We asked the community what factors they felt were responsible for their success and we’ve highlighted some of those responses below.

Hugh Kretschmer | Photographer

I think my success is due in part to an underline drive to create photographs that are different and, dare say, not seen before. It’s something I learned early in my career, and I have carried it with me ever since. I’m a photo-illustrator, which means I’m an illustrator who uses a camera instead of a pencil. Like illustration, my photographs are conceptual, and I am most known for my editorial work. Magazines mostly call upon me to illustrate small articles or stories that appear in the back of the periodical. Read more>>

Jessica Jacobs | Producer

Following my instincts is the core factor behind my success. When I worked at Jeff Robinov’s company, Studio 8, I’d hear Jeff give creative input on projects and he’d say something to the effective of, all I have are my instincts. That very much resonated with me ever since. Every job I’ve had, every project I’ve developed and produced, I follow my instincts because that’s the thing that makes me ME. Read more>>

Aggie Nichols | Commercial Product Photographer

Creativity and communication skills. This is what my clients mention the most often and I think they appreciate how easy it is to talk to me and exchange ideas. I believe that great images are created through collaboration, so I involve my clients in the process as much as I can. They love to know what is going on and contribute to the final look and I love to share that with them, so it’s a win-win. Without great communication skills, it would be impossible to translate an idea into a tangible asset. Creativity is just as important.  Read more>>

Paige Killian | Professional Organizer, Podcaster & Author

I’ve learned to ask for help. I am such a 50/50 split between a total dreamer and a realist. I have all these lofty goals that scare me sometimes and know that if I want them to be realized I can’t do it all by myself. I’ve wasted lots of time and energy in the past stressing out over trying to accomplish everything I want to achieve alone. I realized when I started my professional organizing business in 2016 that if I ever wanted to see it grow, I needed to ask for, and accept, help from friends, family, and the professionals who could support me and my vision for growth. Read more>>

Ben Berkowitz,Noreen Berkowitz N/a | Co-Owners WE LOVE DOGS

For us working with dogs, we have spent years getting to know the people in our community, and every day we understand better how much our relationships with their humans helps us take better care of their dogs. Even as we have grown from a dozen dogs to over a hundred, we hear constantly that our much more personal approach to the care we give out dogs is a key to a much more fun and happy environment for the dogs to play and train. Read more>>

Nailah DuBose | Full Time Scholar, Believer, Entrepeneur & Braid Enthusiast

The most important factor behind the success of my brand is that it is a true reflection of who I (Nailah DuBose) am. I pride myself on being an old soul and an light in world that can be full of darkness. Read more>>

Cassidy Carballo | Sustainable Fashion Designer

The most important contribution to our success has been staying true to our mission. From inception, susoriginals has been 100% sustainable in all aspects we can control, and we take pride in that. We offer a solution to the ever growing problem of fashion waste and the pollution from the fashion industry. Keeping sustainability in mind has pushed us to innovate and create products people love and can feel good about purchasing! Read more>>

Olivia Jackson | Makeup Artist

I think the most important factor of success of my business would have to be the connections I have made in the industry. Not only do I connect with people on a professional level, I also consider my clients as friends. With this mentality, I have expanded my client base and have developed strong friendships as well. Read more>>

Victoria Torres | Choreographer & Content Creator

The most important factor to my success has been authenticity. My style of choreography was always rejected in choreography school and I was never allowed to show my original ideas. The teachers did not approve of the sensual quality or difficulty of my choices and would force me to make changes they thought were best before any audience ever saw the work. Now that I am working independently I’ve shown people my style and they love it. Read more>>

Camille Guerin | Polaroid Photographer

I think really the most important thing is the models. My general shooting style is very candid; I usually just tell models to come as they feel most comfortable. Something about when people are comfortable and at ease that I think really translates well to Polaroid film, especially with natural light. I know if someone is very comfortable and I can get them in the perfect lighting, the Polaroid does everything else. Read more>>

Justin Magallanez | Owner and Head Performance Coach

The most important factor behind my success has been keeping the same core values and mission statement by keeping my faith and family first. As well in my mission statement on keeping things Simple, Easy, and Effective. Read more>>

Nabiha Basathia | Owner & Founder of The Gray Zebra

I started The Gray Zebra to show people just how delicious plant-based food can be. What was most important to me was being inclusive and not leaving anyone behind that wanted to try the food. The name “The Gray Zebra” is intentional – unlike zebras that are black and white, we embrace the gray areas in life. Wherever people are at in their journey, we just want them to enjoy a delicious, better for you meal – no judgment. Read more>>

KAREN & TONY BARONE | Artists

The most important factor behind our success is our lifelong collaboration … the merging of our talents and our hearts. We live, love and create together … as an artist couple we have become identified as a unique brand working in fine art, sculpture, public art installations, environmental sculpture, painting & performance art videos. Read more>>

Danielle Winters | Principal Aura Photographer & Partner in Aura Photo Pros

Coming from a hospitality background we know the importance of quality of product, great customer experience & excellent service play in having a successful business. We take these aspected very seriously & strive to provide our clients with the best experience possible for their Aura Photograph. Read more>>