Are you a risk taker? Do you think you have a stronger appetite for risk relative to your friends and family? We asked some folks from the community about their approaches to risk and have shared their thoughts below.

Kierra Mariah | Model & Creative

I get asked this question all the time! In this industry, it’s all about taking risk. It’s a HUGE risk. You’re not promised anything in this life. You have to trust yourself to know that this is what your calling is. If you don’t take risk, you’ll be stuck in the same position you are one year from now. I put all of my trust in God and trust that He won’t let me fall. Read more>>

Julia Wosiak | Actress & Writer

I think taking a risk is a necessary part of life. Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today and I definitely wouldn’t be the same person. Taking a risk means there’s a big chance of failure and I have failed so many times but looking at it from the perspective of time I realize that it didn’t matter as much as the fact that I tried and fought for myself. Read more>>

Nyaisha Pierre | Hair Business Owner & CEO

I think a big part of being an entrepreneur is about taking risks. When you’re putting all of your time, energy, money and focus into your business without knowing the true outcome of it, that’s what I consider taking a risk. Taking risks has played an enormous role in my life as the CEO for a hair business. Read more>>

Jessica Lynn | Macrame Artist

Risk taking is scary. But if you never try you’ll never know. By taking risks I was able to create my own empire and was able to work with so many business owners, create my own schedule and be my own boss and I look back and can’t think if I’d ever go back to a 9-5 job that isn’t mine. Read more>>

Nikki Montana | DJ

Everything in my life that i’ve wanted has required risk. The risk for the most part always involves each individuals’ fears. The risk is the adrenaline and endurance to conquer your fears and fully leap into the unknown of your desires. What I’ve found is that it is almost always worth taking the risk, because it is your intuition telling you to go in the direction of the desire, going towards what you are meant for. Read more>>

Alicia Davis | Proprietor & Food Enthusiast

It’s in my nature to weigh the risks so I know where I stand with all possible outcomes considered. It’s also in my nature to see risks as challenges that are possible to overcome. The motivation is the reward I receive at the end of my efforts. If I win, (and I usually do) I reap the spoils of victory. Read more>>

Leen Atalov | Partner at White Swan Bridal

Risk is an inherent part of any business, and taking calculated risks is necessary to achieve growth and success. It is essential to recognize that risk is not inherently good or bad. Still, it is the management of risk that can lead to positive outcomes or negative consequences. Read more>>

Addie Jean | Master Cosmetologist

Risks are MANDATORY! You must take risk! Failure is a window for a better opportunity. Taking risk requires seeing the difference between the life you have now and the life you want, and understanding the work involved to make it happen. Read more>>

Chauncey A. McQueen | Actor, Entrepreneur, Podcaster, Content Creator

One thing I learned pretty early on in is, the best things come when you step outside of your comfort zone and take risk. Life is so short and tomorrow isn’t promised for anyone, why live your life playing it safe all the time? Most accomplishments come from taking risk. As humans we tend to stay in our comfort zone, what we are familiar with, going with the option that has the less risk, but unfortunately that can sometimes be our setback. Read more>>

Ashley Barksdale | Independent Pop Singer-Songwriter

I feel like when someone is investing in their own career to be an artist, they have to take risks. Artists everyday take risks when it comes to sharing an idea about a song the have, to even releasing the song fully. We’re constantly in fear that nobody is going to like the music we create, or even like us in general and I think thats why a lot of people don’t actually start the music careers they want. Read more>>

Déjà Barrett | Founder & Curator of Cigar Smoking Singles

I think risks are oftentimes worth it. I am no stranger to risk-taking. When you have a dream backed by a plan for your life then the next step is going for it and taking a risk. That is what I’ve done by migrating to Atlanta in hopes of working for my dream company after my graduate degree–which panned out and it’s what I’m currently doing with my business venture Cigar Smoking Singles LLC. Read more>>

Martez TezThaGreat Mosley | Songwriter/A&R

I think about risk as an important part of any career you want to be apart of. Especially music I recommend never to put yourself in harm’s way but put yourself out there any way possible. And risk I’ve taken is moving to Atlanta not really knowing anyone and getting out into the street and shaking hands and kissing babies as they say lol, made it happen and networked my butt off. Read more>>

Kimberly Gonzalez | Kimberly in a Wheelchair

by showing my vulnerable side with the world showing the good and bad of having an autoimmune disease Read more>>

Alex Otway | CEO of NO B.A.N. WORLD

Risk is a large part of being an entrepreneur. There are no guarantees that anything will succeed even when you write everything out. Taking that risk however is how progress is made, societies greatest achievements were risks. The Civil Rights Movement is an example of extreme risks being taken by a large group of people that resulted in the betterment of the entire black community. Without risk there is no growth. Read more>>

Migo Nyne | Entrepreneur

I think about risk like hurdles. Once you get over one its more to come. The more risk you take the more advantages of opportunity you have to be successful. The role risk taking has played apart of my career, I’ve learned not everything can be perfect and patience is key. Read more>>