How do you think about risk? What role has taking risks played in your life/career? Check out responses from hidden gems from our community below.

Stephanie Cmar | Private Chef & Culinary Producer

I am not nor have never been risk averse, fear yes, risk…no. Early in my career I made a choice. I could consume myself with the shallower things, popularity, money, power or I could say yes to every opportunity that came by, regardless of its connotations. I had a 5 second rule. if the possibility sounded promising, interesting or rewarding, I would blindly say yes. I said yes to a lot of things I probably shouldn’t have, but in the end, every little yes got me to where I am now. Read more>>

Janett Liriano | CEO of INARU Chocolate

This question is quite interesting. Objectively, if I look at my life- risk-taking is the constant and common denominator. But, from the inside of living it, it has always felt like following a calling, an instinct, or being determined to manifest an inevitability. Read more>>

Queralt Giralt Soler | Musician

Taking risks is essential for personal growth, and I believe it’s especially important for creative people. I’ve been afraid of certain risks throughout my life, so one of my main focuses has been learning to tolerate the uncertainty and fear that come with risk-taking. As musicians, our lives are filled with situations that can be perceived as risky. It’s crucial to learn how to handle them—whether it’s improvising, composing something unconventional, or even just sharing our music. Each of these can feel risky, and it’s important to find a way to grow from that feeling. Ultimately, it’s valuable information that our body is giving us. Read more>>

Ramone Stewart | Executive producer in film/DJ

Wrist aching has been the only reason why I’ve seen certain heights of success through my career. I feel that without taking risk you never receive reward so I can definitely say I’m 100% a wrist taker. Read more>>

Lesly Arrañaga | Nail Artist

Taking risks has been a crucial part of my journey, shaping both my life and career. I believe that without embracing risk, i wouldn’t be where i am today. Taking risks opens up opportunities and possibilities that wouldn’t exists otherwise. its essential to step out of my comfort zone, as you never know how things might turn out if you don’t take that leap. Read more>>

Mason Jar | Illustrator and Painter

I like to work in a public setting. I often paint outdoors with a portable easel in public parks, on the beach or simply on a busy street. It feels risky sometimes because you’re falling back on your baseline – you never know how you’re going to perform that day or how good the painting will turn out. Sometimes I get inside my head that people passing by may judge or scrutinize the work, especially if I’m having an off day and I can’t quite catch my footing. The risk is that the painting might not be my best. But that’s kinda what I love about it. You show up and put yourself on the spot to produce something authentic. Hopefully with enough experience, even an off day will result in something better than I used to be able to make on my best days. Read more>>

Malachi Maisha | Slam poet, Mentor, Freelancer and Artist

Risk-taking is something I will always live by. If you’re not taking a risk, where is the joy in your success going to come from? Playing it safe never gets you to the gold. One of the biggest risks I took was leaving the city I grew up in and my family I love to move across the country. It was a risk most told me I would fail at but I never gave up. Which in the outcome became the best decision I could have ever made for my career. You must believe in your capabilities beyond what others may or may not see for you. Believe in YOU! Read more>>

Chad Leaf | Musician/Instructor

I’ve spent the last 8 years of my life pursuing my band Modern Color. I feel that virtually every step we’ve taken has amounted to some sort of risk whether it be financial or just related to our overall well-beings as people. It is a long road for any person pursuing music or any type of art as their main course in life so I think that those who choose it will at some point have to trade in certain comforts in order to make it work. I think that as long as working on your art is bringing you joy, the trade offs can be easier to accept. Read more>>

Yesenia Arias | Founder of Jhooms

As an entrepreneur and generally a person looking for growth, risk taking is the most important aspect in ones life. I say this in a authentic way and will all my heart. I took my first leap when I decided to move away from home for University. There I grew more than I could have if I did not get out of my comfort zone. Read more>>

Daniela Tapia Ortega | Entrepreneur & MSW Student

Risk-taking is an integral part of growth, both personally and professionally. For me, this was especially true when I co-founded TLC Coffee Co with my mom last year in 2023. Taking that leap into entrepreneurship meant stepping outside of my comfort zone and embracing the uncertainties of starting a business. Read more>>

Ann Hu | Actress, Singer, Writer

As an artist, risks are a way of life. We have to take risks in order to create and grow as people. But my favorite thing about risks, are the feelings and doubts conjured up just beforehand. Risks give me a chance to discover those fears and confront them. They provide me an opportunity to own and transmute that energy positively, so I am empowered instead. Risks are very informative and help us learn who we are as individuals and artists. Read more>>

Davide Filippini | Content Creator

I moved to the US in 2014 without knowing anybody and without knowing any English, I was 23 years old, I quit my job as a banker, sold my vehicles and most of my belongings, I had to take that risk, it just felt right to do so. Moving to the US has always been a dream of mine. and I’ m glad I took that risk because in life, if you want to level up, if you want to expand (spiritually and financially) you must take risks. Have faith and take risks, the worst thing you can do to yourself is to live with regrets. Read more>>