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.

Drew Mackie

Honestly, any success I’ve found I can credit to ignoring what I think other people will be interested in and instead just going deep on what interests me. This has rendered me rather niche, but I just think it’s a better strategy overall to specialize rather than generalize. If you concentrate on a specific thing and do it well, you will find an audience. It may take a while, and it’s going to burn when you see someone else get further quicker doing something that’s catering to the moment, but I honestly feel like those people aren’t telling anyone who they really are — and maybe aren’t figuring that out themselves.  Read More>>

Don Nguyen

I don’t think there is a singular important factor behind success. It’s a bit the adage that luck is preparation rising to meet opportunity. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people, positive attitudes (or at least ones with forward progress in mind) and a whole lot of kindness adds to the equation. There is a reciprocity to kindness, respect and helpfulness. These things seem obfuscated in the current clime, but are always greatly appreciated whether given or received. Read More>>

Dr. Harris Choe

The three things that have built my brand have been authenticity, expertise, and community.

Authenticity means being true to yourself and not conforming to what you see around you. In this age of social media, it gets super easy to get caught up in what others are doing. This used to stress me out. However, the more I started to focus on myself and bettering myself, I not only felt more at ease, but my business benefitted from it as well. I was able to show up with genuine care and energy that my clients can feel. Read More>>

Anthony DeFeo

Compassion. Loving what you do is important, but it’s crucial to remember and respect the people who do it with you.

If you work in the arts, you’re passionate about art, but it’s important to understand that you’re therefore passionate about people. It can be easy to sideline compassion in pursuit of whatever it is you’re making. Read More>>

Larry Stevens

Barista Media is a boutique firm that represents properties and platforms around specific key niches. We’ve been fortunate to work some of the most premium brands to help drive our success. Read More>>

Daria Taylor

There are so many different factors that have gone into landing me where I am today. Aside from the obvious (luck, a high tolerance for risk, and tenacity in the face of unpredictability), I think my natural curiosity is the number one trait that propelled me into an entrepreneurial lifestyle. Before starting my business in event photography, I tried my very best to work behind a desk in corporate America. Surprise! It didn’t work out. I spent my 20s learning that I can’t handle knowing how the next days, weeks, months, and years will unfold. Read More>>

Diana Montano

I believe the most important factor behind my success, and the potential success of my brand, lies in the combination of my genuine passion and expertise in esthetics, specifically body waxing, with the personal connection I strive to build with each client. My dedication to this field goes beyond just a profession; it’s a true interest that drives me to continuously learn and provide the highest quality of service.  Read More>>

Amy Baer

One might assume the most important factor behind my brand is the food itself—but for me, it’s truly about hospitality and the meaningful impact I have the privilege of making in my clients’ lives. While I may be “just cooking,” I’m often doing so for deeply personal milestones—birthdays, anniversaries, weddings; often spent with loved ones. These moments matter, and being invited into them is an honor I don’t take lightly. That’s why I strive to make every aspect of the experience—not just the food, but the overall feeling—personalized, thoughtful, and unforgettable. Read More>>

Matt Ferrucci

Honestly? The biggest factor behind my success—or whatever this ride has turned into—has been learning how to be a self-starter. As an indie filmmaker, you’re basically running your own scrappy startup. You’re the CEO, CTO, head of marketing, branding, social—you’re the entire org chart. And 99% of the time, the only person you’re answering to is yourself, which can be both a blessing and a curse. But I’ve kept pushing. I’ve tried my best to stay adaptable as the industry shifts while still holding on to the reasons I got into this in the first place. Read More>>

Corliss Mejia

The most important factor behind Pickle N’ Tequila’s success is that our team—Camille (founder), Erik (operations), and myself—has always prioritized authenticity above all else. From day one, we’ve focused on creating experiences that feel real, inclusive, and community-driven—and I’ve tried to reflect that in everything I capture through our photography. I don’t have formal training, but I think that’s actually worked in our favor. There’s no pressure to be overly polished or staged; instead, I lean into showing the energy, the messiness, the joy—even the bloopers—because that’s what makes people feel connected and seen. Read More>>

Dr. Mark Wang

Honestly, the biggest reason for our success at The Honest Tooth Dentistry has been the trust my dad, who is also a dentist, built with our patients over the years. I have many people who walk in and say, ‘Your dad has been taking care of me since you were a little kid’. Taking over the dental practice in 2024 was a big deal for me—not just professionally, but personally. I grew up in the office watching him treat patients like family, and that has echoed in my quality of care for my patients. Read More>>