There are so many factors that can play a role in determining our results, performance and ultimately our success, but some factors matter more than others. We asked folks what they felt was the most important factor driving their success.

Niecey Josey | Celebrity/Commercial Stylist – Brand Strategist

The most important factor behind the success of my career and brand is establishing my ‘why’. Impacting peoples lives and lifelong dreams is such an important part of the process that I continuously access daily as I make mistakes, open emails, conduct trainings and so forth. Read more>>

Bianca Shelton | Owner & Formulator

The most crucial factor behind the success of Made From Love Skincare is undoubtedly the relationships we’ve built with our customers and our unwavering commitment to the community. Our brand ethos revolves around putting people first, whether it’s through the exceptional quality of our skincare products or our dedication to fostering genuine connections with those who support us. Read more>>

John Wetmore | Self-made Insurance Agency Owner, Mentor, and Sales Expert

The most important factor behind my success is my family. It may sound cheesy, but they have always been my motivation to succeed and to overcome every challenge that’s come my way, building my business. Read more>> 

Brittney Winston | Creator of Conscious Body Butters

The most important factor behind my brand is authenticity and pureness. I created Conscious Body Butters because I am a lover of natural skincare and remedies. I wanted my brand to stand out, so I said everything that I use in my products will be pure and natural….nothing that you can’t pronounce….no preservatives, just pure goodness! Read more>> 

Ryan Williams | Co-Publisher, Record Plug Magazine

We have 30+ years of experience as musicians and artists in the music scene. So, we understand the experiences and needs of most artists. We also have decades of experience in professional offset printing, web development, media production, and marketing. Read more>> 

Tashasa Colton | Artist & Model & Entrepreneur

My intention of starting a business was always in the back of my mind. I simply have always had a passion for art and I knew that’s exactly what my business was going to be centered around. Read more>> 

Jordi Rivera | Senior Manager – Onboarding

I believe that the most significant factor contributing to my success is my resilience. Over the past five years, I’ve encountered numerous challenges and setbacks, yet I’ve consistently chosen to prioritize my career and goals. Read more>> 

Christi Bandy-Willard | Small Business Owner and Advocate

My commitment to never do business with big box stores and e commerce outlets. Read more>>

Victor Smith | Event Planner

Being somewhat extroverted is an invaluable asset in today’s interconnected world. By actively engaging in social interactions and fostering meaningful connections, you create a web of relationships that transcends the limitations of paid advertising. Read more>> 

Lianne Horne | Online Personal Trainer

Relationship. I invest in people and focus on creating trusting, meaningful and effective relationships with my clients. My clients trust is super important because i am helping them build better bodies, emotionally, spiritually and physically. Read more>>

Lito Williams | Youtube Content Creator: A Regular Gun Guy

Honestly, I feel that it’s my authenticity. I always stay level with the people and never act as if I’m above anyone. If I had to sum it up into one word, Relatable. Read more>>

Belen Getachew | Serial entrepreneur

For me, it would be my support system. I have been blessed to have an amazing family and people in my life, at the right time, who have contributed to uplifting me, especially during hardships. Read more>>

Shaunna “Mamacita” Thomas | Scientist, Influencer, Corporate Event Coordinator, Mentor

One of the most important factors behind the success of my brand has been visibility. Being visible in the community while wearing my brand is a reminder that we exist and it sparks conversations with strangers that allow me to introduce the mission of #BASIC. Read more>>

Emerald Able | Wedding & Event Planner

The most important factor behind my success the last 9 months of launching my business has truly been trusting God and trusting the entire process. It hasn’t been an easy journey running a business, and being a full time mom but I’m surrounded around an amazing village that has truly helped me overcome so much within this little time of opening my business. Read more>> 

Raphael Bahindwa | Painter

I believe the important factor about my success, Is the fact that I’m always trying my best to stay consistent and focused on what I’m working on, or anything that I’m doing in life. Read more>> 

