What’s the right balance between work and non-work time? The traditional 9-5 has slowly disappeared with the emails and zoom and texting going far beyond traditional business hours. We asked members of our community to share with us how they think about work-life balance.

LYRQ | Artist, Vocal Producer & Platinum award Songwriter

Considering this question, it is hard to pinpoint just one important factor that constitutes my success since there are so many moving parts that go into what makes up LYRQ the brand. From my hardworking team, manager, advocates and supporters, to my skill of storytelling and songwriting that I have been cultivating for hours at a time every day, for more than a decade. All these crucial segments play a major roll in the success I have had and know I will continue to have in the future. That being said, there is a constant thread that ties together and propels all these elements forward and that is my unwavering determination.  Read more>>

Nika Cristiani | Creator of GYM IN A BOX ®️ ToneUp15 ®️ Smart Fitness & Beauty

My brand GYM IN A BOX ®️ has been making waves in the industry, with awards and recognition for its innovation. With our fitness technology infused Smart Apparel and Beauty Devices, we have helped thousands of people in the USA , but also Worldwide, to get stronger, fitter, and happier with just the push of a button. Our products were sold out on our first QVC HomeShopping TV Show in just 5 Minutes, that was incredible! We give people their self-confidence back and help them incorporate fitness and beauty easily into their daily life without any restrictions and that’s what makes all the difference. Easy access, affordable, ridk-free and non-invasive. Read more>>

Jemma Wiltshire | Owner & Lead Designer

My success is built on the careful curation of my personal brand, a distinct identity that separates me from traditional corporate agencies. Building this one-of-a-kind brand has proven to be a game changer, as evidenced by the numerous clients who praise both my creative output and the personalised touch I bring to every project. Having worked as an account manager and designer in traditional agencies, I’ve seen firsthand the neglect that clients can face in such environments. This observation fueled my determination to provide unrivalled attention and care to my clients, thereby filling a critical industry gap. Read more>>

Jessie Nelson | Drummer: Theater / Jazz, Educator, UX / Web Designer

Sheer tenacity, ironwill, the inability to listen to the words ‘no’ or ‘you can’t’ and the love of the damn craft. Going to talk about that first: I love music. I love playing drums. I love transcribing. I love working out really complicated drum parts whether that’s a groove I transcribed or from gig material (theater / jazz / etc) and getting it to cook. I love shedding even when gigs are slow. I do not mind getting up early to practice regularly or when need be. I love the work/ the doing so much. The second half of my answer re iron will / tenacity / fuck the word ‘no’: When I have factually proven that I can do what I’m attempting to do and I’m denied for no real reason other than gatekeeping, it only makes me go harder. My other superpower is being incredibly crafty with how I move and do business. Read more>>

Ana Ortiz Wienken | Production Coordinator and Music Composer

The most important factor behind success is transparency and honesty. Whether it is in regard to your former project or even admitting a mistake, honesty is crucial for a successful career. In regards to my personal experience, all works, collaborations, concerts, awards, lectures that I have been part of, are all documented in video, photo and even on written and signed forms. These elements will be your building blocks for your career. Also, humanism in building true strong relationships with your clients, is a key to success. We don’t like a superficial “hello”, or “how was the weekend Tom?” but a real heartfelt conversation with anyone implied in the production process, we really do care a lot for the well-being of the team. Read more>>

Garbralle Conroe | Consultant Educator Speaker

Work ethic has always been important to me. Growing up my parents would stress the importance of working hard for what you want in life, and not being afraid of failure. I have always followed that model and it’s because of that module, that I am blessed to have a level of success. My brand is built on passion, hard work, and faith, that is what keeps me focused, and driven. Read more>>

