There are so many factors that can play a role in determining our results, performance and ultimately our success, but some factors matter more than others. We asked folks what they felt was the most important factor driving their success.

Cheryl Ogden | photographer

Making people feel comfortable in their own skin. Read more>>

Matthew Payawal | Plant parent & Owner of Plant Matter!

Our brand is successful because we’ve always aimed to help people, not just sell product. When our business started in July 2020 people were having difficulty being quarantined in their homes for so long. While a lot of them wanted to keep plants, they were hesitant because they didn’t know where to start. We knew we wanted to provide a service that not only brought joy to people’s lives, but also taught them how to care for their new green friends. Human connection is what resonated with so many and is what sustains our business today. Read more>>

John Wang | Founder of Queens Night Market

I don’t consider the Queens Night Market a success story, per se. We haven’t minted money, and really have just barely squeaked by for most of its existence. But where we have succeeded, I think, is in our nearly obsessive pursuit to be NYC’s most affordable, diverse, and welcoming community space. It’s not just that the mission is our north star internally, it’s that our mission is a recognizable and integral part of our brand in the public consciousness. That’s where I think we’ve really succeeded. Read more>>

Colette Bernard | Artist & Art World Commentator / Content Creator

Being the change you wish to see is so important to me, which is why I started to create videos about the art world that are more palettable to young audiences. I remember being very passionate about art but having little to no access to its history or background info as a young artist. Now that I’m in my twenties and am post-BFA, I have a really unique insight: what the youth would be interested in, and the historical context needed to appropriately do some educating. Read more>>