Hardwork? Luck? Good habits? What would you say is behind your success? We’ve shared some thoughtful responses below.

Ashlee Taylor, Esq | Attorney & Serial Entrepreneur

I believe that my definition of success changes depending on the goal I’ve set; however, I live by a concept I call “the 4 G’s” to accomplish my goals, regardless of what the goal is. My 4 G’s are: God. Grind. Grit. Gratitude God: I’m a very spiritually grounded woman so at the foundation of my success, prayer is and meditation are the most vital contributors. I rarely pray for “things” and typically ask God for wisdom and strength, for the wisdom that is provided will tell me HOW to obtain the “thing” peacefully and permanently, and the strength will help me to see the goal through. Read more>>

Kennedy Johnson | Founder & CEO

The most important factor behind the success of my brand is authenticity. Being honest and vulnerable with what I know and what I don’t helps me to curate a genuine message for the families that follow the brand. I move with intention when it comes to every aspect of my organization, and I think that figuring out what is at the center of that intention — the what, the why, and the what for — is key, and it helps to connect with our youth and their families in a real way. Read more>>

Erin Spain | Photographer, DIY Blogger & YouTube

I think the most important factor behind my success is choosing something I’m truly passionate about. I think if you pursue a business goal just for money alone, but it isn’t something you are passionate about, it’s easy to get burnt out quickly and give up before you see success. In my opinion, the key to success is to find something that you love doing and that you would be doing anyway even if you weren’t making money doing it, and pursue that. And also, have patience. Most successes don’t happen overnight. Read more>>

Aaron Jordan Jr. | Relationship Coach, Author, & TV Personality

The most important factor behind the success of me and the success of my brand, well that comes in two parts for me; One, understanding the purpose that God has place before me and showing me the vision of that purpose being fulfilled. See oftentimes on this journey of life we become so wrapped up in the thoughts people and their views of us that we tend forget about the authenticity of our purpose and calling which is our dreams. Secondly, the blessing in recognizing the gift of my Wife. Having someone in your corner that is constantly pushing you and nurturing you to continue on your journey to manifest your dreams is a very powerful thing. When I wanted to quit, she would not let me. She nurtured me through the doubts and through the uncertain moments on this journey. It is only the beginning. Read more>>

Danielle Simmons | Event/Portrait Photographer & Artist

The most important factor behind my success would be the genuine relationships I have made with people on the course of my journey in life. Also I have to say is God is directing my steps to be able to continue to know when it’s time to be complete with that particular season of my career and elevate to the next level. The most important factor behind the success of my brand would be me loving what I do and it not being just a job or having to do something just because of bills, etc. Read more>>

Pastel P | Artist

I would say the most important factor behind my success is originality, the desire to leave my mark in my particular field with my own style. I told myself when I first started doing customs almost 5 years ago if I couldn’t do it my way with my own style I shouldn’t do it at all. I love classic items and timeless experiences because even when it’s over or you no longer have that item they can still provide a continuous source of inspiration and joy. I think we’ve all had something like a toy, shoes, clothes, or a experience that stayed with us and was a key factor that helped shape who you are today. That is the same feeling i tap into when I create , the same feeling I want people to feel when they put my artwork on for the first time Read more>>

Bobby Harris | Entreprenuer & Hookah Curator

The most important factor to my success has to be my support system. I have a small group made up of my girlfriend, family and friends that have really showed me support from the very beginning. Whether they’re re-posting content, helping with behind the scenes madness, or figuring out how they can incorporate my business into their daily activities for exposure, my support system has been nothing but great. I have always asked for us to keep a truthful line of communication. Read more>>

Dr. Raven Evans | Licensed Clinical Psychologist

My overall vision is to reach marginalized communities and make sure they feel heard, seen, and valued. Breaking the stigma and shame around talking about mental health is key for my brand. This is how we normalize seeking help when someone is struggling with their mental health. Specifically, communities of color are typically valued for their resilience and their strength. Generations of these teachings have hindered so many individuals from connecting with softness, vulnerability, and emotions that are the opposite of being strong willed and unbreakable. Every one has a breaking point. Read more>>

Kinga World | Hip-Hop Artists/Songwriter

The most important factor behind the success of my incipient music career as Kinga World is simply my drive and motivation to put myself out there in the public eye and promote myself in any way possible. While being such a relatively small artist at the moment, I often remind myself that if I don’t promote my own music and brand, who else will? My success stems from the constant visions I have for myself as an artist and the future goals I want to attain, even in 2022. My success as an artist also comes from the fact that I honestly like meeting and talking to new people. If you asked anyone who personally knew me, they would tell you that I’m a funny guy who likes to put a smile on other people’s faces. I try to make light out of every situation which has helped me be more personable with others. Read more>>

Daniele Powe | Customized Clothing/ Entrepreneur

The most important factor behind my success is not giving up on myself no matter what I went through. I kept my chin up and tried again! I repeat to myself Keep going, it’s okay if people don’t listen it’s a part of life. You have to be your own self advocate in everything that you do. And that stems on the success of my brand Raw Not Flaw. In life we go through so many obstacles at the end of the day. I owned up to all my flawed moments and experience’s and in that I make the choice to keep it real, raw and uncut with myself. It’s a lifestyle I hold myself up to! Read more>>

James Robinson | Basketball Coach and Skills Trainer

Humility. Being humble and genuine open never ending doors for you and anything with your name on it. Read more>>

April Hardaway and Shantorsia Walker | Owners

Optimism and Consistency would be the most important factors behind our success. In order to start and run a business you must have the confidence that the business will prosper and be successful. Invest in yourself. Remain positive even though things get stressful and frustrating. We know that God has our back and as long as we do the work he will see us through.Consistency is another factor that’s important to us. We created a routine of how we run the business and we stick with it. Consistent with excellent customer service, marketing,and improving our brand. Read more>>

Deajonae McCord | Entrepreneur

The most important factor behind my success would be my 1st born. I’ve got pregnant with him at 17 , fresh senior in highschool barley had any money. Once I gave birth I got a job at zaxbys I’ve started to realize I had to call off alot for not having a babysitter. Which made me realize I have to do something else where I can make money at home with my son. Read more>>

Rosemary Oglesby-Henry | Super Leader: Leader of Leaders

Rosemary’s Babies Co. is known as a Best In Class organization. The most important factor behind our business is “Rosemary’s babies,” the families we serve. Our mission is to help these teen parents master the concepts of self-leadership to leave a legacy. The success of our brand and our babies are our intentional efforts to live, work, and lead by example. Our beliefs and values are core to the success of our brand: Integrity. Respect. Transparency. Leadership and Equity. Read more>>

301 ACE | Artist/Producer

The most important factor really is to stay on your purpose and grind. Sounds cliche but if you keep putting in work, the results will literally show Read more>>

Robert Watkins | 25 Year Financier, Business Strategist and Conference Speaker

When we decided to focus on “the frustrated entrepreneur to their small business into big business, our consulting company became in great demand. We discovered few consulting firms wanted to deal with start-ups because normally they has little to no money, limited marketplace experience, and weak branding. However, we believe in the spirit of entrepreneurship as the master key to all generational wealth. Start-up just needed a hand-up, not a handout. So our brand focuses on providing financial and human capital to those that need it the most. Read more>>