Marcus Shepard | Web Designer & Artist

The most important factor behind my success has been a passion for versatility within my creativity. My strong foundation as a traditional fine artist led to my ability to create innovative web designs and animations that stand out in a crowded digital space. Read more>>

Ray- Symmone | Investigative Media Journalist, Poet, Author, & Spiritual Healer

Consistency is key to my brand’s success. I dedicate countless late nights to refining my projects, whether it’s editing, journaling, or bringing new ideas to life. Every endeavor is driven by a compelling narrative that I’m eager to share with the world. My unwavering faith in my purpose and destiny fuels my determination to see it through. Read more>>

Cadden McArthur | Voice Actor & Atlanta Voiceover Studio Admin

One important factor that I’ve learned to incorporate into my own business & one major part of working at Atlanta Voiceover Studio is building & maintaining connections with clients & partners. Read more>> 

Jeremy Hall | HBCU Student & Entrepreneur

The most significant factor behind my success is faith. I do believe in destiny, but no luck, only a profound trust in effort and opportunity, where my actions align with a larger cosmic rhythm. Faith fuels the audacity to dream beyond conventional boundaries, to challenge norms, and to persevere when the odds seem insurmountable. Read more>> 

Tia Anderson, Esq. | Managing Partner

Hard work and my faith in God. I believe that the amount of work I put into my career has contributed to my success, but that without God nothing would have been possible. Read more>> 

Tory Keit | Co-chair, Board Member of the Keit Foundation

The most pivotal factor contributing to the success of our organization stems from an unwavering dedication to meticulous attention to detail. In my journey of serving the youth in underserved communities, I’ve come to understand that every detail, no matter how seemingly small, holds the potential to make a significant impact. Read more>>

Busola Akinpade | Pharmacist & Gift Concierge Owner

The most important factor behind the success of our gifting concierge business is our unwavering dedication to personalized service and attention to detail. We prioritize understanding our clients’ unique needs, preferences, and occasions to curate bespoke gifting experiences that exceed expectations. Read more>>

Aondrea Thompson | Atlanta Baker

The greatest success behind my business and everything that I stand for will always be GOD. My brand is solely based off the encounters and relationships I have with my clients, past, present and future! I’m the most creative when I can get to know my clients and interact with them. Read more>> 

Julie McDaniel | Custom Cake Designer

The most important factor behind the success of my brand is undoubtedly the dedication to creativity and personalization. In the world of cake decorating, the ability to transform a client’s vision into a delectable masterpiece is paramount. Read more>>

Brad Banyas | Entrepreneur

Authenticity! SaltyMF Enterprises is about being real and true to yourself and others. We wanted to honor the spirit of freedom and individualism of those who desire to live life on their own terms. Read more>>

Vanessa Humphrey | CEO & Owner

The key to our brand’s success is our strong focus on including and uniting women from all walks of life. We’re not just about fitness – we’re a community that represents women of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds. Our name, Recharge Active Wear, captures our message: reminding women caught up in life’s challenges that embracing a healthy lifestyle is a journey they can conquer by getting up and persisting. Read more>>

Nik Arielle from Repump NYC | Event Producer & Director

Determination is definitely the most important factor behind the success of my brand. I started this event at 20 years old and I knew the goal was to create a staple event in New York City but I would’ve never imagined for Repump NYC to have grown to where it is now. Read more>> 

James Bush | Solution Strategist, Educator, & Author

The pivotal factor behind my success, or the success of my brand, lies in the investment I made in myself. Years ago, I found myself in a toxic work environment driven solely by unattainable metrics and constantly shifting goals. Read more>>

LaMar Baylor | Artist/Entrepreneur/Adjunct Professor/Programs Director

The most important factor behind my success/brand success is my unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional quality and exceeding expectations. This dedication has fostered trust, loyalty, and a positive reputation within the industry, driving sustained growth and recognition for my talents, intelligence and artistry. Read more>>

James ‘PJ’ Spraggins | Professional Musician, Drummer, School Bus Driver

The most important factor to my success is the fact that I try to remain true to myself. I don’t make decisions to please other people. Read more>>