We asked some of the city’s rising stars to reflect on what made a difference in their journey. We asked them to tell us about what they think the most important factor has been behind their success.

Rachel Powers

When it comes to the success of Mrs. Brand Advisor, the key factor that stands out is consistency. As a long-time entrepreneur and a biology professor of 13 years, I’ve built my brand on a foundation of precision, reliability, and service that feels personal. Read More>>

Jeremy Marc Anthony

The question of why a potential client/customer should choose you over another vendor will always plague your mind, how you answer it will set you apart.

We now live in a society where everybody does a little of everything so it is important when creating your brand to find those things that will allow you to break away from the norm and be above the rest. That important factor for me is execution, delivery and response. How the task is executed, the attention to detail, always going above and beyond. Read More>>

Nikita Vega

The important factor to me it’s the imagination, find my own style which I had been unconsciously developing since I was a little and not give up.

Social media can affect me psychologically, they “playing with me” playing with the artist, one day you have good views and the other day no and you can feel bad. I’d been posting art for years and years without any increases in views or sales. I decided to create a new profile, a new beginning without leaving the previous profile or career behind, because I didn’t want to erase that; this will be always be a part of me. Read More>>

Kevin John

The most important factor behind my success is serving others. We’re blessed to be a blessing. I am constantly driven by wanting to be of service to others. One of my favorite quotes of all-time is by Rick Warren, “God determines your greatness by how many people you serve, not how many people serve you.” That’s a quote I try to live my life by. I work hard so I can be of service to others. It’s the main thing that drives my success. Read More>>

Ashli Hopson

The most important factor behind my success is authenticity. I write from a place of lived experience, vulnerability, and truth. Whether I’m crafting poetry or penning a non-fiction piece, I remain committed to telling stories that matter, stories that uplift, challenge, and inspire. Living with MS and working on a major medical study taught me how to listen deeply, communicate with clarity, and advocate for those whose voices are often unheard.  Read More>>

LaTisha Corley

he most important factor behind my success is keeping God first. 2023 was a very difficult year for me, one of the hardest besides when my beautiful mother, Joy passed from breast cancer in 2010. But during every obstacle in my life, I remember to keep God first because he is my provider and will never put more on me than I can bear. I recently learned this when my faith was restored in 2023 and I joined my new church-Marantha Life Church under Pastor Joann Rosario.  Read More>>

Harley Pogue

The most important factor behind my success has been an unwavering passion for what I do. I’ve always believed that passion can carry you further than ambition alone. Dreams are powerful, but bringing them to life takes more than just inspiration—it requires relentless dedication, self-discipline, and heart.

As a single mother to a little boy, that passion has taken on a whole new meaning. He’s my greatest motivation. I want to make him proud—not just by achieving success, but by showing him what it looks like to build a life rooted in purpose. I grew up watching my father work jobs to provide for us, and while I’ll always respect that kind of work ethic, Read More>>

Nicole Greberis

Remembering that in business people are people and treating them as such. I am a real estate professional, and I see other agents so often speak to people as though they are pitching something. And in my experience, no one likes being pitched to. You have to genuinely care about what people need and want. You have to talk to them like someone who genuinely wants to help them. Find common interests and connect with people on a personal level. Yes you are a professional and very good at what you do, but you’re also a HUMAN BEING, with family, interests, hobbies, and useful experiences! Read More>>