Jinseok Choi | interdisciplinary

Success, for me, takes on different definitions depending on where I currently find myself. Broadly speaking, as an artist, the main focus is on sustaining my art practice—an endeavor that intricately weaves together materials, people, and memories from diverse worlds, fostering critical discourse on the complexities of life. Yet, on a more personal note, considering where I am at right now, my thoughts gravitate towards how I can continue to enjoy art-making process over the long term. I deeply admire artists who persist in their practice regardless of challenges. That demands considerable self-discovery and an understanding of personal passions. I have been trying to figure that out for myself recently. Read more>>

Edie Young | Activist, Artist & Community Organizer

The more important factor behind my success I would say is the people I have worked with. I worked with some amazing people to achieve goals in my school club the Disability Student Alliance (DSA), in my organization We Are Artistic, and in other organizations like Queer Youth Assemble. It is important because they may have different viewpoints or different ideas on how to achieve the goal. They may even bring something new to help you achieve even more of a success. doing things on your own in a school club or organization can be hard to do on your own. Another great factor is understanding not everything might go as planned and that is okay. Read more>>

Dr. Tamara Mitchell-Davis | Visionary Author & Business Coach

Success, I’ve found, is not a singular event but a journey marked by continuous growth, learning, and an unyielding passion for what I do. As the CEO of TM Davis Enterprise LLC and an award winning and multi-bestselling author, if I were to pinpoint the most pivotal factor behind my success, it would be a steadfast commitment to empowering others through storytelling and shared experiences. Stories are more than just narratives; they are the essence of human connection, understanding, and inspiration. From my last anthology penned with my husband and other couples: Love, Business & Marriage to my individual project “Goal Getter” and every client I coach, the core principle remains the same: transforming personal journeys into powerful narratives that resonate, inspire, drive change, and help others. Read more>>

Chris Crofut | Actor

The most important factor behind my success has been from a multitude of things that include hard work, dedication, a good support system, discipline, staying focused, being consistent and not relying just on motivation. The reason is because motivation comes and goes, but as long as you stay consistent you will not fall off track and will stay on course when your motivation picks back up. These two paired together can be a dangerous combination. In this business you are your number supporter and critic. Nobody knows you better than you. Try not to be too hard on yourself and realize it’s a process. Coming to terms that success doesn’t happen over night, enjoy the moment(s). Read more>>

Bar None’s Canyon Old Vine Zinfandel | Old Vine Zinfandel

The most important factor behind our success is the appeal of our Old Vine Zinfandel. In order to sell our wine, it needs to be truly delicious — smooth, bold, flavorful. Of course it doesn’t hurt to receive a Gold Medal from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. This spotlight brought our Zinfandel onto the national stage. For this we are forever grateful… Cheers! Read more>>

Danny Peña | Founder and Host, Podcaster Hall of Fame inductee

I have always been a leader instead of following trends. Over two decades ago, I started my internet radio show about video games. It helped me to not only meet people within the video game industry but I also got better at creating content when no one was doing that type of thing at the time. Years later, I launched my video podcast Gamertag Radio. nearly two decades later I am still releasing weekly episodes since Feb 25, 2005. During that time, there weren’t any smartphones or apps to download podcasts. I had to find gamers in my local area to get the word about my show. Read more>>

Luca Fontaine | Actor, Producer, Writer, Dialect Coach

To keep trying. Again and again and again. If the door closes, you get in from the window. I am also someone really open minded and curious. I am curious about people, watching them, listening to them, asking them questions, seeing them and letting yourself be seen. I mean like one of my Juilliard teachers beautifully said, where in the “letting people see us business”. So I graduated from Juilliard in New York city in 2022. I was the first french and italian in history to graduate from this highly competitive program. When I auditioned in 2018, more than 3000 people applied and only 18 of us got in. If you look at numbers you might this that’s it’s not even worth applying. Read more>>

Aubrey Kim | generalist artist

As an artist, the key to success is undoubtedly self-confidence. It is crucial to create artwork based on your own beliefs rather than imitating others to be someone else. It is essential to clearly know what you want to express through your art and consistently pursue it over a long period. If you do so, your work will naturally connect with a wide audience. Read more>>