By far, the topic that comes up most in our conversations with entrepreneurs and creatives is risk. We’ve had conversations about risks that worked out and risks that did not. We’ve seen eyes light up sharing about career-trajectory changing risks as well as folks sigh about the risks they wish they had taken. Below, we’ve selected and shared some of those thoughtful conversations.

Carol Badaracco Padgett | Writer, editor and copywriter

From my experiences, both belief in myself and faith have given me the gift to notice and listen to the little stirrings and imaginings I have, and to pursue them. I think the things that captivate my heart and mind are actually possible–and so I will stretch out toward them and make the effort to help them come to life. I suppose that’s risk-taking. And it has worked well for me as a writer and editor. Read more>>

Denia Durden | Master Cosmetologist & Certified Trichologist

I personally feel like being an entrepreneur is all about risks. For me, the biggest risk was being a Master Cosmetologist. I was always told that wasn’t a real job or I needed a career with benefits and a 401K. It’s hard going against what your parents believe and what you saw. I have been taking risks my whole adult life because I knew I wanted to see the dreams I had as a kid come true. Read more>>

Shivani Sodawala | Tutor and Engineer

I think about risks as opportunities that I can miss. Whenever I am afraid to make that leap, I try to think about what would happen if I decided not to take the risk? Will I regret it? Will I end up at the same place as yesterday and not move forward? If the answer to either of those questions is a yes, then it is a risk worth taking. Taking risks has defined my life/career path and has led me to incredible destinations, for good and for bad. If it does not work out, it was only a learning opportunity. Read more>>

Spiritual Gawddess | Spiritual Enlightenment Coach & Tarot Diviner

Risk taking signifies the faith you have in your dream. There will be times that the risk you take won’t be worth the reward. But the lesson that’s learned is more valuable than the risk. Read more>>

Aramidé Electra Beck | Entrepreneur & Fashion Designer

I feel like if you have nothing to loose then you should take that risk. In my career I’ve been in spaces , to we’re I felt like I wasn’t ready or didn’t belong. Instead of believing that little doubt in my head. I took a risk by showing up and putting myself out there. I have gain so many connections & been rewarded by doing so. I say take that risk. Read more>>

Modupe B. | Chandler & Entrepreneur

Without risk there’s no real reward. Risk is necessary when your on the road to success. I took a risk with my savings and put it into starting my business. I believed in what I was doing. For me, even if things didn’t go as plan and I had to start over it would be from experience which is a gain. I’m constantly taking risk so that I can grow my brand. You never know which risk you take will be the one that will make your brand. Read more>>

Maurice Johnson | Professional Actor, Game Designer and USMC Veteran

I believe in order to truly achieve being the best version of yourself you will have take risks and put yourself out into the general public. Unfortunately in most entertainment professions you are not afforded the luxury of receiving feedback to improve. There are however, plenty of criticisms. Everyone has an opinion. That is why I feel it is important by putting your God given talents out to the world, you can not just engage with your peers but see how you fare against your competitors on a global stage. Read more>>

Nene Crews | Natural Cosmetics & Skincare Business Owner

Risk taking is such a necessary part of growth. Remaining in comfortable positions can stagnant your true potential. I have lived by the motto “feel the fear and do it anyway” while running my business. I have seen the most growth personally and business wise when I have pushed myself to uncomfortable levels. You must stay the course and go the distance even when it feels unfamiliar or risky. That is where you will truly succeed. Read more>>

John Michael | Owner of Secluded Archive

In all honesty, I love “risk” and every aspect that comes with it. I would rather fail one hundred times at trying something than sit back and have that thought of regret for not trying. Taking risks played a significant role in where I am today. If I had never released my first music video or piece of clothing I probably wouldn’t be who I am now. I sat on 10 different hoodie designs before releasing my first piece. Had I not just said okay it’s now or never there wouldn’t be a Secluded Archive or WavyLifeOfJohn, I would simply be a regular guy. Life to me is about taking risks, failing, and then coming back ten times better. I love the drive and creativity aspect of taking a risk. Read more>>

Joy Winfrey | Master Cosmetologist & Natural Hair Specialist

Risk is a necessary component for every entrepreneur. If you are building something from the ground up it could not be possible without risk. A risk that I have taken in my career is leaving college after 1 year to dedicate myself to my business. After doing so, I applied to many cosmetology schools and was accepted into my number one choice of Paul Mitchell the School Atlanta. Risk can be scary at times but it’s either for the best or the worst .. you won’t know until you try. Read more>>

Ethan “Lit Zando” Paul | Actor, Musician, Director, Screenwriter, Songwriter, Producer, and all around creative

I think of risks as the keys to unlocking a better version of yourself. Think about it like this, if you take a risk, and it goes horribly wrong and you come back from it, that shows you how resilient you are, and you learn what not to do. And when it goes right, that’s a win, but also now you know what works. Either way, you can benefit from a risk. I have taken risks when it comes to my music by not doing the mainstream sound, and so far I’ve gotten positive reviews. Also, I feel like taking a risk gives me the freedom to not be perfect and take the all of that pressure off of me. As long as what I’m doing satisfies my soul, it’s not even a risk to me, it’s art. Read more>>