We asked some of the city’s hidden gems to tell us about what they feel is the most important factor behind their success.

ManonPaints | Visual Artist

I believe any success I’ve had comes down to sticking with my discipline and putting in the hours. If you put enough time into anything you are bound to succeed. Read more>>

Andy Stark | Photographer and Content Creator

I constantly keep learning. In our world being talented in any field is not enough. I truly believe that success equals to commitment and focus. You can achieve anything if you know your goal and moving towards it. The more I learn – the more interested people and project are coming my way. Read more>>

WiLL Chen | Composer

My determination and willingness to learn and adapt to new challenges are essential to my success. I started playing the piano at a young age. I continued to develop my skills by majoring in Chinese flute and participating in international music festivals. However, I did not stop there, as I continued to explore different genres of music by forming a rock band with my friends and eventually discovering my interest in film scoring. Read more>>

Scrappy Ramirez | PROFESSIONAL BOXER

The most important factors behind my success would be “Purpose, Self belief followed with Risk taking”. My purpose wakes me up every morning, my self belief helps me destroy my competition, & the ability to take risks gets me in rooms few can imagine. Read more>>

Maria Ross | Speaker, Author, Facilitator, Podcaster, and Empathy Advocate

After thoughtful reflection and examining my strengths several years ago, I realized that what has made me so successful in my career and in my own business has been empathy, optimism, and honest communication. My career spanned management consulting, corporate marketing, advertising, tech marketing, and then I started my own consultancy. Read more>> 

Ricky Tucker- The Social Prince | Singer, Socialite, Jetsetter

Confidence! Period. But if I must say more, confidence is everything. No one follows or listens to anyone that does not project confidence. Head up, shoulders back and step into a room like you own it if you don’t already. My presence speaks volumes entering a room and people know that I’m there without my having uttered a word. They then want to know whom I or you are and you can sell anything. Be it my voice, my business or a simple let’s get to know one other for friendship or relationship but it truly all starts with being self confident. Read more>>