While it’s inspiring to read high level summaries of success stories, we think it’s just as important to learn about what drove the success and made it possible. We’ve asked some of the brightest folks we know to open up about what they believe was the most important factor behind their success.

Daniel Shurinov | Architect

The most important factor behind the success of my practice is the emphasis that I place on surrounding myself with more skilled and knowledgeable people. This environment not only encourages but pushes to work harder and learn more. Read more>>

Beth Bowman | Ceramic Artist

As a potter, and an artist, I keep my options and work flow very open. Whether I’m making a custom piece, or a production line of items, I keep my options open. I love to teach people how to throw on the wheel and instruct hand building pottery as well. By being able to be flexible, my revenue is able to flow from one season to the next. Read more>>

Paige Keating | Owner and Founder

My client’s joy! The messages I receive from my clients after I’ve delivered cookies or when someone tastes my cookies for the first time…. there is really nothing better! The sign of success for me is when others are excited about my cookies. Read more>>

Chris Brandsey | Managing Partner – Frame & Flight

We operate in the niche space of Food and Beverage and support our clients with their technology, with services helping them rationalize their technology investments, getting their technology to deliver more, and how to implement a winning change solution that drives usage of their tech investments. Read more>>

Melted Words | Tattoo Artist and Writer

Trial and error. I believe you have to get through all of the rough drafts, fragments, random thoughts, and projects half finished to get to the ideas that are meant to be shown to the world.  Read more>>

Alex Lockwood | Audio Engineer & Owner

Our success comes from delivering a quality product, above all else. This means truly listening to your client’s needs, putting in time off the clock, and documenting as much of the process as possible. There is no better advertising than word of mouth. So, when your client tells their friends about the great experience and fantastic product they created working with you, it goes a long way. Read more>>

Peter Munzo | Music Producer/Engineer

Staying dedicated to my craft and continuously pursuing my career regardless of the situation. Giving up is the worst thing you can do and I’ve felt like my dedication and passion to becoming somebody in the music industry has been one of the defining factors into how my career has progressed. Read more>>

 

Power | rapper, record producer, record executive and entrepreneur / founder CEO – New York Records

I would say the most prominent factor behind my success would be industry connections. Building strong relationships with industry insiders, such as producers, promoters, and other labels can provide valuable opportunities for collaborations and exposure. Read more>>

Jean Sharony | Executive Producer & Producer and Entrepreneur

The most important factor behind my success as a Producer has been a combination of perseverance, creativity, and a strong focus on building meaningful relationships with my team and my clients. Over the years, I’ve learned to adapt to challenges, think innovatively, and collaborate effectively with others in this competitive and always changing industry. Read more>>

Namiko Hirasawa Chen | Food Blogger & Creator

I believe Just One Cookbook has managed to sustain a loyal reader base over the past 13 years due to our authenticity. The blogging landscape is ever-evolving, and we have overcome many challenges along the way. However, one thing I will never compromise on is continuing to share authentic Japanese recipes.  Read more>>

Juanny Romero | CEO Mothership Coffee

The cornerstone of my success and our brand’s success is the dual mission to transform women’s lives at both ends of the coffee supply chain—from the women coffee producers to the women who are our customers. Read more>>

Siyan Camille Ji | Photographer & Visual Artist

I think creativity was the most something that keeps me going forward. As a visual artist specializing in photography, my creative projects are deeply rooted in personal memories, experiences, and emotions.  Read more>>

Brett Burch | Teen Pilot

As a pilot, Determination is essential to navigate the challenges of flight school. My name is Brett Burch, but many know me as Pilot Burch. I am a 19-year-old African American pilot who conquered a severe stutter to become one of America’s youngest black pilots. Read more>>

REBELLE | Independent Artist, Vocalist & Songwriter

I came to the USA about 3 years ago with a goal to succeed both in career and academically. Looking back, I have actually done so much more than I thought I would since then. Read more>>

Fernanda V Torres | Chef & Owner

By far our process is one of our most important elements to our companies success. Prioritizing quality, freshness, while maintaining the same authentic Argentinian empanada flavor that only travelers or Argentinians can recognize is my ultimate goal. Read more>>

Kevito Clark | Founder & Chief Creative Officer of Subject To Change LLC.

One of the most important factors behind the success of SUBJECT TO CHANGE LLC’s first IP, ‘Love, Peace & Spades™,” is that we are a modern-day “hush harbor,” a protected space created by and for Black people. Read more>>

Art Streiber | Professional Photographer.

My the factors in my success fall into three categories; Persistence / Dedication. Preparation. Adaptation / Flexibility. I believe in all of these aspects, ingredients or components and practice them every day. Read more>>

Poppy Pu | Graphic Designer

The most crucial factor behind my success as a graphic designer—and indeed the success of my brand—is my unwavering commitment to continuous experimentation. Each piece of work that I present to the public is the culmination of an iterative process, involving innumerable revisions and a myriad of spontaneous insights. Read more>>

Maxwell (Max) McCullough (Boogie) | American Hip-Hop Artist | Fashion Developer

There’s definitely a lot that plays into having any kind of success. Establishing a household name in this business is easier said than done. But the most important for me, I would say is simply but strongly, Hustle. Read more>>

Ida Espevik | Actor

I would definitely say the support from my amazing family and real good friends has been an outstanding factor! They have always motivated me and pushed me to always keep going! I am incredible grateful for them and their support and love, It really has made a huge difference! Read more>>