Shoot your shot? Take a chance? Society bombards us with messages, phrases, examples and stories of how taking risk is the key to success, but is anything ever that simple? We asked some of the brightest folks we know to tell us about how they think about risk. We’ve shared their responses below.

Aubri Ebony Williams

I think risk play a huge role in my career. I’ve always betted on myself and put energy into believing in what I feel is capable of doing. Instead of a traditional career after graduating with my Master’s in Marriage, Couple & Family counseling, I’ve always wanted to create a path where I provided mental health counseling to creatives. Starting with the modeling industry as The Model Counselor and now entering a new space where I create space for conversations on mental health on all media channels, focusing on entertainment. Read More>>

Kristina “nina” Schau

I see risk as a necessary part of growth. It’s never about being reckless but about trusting yourself enough to step into the unknown. For 10 years, I worked as a chemical engineer and even earned my M.S. in the field. It was a stable and respectable career, but deep down, I felt called to something different. Read More>>

Lindsay Barrett

When we think about risk, we see it as a crucial part of growth both personally and for our business. Risk isn’t just about taking a blind step into the unknown. It’s about trusting in our vision, even when the path ahead is uncertain. If we hadn’t taken risks, we wouldn’t be where we are now, running our vintage shop and connecting people with unique, mid-century modern pieces that bring character and joy to their homes. Read More>>

Hadiyah Weaver

Hi! I approach risks head-on because of my faith in God and understanding that those risks are just a part of a bigger plan. And not to be cheesy, but it’s all a part of the process. I always ask myself if the risk aligns with where I want to be – my ultimate goals — which helps me not worry as much about the outcome. I try not to leap without thinking of course, but I know that growth won’t happen in comfort zones. Read More>>

Ari & Eighteen

Risk is an essential part of entrepreneurship. In life, everything carries some level of risk, whether big or small—and this is especially true when you’re young and open to new possibilities. For us, starting EyeVision Photography in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic was a leap into the unknown. Read More>>

Ken Nahoum

I think it played a huge part The first
Is that just by trying my hand at photography as a career was a big wrist Where I grew up, Bensonhurst, Brooklyn you took a safe civil job for 30k per year and that was it or you become a gangster or become Mafia. Read More>>

Woodley White

I view risk in my business as a necessity for growth. Instead of thinking about risks negatively, I focus on how my future self—whom I am continually working to become—would handle the decision to take the risk. This perspective has been particularly helpful for me, especially as a top-tier introvert. I don’t like going out or being in crowded places where I have to talk to people. Read More>>

Amira Kouidri

Risk has always been something I’ve viewed as necessary for growth, both personally and professionally. One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was moving to Atlanta in 2023 at just 19 years old, still in college, and on my own. I left my hometown in Upstate New York, which was comfortable and familiar, to pursue acting in a city with more opportunities but a lot of uncertainty. Read More>>