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 eye 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.

Sinclaire Hobson | Photographer, Videographer, Club Promoter & Event Coordinator

Honestly, Risk taking is something that drives me. I believe that as long as the reward out weights the risks it’s always worth going for. I mean I’m a gambler, I got offered an opportunity to go do what I love and work with Foolie & the Migos in Miami and dropped out of school for it and to be honest there’s not a day I regret that decision. The thing about risks is I’ll always bet on myself and on my talent whether it’s in photography, videography, or club promoting and it shows in my work, don’t get it wrong I take losses all the time but the wins definitely out weigh the losses and the losses always teach me something new so it’s basically a costly win. Hand in hand I think taking risks has made my career. Read more>>

Deezy Hendo | Music Artist & Entrepreneur

I feel like risk are well needed but only if they makes sense. Risk have take me a long way, it helps me get out of my comfort zone. You have to be willing to do what others are afraid to do honestly. Read more>>

Corderius Awesomeisjayell” Climpson | The Biggest Music Artist in The Metaverse “

Sup, fam! When it comes to risk, I ain’t afraid to dive headfirst into the unknown, you feel me? Taking risks ain’t just a part of my journey, it’s the heartbeat of my life and career. Every move I make, every song I drop, it’s all about pushing boundaries and breaking barriers. Risk? That’s just another word for opportunity in my book. It’s about embracing the unexpected, flipping the script, and making magic happen. Without risk, there ain’t no reward, baby. So yeah, you could say risk-taking is my middle name, and it’s what keeps the rhythm of my life pumping. Read more>>

Andrea Yordanova | Actress

We all know that the biggest risk is not taking any risks and I live by that. Life is so exciting simply because of all the risks and choices we need to take and make which we don’t know where are going to lead us. But isn’t that the magic of it all? Whenever there are opportunities that I have to decide if I want to take or no, I make myself take them because you never know what it can bring to you. Then there’s going to be the question “What if nothing comes out of it?”, well, then at least you tried and you have to give yourself credit for that. Read more>>

Karma Bridges | Film Producer, Cinematographer, and Actress

I believe that taking risks is essential for realizing one’s most ambitious dreams. One of the most transformative moments in my life occurred when I decided to apply for a program called Semester Cinema. Semester Cinema is a semester-long study away program that chooses up to 35 film students from colleges and universities nationwide to work on a feature length film in Nantucket Island. Before applying, I knew nothing about Nantucket island. It was my sophomore year of college and my first semester living on Spelman’s campus because my entire freshman year was online (due to COVID). Despite reservations about being far from home, missing an entire college semester from a campus I was just beginning to know, and questioning my chances of acceptance, my passion for storytelling and the prospect of working on a feature film captivated me. The idea of dedicating an entire semester to doing what I love made my heart smile, so I took the risk and applied. In hindsight, I am immensely grateful for that decision, as it led to my acceptance into the program and an experience in Nantucket that surpassed my expectations. This opportunity not only enriched my understanding of filmmaking but also instilled in me the confidence to then return to Spelman and produce short films. This is one of the experiences that help to remind me of the significant role that risk taking plays in my life. If I had not ventured into applying for the Semester Cinema program, I would not be in the position I am today. Sometimes it feels good to remind myself that my dream only instills a sense of fear because dreams are meant to be ambitious. It is scary to go after something you want so bad, but I believe that as long as we continue to take healthy risks and fight through our fears, we are sure to succeed in accomplishing our wildest dreams. Read more>>

Nicole Marie | Multi-Certified Energy Healer & RN

In my opinion, risk is an inescapable aspect of life. Everything comes with a degree of risk and it’s necessary for growth. The challenge to me isn’t the risks. It is in trying to keep your mind and heart in their necessary space to look at all possible outcomes with logic and reason. A lot of times the risks we take are driven by temporary things like our emotions and external factors. Which can be problematic if you’re trying to create sustainable outcomes. Read more>>

Brian Christopher Lane | Video Director, Video Producer, Founder of Train 2 Catch Planes

We only get “one lap” around this track called life. We don’t even know how long (or short) that lap may be. LIVING life means gaining as much knowledge and exposure to the things you want to become, and the person you are called to BE. The BE part is where I believe the risk comes into play. Fear is the serial killer of dreams, goals, and purpose. Fear has tried to hold me many times when it came to stepping out and going for it. I haven’t won every battle against fear, but the many battles I have won, I did it in the face of fear.  Read more>>

Shy Company | Indie Rock Band (feat. Kat Bugatti, Kalez, Colby Collins, Wyatt Pyles, Caleb Melvin, & Brian Rowland)

If you ever wanna feel something real, new, life altering, or some other word for that chemical thing our brain does when we really like something ~ then you gotta take a risk! We miss out on so many opportunities to see what the world has to offer by being afraid and reluctant to take chances. A lot of our songs, like Can We Play. (https://linktr.ee/shycompany) were inspired by taking risks. It takes courage to sing and perform in front of people, but when it’s finally happening there is no better feeling than being able to connect with others through our music. Read more>>

Don Kim | Visualization Artist

In both my personal and professional life, I’ve always been someone who embraces challenges head-on. I firmly believe that stepping out of our comfort zones is where true growth and learning happen. It’s not always easy, but I’ve discovered that embracing discomfort is key to personal development. For example, when I decided to study abroad in the United States and later made the move from Georgia, where I’d lived for over 4 years, to California, it was all about seeking new opportunities, especially in terms of career prospects. These transitions were pivotal moments that have profoundly shaped who I am today, and I’m genuinely grateful for the experiences and lessons they’ve brought. Read more>>

YiJun Jiang | Graphic Designer

Risk-taking, for me, entails seizing opportunities, embracing adventure without fear, and not only harboring passion for dreams but also meticulously planning to mitigate the risk of failure. Read more>>

Brooklynne Hand | Creative Director

Taking risks has been the heartbeat of my journey with ArtofElisee. From its start, my brand has thrived on daring to challenge norms and embrace controversy. While it’s tempting to play it safe and follow the crowd, I’ve always felt compelled to make my own lane, to strive for excellence beyond the ordinary. Read more>>

Jakeel Johnson | Influencer & Fashion

I think risk is a decision that requires determination in order to know the risk you chose to take is going to bring you something bigger and better. Everything I have done in life I have take a risk whether it was getting a new job, quitting a job without nothing next coming or starting my own brand my own business which is a big risk to my success. Read more>>

LaTisha Perry | Director of Dance

Whenever I’m considering a risk, I need to know that there is a reward associated with it. It’s never wise to jump out risk your career, finances, or time on something that won’t be beneficial to you or the community that you serve. Read more>>