates. While keeping our original recipes from the 1960s, we often incorporate contemporary elements to update them. Read more>> 

Mansi Mehra | Standup Comedian | Emcee | Technologist

There are several key elements behind my brand’s success as a stand-up comedian and an emcee. I have been able to bag opportunities by word of mouth and appreciation through my past work. I tried to capture a few here: Read more>>

Cybele Zufolo | Professor of Writing & Former Dancer.

It’s important to take risks, be yourself, do what you love, and try to inspire others the way I was inspired by my amazing professors and teachers, both in writing, literature and ballet. As Steve Jobs said, “Work is going to fill a large portion of your life so you need to do what you love.” in his Commencement Address.  Read more>>

Jeanne K Chung | Creative Director & Owner

Authenticity is everything. We don’t do it for the numbers, or the accolades. We do what we do because we love what we do – the process of designing, the challenges, and seeing the end result. Building a business is not a quick and easy task. Read more>>

Tim Kirsch | Music Artist & Minister

People often think of success as achieving a goal that the world puts on a pedestal. I’ve learned to not allow my self-esteem to be contingent on the perspective others or even my own works. As for anyone else, it was an intense journey to discover that my value is not based on my achievements, but on the price paid for me. Read more>>

Jessica Eldredge | Hair stylist and occasional wedding florist

People. Community to be more specific. I try my best to develop a relationship with my clients that’s not just transactional. I truly believe that’s important. I want my client to feel like I really do care about the things they share with me and of course the hair concerns they may have. Read more>>

Abbott Twins | Entrepreneurs & Podcasters

ATM or Abbott Twins Management’s most important factor has always been the idea of legacy. We fully intended to create a foundation that our children’s children will benefit from. Read more>>

Jon Kenzo Okeya | Illustrator, Stationery Store Owner & Cooking Show Host

My personal successes in my stationery business is to have someone that believes in you and pushes you to become greater. Luckily for me that would be my wife Audrey. I started business not having a single clue where to go and no means of using my imagination for the better. I was optimistic but very delusional in my own abilities. Read more>>

Sheldon Williams | Entrepreneur

Keeping God First in every aspect of my life. Surrounding myself with positive people and family support. Read more>>

Christina Beaulieu | Photographer & Tarot Reader

The people. I love working with my clients and building my portfolio by collaborating with them.They say it takes a village to raise a child and I think it takes that and more to sustain a successful business. For my business to thrive and grow, I deeply rely on my network of wonderful individuals who refer me to friends and family, who share my photography on social media, and who look to me first for their business or personal needs. It’s truly an honor to work alongside them. Read more>>

Dr. Kyle Burton, DAOM | Acupuncture and Herbalist

Results. If I didn’t believe in our products I couldn’t continue selling them. I have to be able to sleep at night and a clean conscious is part of that. I’m in this field because I care about animals and saw how they’ve been left out of complimentary medicine. Read more>> 

Ashley Noel | Freelance Makeup Artist

My Mom. Im very lucky to have a support system that really believes in me. Between the pandemic and the strike I had some thoughts of giving up and getting a conventional job. My mom and my best friend Tess kept me going. They really breath life into me. Read more>>

Kelly Singpo | Illustrator

I owe a lot of my success to the people who believe in me and keep pushing me to work on my art. My friends are a huge part of this—they’re always there to motivate me and push me to draw more. I’ve got this amazing group of art friends where we share our work and help each other out when things get tough. Read more>>

Brian Shafa | Plastic Surgeon

As a plastic surgeon, I have always recognized the importance of my name as my brand and have been very protective of it. I have always taken care to be selective in my patient selection to make sure that I work with patients that I know I can help. Read more>>

Kathleen O’Heron | Content Creator, Graphic Designer & Experiences Influencer

Success to me is having the drive and eagerness to keep pursuing new things while simultaneously nurturing your current community. Never losing sight of the people who were with you from the start of your journey and being open to adding new people to your inner circle. Read more>>

Stuart Michael Thomas | Composer for Film and Television

Showing up. By far that’s the most important. I’ve seen gifted musicians and composers have an opportunity in front of them and squander it through inaction or laziness or just not being able to deal with the demands of the industry. Read more>>

Khristian “Luci” Osuna | Artist & Costumer/Prop maker & Designer

For me, the most important factor behind my success has been a strong willingness to learn, grow, and never give up. Without the risks I took and the acceptance of failing – I wouldn’t be where nor who I am today. From an early age, it became clear that the people around me were a strong indication of what my own outlook and behavior was on life.  Read more>>

Patrick Shatter | Entrepreneur

Persistence is the key to my success. Throughout my journey, there have been countless moments of self-doubt and the temptation to throw in the towel. It is in these moments that my true character is tested. Will I choose the path of least resistance and give up, or will I embrace the challenge and persevere? Read more>>

Rowdy Stephens | Director, Editor, and Aerial Cinematographer

There are two factors most responsible for propelling me to where I am today: forming valuable relationships and embracing the latest technologies and innovations. I am fortunate to be surrounded by so many passionate and hardworking people whom I get to call friends. Read more>>

Madalyn Botello | Restaurant Owner & Operator

In my experience, the most critical factor behind my success in running a restaurant is undoubtedly the people—both our valued customers and my dedicated team. Customers are the lifeblood of our business, driving revenue and creating a vibrant atmosphere. Read more>>

Jiwoo Lee | Film and Media Composer

While it might be a bit early to declare my music career a “success,” I believe the most significant factor in my progress is my passion for movies. I’ve been immersed in music my entire life, developing skills in piano and acquiring perfect pitch from a young age. Read more>> 

Sophie French | Subconscious Mind Coach & Self-Worth Healer

Being real, being true to myself and others, and speaking and sharing from my heart and building relationships with others from that place. The work I do is because it deeply means something to me and I think that can be felt through others – while I have extensive training in my areas of expertise, Read more>>

Jay Fischer | Artist

The most important factor for me is patience there are times quitting is the only thing I think of but being patient and trusting the process of failure lead me to inevitable success. Read more>>

LISA SMEDLEY-CALDERON | Celebrity Fashion Stylist and Costume Designer

As a celebrity Fashion Stylist for over 30 years and a Costume Designer , I would say the first factor that has made me a success is having a true passion for what I do. To truly know this is what God has planted a seed in me to fulfill. Read more>>

Mike Romeo | Multimedia Artist + Audio Visual Performer

I find that connecting with other creatives through a mutual passion for the work of making, exhibiting and performing has led me to greater success in my field. As I’m based in New York it can be tough to find your niche, but putting yourself out there as an artist / creative has widened my network of artist / performer friends who I share common interests with. Read more>>