Through our work we have been constantly amazed at the incredible things people in every neighborhood are working on. What’s even more exciting is that they all have different stories, backgrounds, strengths and weaknesses. That there isn’t a single formula for success means that everyone can take their unique set of strengths and characteristics and turn it into a success story. We recently reached out to some folks we admire and asked them what characteristics they feel are responsible for their success.

Edolia Stroud | Artist

What I believe to be the most important factor behind my success is faith—Faith in myself, my creativity and my ideas. Faith that I’m making the right choices and doing what feels right within my craft. With faith being the foundation and the key component in my zealous attitude towards success, the adoration I hold for art alone is enough to fuel my artistic excursion. Read more>>

Chase Martin | Video Effects Editor & U.S. Army Officer

Ever since I got into editing in 2017, the industry standard for quality has risen tremendously. Many of the Saudi Arabian and Vietnamese editors that I see as mentors had to change their style and advance in skill to meet the changing trends. As complex video filters and “drag and drop” effects become almost common practice for many beginner editors, Read more>>

Denis Shepherd | Actor & Producer

For me it has always come down to persistence. You can have all the talent and skills in the world, but if you shy away and get down on yourself at the first sign of adversity, you’ll never get to where you want to be in life. I decided very early on in my career that no matter what happened, I was going to get back up and keep pushing forward. Read more>>

You Zhao | Collaborative Pianist, Coach & Educator

Attitude, no hesitation. I wouldn’t say that I am a martinet, however, when it comes to studies and work, I take what I do very seriously. I strongly believe that attitude is everything. It would be unrealistic to say that I am ready to take any task, challenge or duty that comes my way as much as I wanted to do so. Read more>>

Aaron Childress | Founder of Woollier

I think two things: authenticity and having a prepared mind to take advantage of chance opportunities. Regarding authenticity, it sounds cliche, but it took me a while to realize myself. I never tried to be something I’m not, but I was trying to sell products. Products that I’d poured myself into financially, emotionally, Read more>>

Payzar Jacqueline Karadjian | Entrepreneur

Staying true to who I am. It is difficult nowadays with social media and especially living in Los Angeles to not give into a persona – but staying true to the person I was raised to be by my amazing mother and father has been the most important factor throughout creating my a career for myself. Read more>>

Jules Miranda | NYC film photographer & artist

In all honestly, my business is so successful because I started off with a “fake it till you make it” mentality. I never studied photography, and am completely self-taught, thanks to the internet. I simply started taking photos for fun, mostly of my friends, until they started to ask me “how much do you charge?” Read more>>

Laryah-Monyeiã Cosentino | Singer/Songwriter & Producer

I define my success within reaching my full potential in goals I’ve set and mastering my skills. Potential being, gaining a big enough audience to create a platform and use that to speak my truth in confidence I’m reminding my supporters their power lies within them; this world is beautiful and it’s yours as long as you step into that power. Read more>>

Rudy Roy | Climate Tech CEO

Staying aligned with the mission to bring clean energy to 1 Billion more people has been the most important factor behind our success. Read more>>

Jasmine Yolas | Content Creator & Beauty Enthusiast

Consistency is definitely key! When I started @skinl0ve, I didn’t think it would grow as much as it did over these last two years. Staying consistent and staying authentic has truly been the secret to my success. It’s important that I’m consistent when it comes to posting, engaging with people on my platforms but also staying true to myself and my values. Read more>>

Xahlia Vahradian | Fashion Designer

I believe success has a lot to do with your mindset, it is really important to have a positive mindset when you are building a brand. You have to believe in yourself and be passionate about what you are doing. Planning and staying organized is also very important for me. Working smarter and not harder. Read more>>

Nathaniel Villanueva | Plastic Surgeon

Having a patient centered focus has been the key to growing our practice and brand at The Plastic Surgery Institute. I am extremely passionate about what I am privileged to do on a daily basis and the patient and their experience is the center of everything. Read more>>