We asked some of the city’s rising stars about why they think they have been so successful and we’ve shared their responses below.

David Méndez Mateu | Costume Designer

The key to my success isn’t shrouded in mystery. While creativity, self-belief, mentorship, peer support, and innate talent play crucial roles, the linchpin that binds them all together is perseverance. Although each individual charts a unique course, I staunchly believe that, in the grand scheme of things, hard work is the unequivocal foundation upon which success is built. Read more>>

Rachel Farino | CEO and Founder of Party On Brand

In general, I consider myself a very organized person, which helps me tremendously when I’m constantly juggling several events at once. I thrive on productivity, so I have a habit of staying on top of my emails so they don’t accumulate, otherwise it becomes overwhelming, It helps that I can’t stand seeing those little notifications on my phone all day. I strive to accomplish everything on my list, which is updated all day every day, and embrace a daily routine to keep me on task. I adhere to a work schedule, which allows me to have the structure in place that I need for somewhat of a work/life balance. I try and follow that same routine each day/week, so that I’m starting each day knowing what to expect, and plan to execute as much as I can based on my schedule. For example, I schedule my calls to be back to back in the morning, so that in case a curve ball is thrown my way and I have to be out of office, I can still manage from my phone, without worrying about missing anything important. Communicating efficiently and sometimes taking a beat before responding to an email, has also become a new habit of mine. I tend to react on emotion in the heat of the moment, and reminding myself to remain professional, and taking that extra moment to self-reflect before responding has carried over into my personal life as well, and something I continue to try improving upon. Read more>>

Carly Miller | Writer/Director

As a writer/director, I believe you should make it a habit to become a voracious reader. I’ve done this and it’s improved my writing dramatically! Reading not only expands your knowledge and opens you up to new and exciting ideas for your scripts, it also teaches you good storytelling. Read more>>

Manaure Penalver | Visual artist & creative consultant

Consistency is cliché but it is so because it works, if you can deliver consistently for a long period it will be noticed, it will become your voice, and brand, never stopping can be powerful. You might not see the fruits of your labor in the short or medium run but you can be sure it will bear fruit. Just to name two cases where doing your thing relentlessly worked out: Charles Bukowski gained fame when he turned 50 and Amancio Ortega who was the owner of the Inditex group (Zara, Bershka, and Pull & bear) started his business in 1963 and only in 2021 became publicly traded. I think I’m pretty far away from those levels of success or recognition but I always remember those examples. Read more>>