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

Katie Dy

If I were to pinpoint the most crucial element behind Wild Blooms’ success, it would be the heartfelt authenticity we pour into every creation. It’s about more than just arranging flowers; it’s about connecting with people, understanding their stories, and crafting pieces that truly reflect their emotions and vision. This genuine connection, I believe, resonates deeply and fosters lasting relationships with our clients. Read More>>

Kyee

The most important factor behind my success is having God as my partner. My journey is built on faith, consistency, and staying true to who I am. I show up even when its hard to , i work to stay focused, and put in the work—but it’s God who guides my steps and brings the right opportunities into alignment. Ive been working on not moving out of fear or pressure— but moving with purpose, trusting that what’s meant for me will never miss me. I believe every win is a reflection of both discipline and divine direction. Read More>>

Dima Drapikovsky

For me, the most important factor behind any success has always been a mix of relentless focus and adaptive thinking. I believe there’s no such thing as an impossible task – only challenges that haven’t met the right mindset yet. That principle drives how I lead and how I teach my team to think: flexible, strategic, and solution-first, especially in creativity. Read More>>

Ignacio Gonzalez Kirby

Definitely the inner work. Nothing makes sense without it. I spent over a decade relying solely on my mind, and my projects would always fall apart, or I’d encounter issues that derailed my plans. Once I began to focus on my inner journey, treating my life as my most important work, everything changed radically. Synchronicities are no longer explosive and harmful; they are now the complete opposite.

The inner work released my true creative energy, cleared my blocks, resolved my deficiencies, and improved my income. Essentially, it opened up a life I could never have achieved through my mind alone. This journey has truly been a game changer for both me and my business. Read More>>

Jasper HSieh

The most important factor behind the success of Bilo Events has been, without a doubt, our team culture. We’re not just a group of talented individuals. We are a family.

Every member of our team genuinely cares for one another and is invested in each other’s growth and success, both personally and professionally. That energy carries over into every event we’re part of. Read More>>

Sydney

We love to form authentic and genuine connections with our clients that so many of them feel like friends and family to us now. It is such an honor to be invited back event after event by the same people and have the invitation to stay and celebrate along side them, be extended to us. Read More>>

Vivian Lee

Perseverance and sincerity. When I first started my business, I was working full-time during the week, shooting on weekends, and editing late at night. It wasn’t easy, but I never gave up. What truly made a difference was treating every client with genuine care. I see each child I photograph as if they were my own, and that love shines through my work. Read More>>

Gwendolyn Godfrey

Success feels relative to me because I’m always reaching for the next thing. I saw a quote recently that said, “I’m aiming so high I keep forgetting I’m already living my dream,” and it hit me hard. A lot of the things I’m doing now were once just ideas I hoped would work out. What’s kept me going, and what I think makes my work feel like a success, is that I keep dreaming. I don’t stay stuck in one version of the future. I make new goals, follow what excites me, and stay open to where things might lead. Read More>>

Ernest Skinner

There are two things that have been important factors behind my success:

The first thing is one of the Four Agreements…be impeccable with your word! The entertainment business, and business in general, is built on what people say about you when you are not in the room. I have found that in my profession, and in my life, that people have to be able to know that you are going to do what you say you are going to do. I have found that my biggest failures have come when I said I was going to do something and did not live up to what I said I was going to do. Read More>>

Fallon MK

The most crucial factor behind my success and the success of my brand is an unwavering commitment to authenticity and vulnerability. From the very beginning, I chose to lay bare my soul—sharing not just my triumphs but also my deepest struggles and heartaches. This radical honesty creates a powerful resonance with others, allowing me to forge genuine connections with my audience that go beyond surface-level engagement. Read More>>