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

Erik Huberman | Founder and CEO

My journey from building my first ‘business’ at the age of six to founding Hawke Media has been a deeply personal odyssey fueled by a relentless drive to innovate and redefine what’s possible in marketing. Each venture along the way has been a testament to my belief in challenging the status quo and setting new industry standards. With Hawke Media, our mission was clear: to disrupt and improve the marketing landscape—an ambition that fills me with immense pride as we’ve seen it come to fruition. Read more>>

Oliver Fredin | Actor

Trial and error. If there’s a question, an obstacle, a challenge, unknown territory, face it head on and whatever outcome, feed off of it.
But I didn’t understand that until later on during my career.
I was my biggest obstacle, my biggest teacher and my biggest student. I had to talk to myself a lot, I had to be hard on myself, also kind but if I deserved kindness. Read more>>

Meagan D’Allesandro | Brewery owner

We always think about our business from the perspective of our customers and our employees. Trying to make sure everyone’s expectations are not only met but exceeded from every detail of their experience. Read more>>

Ilana Rubin | Owner & Planner, Ilana Rubin Events

The most important factors contributing to my success are dedication, time, and what I like to refer to as thorough preparation. I devoted a significant portion of my career to the hospitality industry before starting my business. My journey began at the age of 15 as a hostess, gradually progressing within the hospitality sector, particularly in event management. Starting with creating themed nights to attract patrons to a hookah bar, I later transitioned to working with an event marketing agency that organized large-scale events like trade shows, concerts, and sports events. This experience led me to venture into venue management, overseeing weddings, corporate functions, and social gatherings. I attribute my business’s success to the years spent learning the industry intricacies before starting my own venture. Without the dedication and expertise acquired during this time, I believe I would not have achieved the level of success I enjoy today. I am sincerely thankful for the journey. Read more>>

Mike Yam | NFL Network Host and Author

I think I’m still evaluating what success means. I spent most of my life thinking success followed a linear upward trajectory. I’ve reshaped how I think about success. I don’t think it’s a vertical lineup; it’s actually a bubble. It’s about the positive impact we have in the sphere of people around us. Read more>>

Valentina Alonzo | Post-Production Coordinator

Success means something different to almost everyone and I can guarantee what success means for me won’t mean anything to the next person. It will relate to the few who were brought up in a household like mine. When I was in elementary school, my strong willed father would either drop me off or pick me up and have me finish these phrases: He would start with “You are a-” I would finish with “leader”. He would say “Not a-” , I would then repeat back “follower”.  Read more>>

Dave Garnish | Founder of Garnish Music Production School

The most important factor behind the success of Garnish Music Production School is the fact that our instructors are actively engaged in the music industry today, rather than relying on past experiences. This ensures that our students receive the most current, relevant, and practical education possible. Our small, dynamic team allows us to be incredibly agile; we can quickly make decisions and adapt to the rapid changes in the music industry. This flexibility is crucial in an era where technology and trends evolve at a breakneck pace. Read more>>

rocio cabrera

i think the most important factor behind my success as an artist and a brand is being open with my audience everyday, whether that be via instagram stories or posts, emotionally people know whats going on with me. No matter how repetitive, or embarassing, my feelings might be,people are able to relate and connect and most importantly truly understand where my art is coming from. I think the more your audience is allowed into your personal world, the more they see themselves in your work, and ultimately want to support you on this journey. Read more>>

Presa Hall

The key to my success has been my unwavering perseverance and determination. Believing in myself, even when faced with daunting challenges, has been essential. As a woman in a male-dominated field, I often had to overcome prejudice, ensuring that my work ethic and portfolio were strong enough to secure opportunities. I have consistently taken on projects that push my boundaries and foster my growth as an artist, including creating artwork for major hotels such as Marriott and Omni and painting murals over 100 ft. These projects have not only expanded my skills but also solidified my place in the art world. Read more>>

Chidi Ezemma

Believing in myself has been the cornerstone of my success. I am my most significant project, and my primary focus is on personal and professional growth, creating the life I’ve always dreamed of. While this might sound arrogant, I have never doubted the attainability of my dreams. Sure, they sometimes took longer than expected, but I always knew my goals were within reach. My guiding principle is simple: “If you want something, go get it.” I firmly believe that passion and hard work inevitably lead to success. My career as a model, producer, and manager has been fulfilling, and I still feel like I’m just getting started. I’ve turned my love for content creation into a rewarding 10 year career. Read more>>