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.

Sonya Ni’cole Millen

For me, the most important factor behind my success has been consistency, hard work, and knowing how to pivot when the industry changes. I’ve never been afraid to evolve. I started as a singer with my twin sister Sabrina, very young while growing up in jersey, modeling and acting, and then along the way a content creator — and honestly, every piece of that journey was preparing me for this moment. Each skill I picked up along the way plays a role in who I am now and how I show up for my myself, brands and my audience. Read More>>

Rio Jiaming Chong

The success of my business relies on two key factors:

Making Good Connections with Clients – Building strong relationships with clients is essential in the vertical drama industry. Understanding their needs, adapting to their creative vision, and maintaining clear and effective communication help ensure long-term collaborations and successful projects. Trust and professionalism go a long way in securing repeat business and gaining referrals in this fast-growing market. Read More>>

Lance Ding

Having first-hand experience with the challenges of being a founder – and the necessity of community to support you and keep you going – has played a huge role in our success thus far.

I’ve been a founder for the past five years, and throughout that time, I’ve experienced a lot of ups and downs. When I first started out, I didn’t have any mentors or peers, and I realized how crucial community and real relationships are in the entrepreneurial journey. Read More>>

BIRD

OUR COMMUNITY BECAUSE IT SHOWS IN REAL LIFE THE CHANGE WE ARE MAKING IN THE WORLD. WE ARE SELLING TSHIRTS, I KNOW IT’S NOT CURING CANCER,BUT WE NEED THE ARTS TO KEEP THE WORLD SPINNING TOO. IT’S JUST AS IMPORTANT. THE INTERNET IS COOL AND ALL BUT A PHYSICAL COMMUNITY THAT SHOWS UP CONSISTENTLY CAN REALLY TAKE YOU AND YOUR IDEAS TO THE NEXT LEVEL. Read More>>