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.

Adriel Meka | Illustrator & Animator

I’ve always felt that success lives at the intersection of Skill, Timing, Luck, and Discipline. Innate skill can be referred to as talent however, I feel like outside of people who are naturally good at something, many skills can be learned or adapted and if you have a genuine interest, you shouldn’t be discouraged from pursuing your passion. Read more>>

Nathan Kendall | Actor, Athlete and Content Creator

Being true to who you are, and being nice to everyone. People always say Hollywood is so small, everyone knows everyone and it can be so true. If you are late to set, or treat people bad, word gets around and that can impact your next role or getting hired again. I’ve gotten some of my roles just by networking, or talking to people, making contacts, and treating everyone with respect. I try to be professional on set, and do my job the best I can, and I think that has had a big impact on my success. Read more>>

Gustavo David | Actor/Artist

The most important factor behind my success would be to spread uniqueness and authenticity, and that would be my success. If I am truthful with my path as an actor/artist, then I am doing my job. I don’t want to define my life nor my career, thinking that I need to fullfill an empty space in Hollywood, the cinema world, modeling, whatever to be successful… Read more>>

Stephanie Zi Yi Yang | Concert Pianist & Educator

As a concert pianist based in New York City, my curiosity for classical music and the hard work I have invested into music is definitely the most important factor behind my success in the profession. Read more>>

Mike Capozzi | Actor, Filmmaker, Trumpet Player, Silly Person

The long and short of it… doing what I wanted to do. As an actor and filmmaker, I’ve been constantly told “don’t do this” or “you shouldn’t do that” but when it came to the trumpet, I played the way I want. A friend of mine called it “warts and all” because I would play unfiltered; not caring if I was a little bit out of tune or if anyone enjoyed it other than myself. Read more>>

Suzanne Weinert | In Situ Jewelry, Owner & Designer

My brand wouldn’t be what it is today without all the effort I’ve put into building it. Whether it’s designing and making jewelry, packing orders, photographing pieces, updating my website or marketing In Situ, I work really hard everyday. I’m very passionate about creating jewelry, but it wouldn’t have grown to be a reliable source of income without me putting in the work to build the business. Read more>>

Nathan Vonk | Art Dealer & Gallery Owner

We work tirelessly to build our customer base into a community of friends and supporters. We get to know them, and this allows us to help them find art they will love. Read more>>

Vida Valdes BIPOC Spiritual Advisor, Minister & Elder | I have many titles and certifications. I am a shaman, life coach, clinical hypnotherapist, counselor, spiritual goods store owner & friend.

My authenticity, my vulnerability and my transparency. I don’t pretend to be polished, well put together or content creator material. I am just me which can be totally sophisticated, calm and collected. Or I can be a hot mess, vulgar and loud. It is okay because my truth always aligns me with the success in my brand. I am consistent with my community even when I take a break from social media. I have several outlets for my community to reach me in multiple ways. Read more>>

Rachel Vogel | Music Industry Marketer and Podcast Host

I’ve always been told that in order to be successful I have to do that which others can’t do, won’t do, or don’t know how to do. Read more>>

Karman Kregloe | Singer-Songwriter

I’m inspired by people who are true to themselves and authentic. I would always rather see a performer who is in the moment and just doing what they do than someone who is being “perfect.” Read more>>

Paul Mardy | Photographer

One of my recent favorite quotes is by Dr. Wayne Dyer, “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” This powerful quote shifted how I framed things and revealed to me the power of our thoughts. Read more>>

Justin Corbo | Dancer/Choreographer

I believe the most important factor behind my success is consistency. After staying consistent with my brand I’ve started to see growth all around me. Read more>>

Jamil Frazier | Entrepreneur 👩🏻 Family Man 👶🏻 Independent Certified @optavia Coach 👦🏻 Founder @thinklifeisdifferent 👧🏽 2x Bestselling Author 👦🏽 Investor 📈

The most important factor is Desire/ Motivation to live a bigger life. Partnering with the right people and the right opportunity the passion behind doing something that is purposeful in the world. Desire to make a big impact. Learning how to building and finding great mentors Having tremendous grit being able to pivot when things don’t go the way you want them to go. Constant growth and being humble. Contently feeling like a little fish in a really large bowl. Read more>>

Nigeria Anderson | Founder/CEO of Urban Buzz Magazine

The most important factor behind Urban Buzz Magazine, Where Key Players Speak!, comes from the talent we interview. Urban Buzz Magazine is a promotional-driven, relationship building and quality online magazine. We interview well-known artists in entertainment. While being open to a new generation of artists. The success of our brand is due to our commitment to properly representing people in the entertainment industry. Read more>>