24 hours in a day, 168 hours in a week. Junior investment bankers regularly work 80-90 hours a week. Many other high profile professions require the same level of commitment. Often those on the outside claim that working 80-90 hours a week is bad/wrong/terrible/silly/etc but we’ve spoken with so many folks who say working that much has been the best decision of their life – it allowed them to develop a deep and strong skill set far faster than would have been possible otherwise. In other words, by working 2x the hours, they were able to generate 5x or more the rewards. And depending on where you are in your career, investing heavily in your skills and competence can pay dividends for a long time.

Troy Crossfield | Ceo Crossfield House Productions Writer, Film Maker, Director, Actor

Collaboration is indeed a crucial cornerstone of my success. The strength of a diverse and supportive team, notably comprising many remarkable Black Women, has been instrumental in our collective journey. Together, we forged our path, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and determination to craft our own narrative within the industry. We built our own table. While we may not have initially possessed all the expertise in various domains, our resolute belief in the necessity of establishing a production company that amplifies our voices was unwavering. We were driven by the desire to provide opportunities in the artistic and creative spheres, enabling dreams to flourish within a space where diverse perspectives are celebrated. Read more>>

Wynter | Music Producer & DJ

I would say consistency in your work ethic and holding yourself to a high standard is the most important factor. Networking and not being afraid to evolve your branding and who you are is also something i would contribute to that success as well. When i first was learning how to make beats i had it set in my head that it was something i needed to take time and learn if i wanted to fully enjoy it and i carried that mindset over with how i proceeded and conducted my branding. . I did not immediately rush into uploading my first beat on YouTube, I spent alot of time learning the program and making sure what i was making sounded good to me and if its something i would want to listen if it came up in my regular music rotation. Read more>>

Asia Banks | Fashion Designer

The most important factor behind my success and the success of my brand would truly be my faith and staying true to myself. My faith is the gift that kept me motivated and grounded while staying true to myself allowed me to have individuality while showcasing my personality. Read more>>

Meredith Lowe | Artist

in high school. I knew I loved to draw, but I didn’t know the talent I had until my incredible art teacher unlocked it. She encouraged me, loved me, pushed me, helped me explore my creative side, and taught me the fundamentals of art. Art education helps students explore new ways of thinking, reduces stress, and improves the ability to problem solve. I would have to say, the most important factor to my success is art education and my wonderful high school art teacher, Mrs. Toth! Read more>>

Michael Moore | Youth mentor / skilled trainer/ 1/3 of the biggest 7v7 and flag program in Atlanta.

The most important factor behind my success to be honest is pain and fear. The pain from my past and the constant failures that I’ve overcome are what sparks the consistent fire to succeed. The fear of never reaching my full potential as a man, father then business man is what keeps me hungry. Also the fear of leaving this earth without being able to leave my kids a legacy to remember me from drives me each and everyday. Read more>>

Luis & Allison | Co Owners of BLAS Center Productions

One of the most important factors is our value system which has been never chase money, but rather build relationships. Networking, community organizing, and collaborations with other business owners has tremendously helped our brand grow. An example of this would be during the pandemic, as we ventured off into a new project to create social media content for small business owners in NYC who were just starting their business or needed help with creating content to help promote and market their brands. Many relationships developed from this project. Read more>>

Jay Zulauf | Loan Officer

The most important factor for my business is being able to provide white glove services from start to finish. Purchasing a new home is the largest financial transaction anyone will experience in their life. Teamwork makes the Dream Work! A strong work ethic and dedication to excellence are a few of the many traits that set me apart in the mortgage industry. At a young age, I developed skills as a talented basketball player that enabled me to become not only a Division I scholarship recipient at Marquette University but a professional basketball player in Europe. While playing competitively, I was part of a team with legends such as Magic Johnson and Patrick Ewing. Read more>>

Judith Ingram | Ruby Starss is my brand name. I model, act, and am a singer Songwriter.

The most important factor behind the success of my brand is to show those aspiring to be creatives and entrepreneurs that they can achieve anything they put there minds to. Read more>>

Stephanie Walters | CEO, TV Host + Producer, and Director of Engagement + Communications

I factor a lot of things to my success, and every year, I feel like the answer to this question changes because in every season, you need something different to push you forward. The one thing that never changes though–and what I’d attribute to my success–is my authenticity + transparency. I’ve never pretended that this was easy or that I haven’t been upset at times when I feel like I should be “further along.” I’ve always been very transparent about my journey because I want other people–especially women–to feel like they can do this too! My brand is built on women: the empowerment of them, the betterment of them, the conversations surrounding them, and the willingness for each of us to open doors for each other, judgement free. Read more>>

Carson Lee | Content creator for Carson’s Room | Vintage Design

I think just being authentic goes such a long way in expressing yourself on social media. Everyone is on the internet now, if you’re not authentic- then the audience will pick up on that. I truly love interior design, antiques, thrifting, etc so the content just cokes naturally and I think my audience resonated with my passion. Read more>>

Nell Alexander | Engineering Technician & Entrepreneur

Our authenticity without a question. It’s one thing to have good product, but the people behind the product is what will continue to keep everything flourishing and moving steadily ahead and continuing to progress on a daily basis. Read more>>

Vernessa Spratley | Chef & Pastry Chef

I would first say that I stay humble. Being humble has had my name in places I never dreamed of. I have cooked and baked for so many people that I never thought of being around. Staying humble and not getting big headed and cocky about my work is my key for success. I don’t broadcast who I do things for and that has made me do some great things. The second biggest factor in my success is that I have an amazing support system. My husband, Christopher is my number one supporter of all my dreams. Anytime I have something I want to do he supports me without question. I also have a core circle of friends we support each other and listen to our business ideas. Read more>>

Jaelyn Edley | Model, Business Owner, Personal stylist, Spiritualist

The most important factor behind the success of my entire brand is sharing my story by getting people to understand how important my purpose is while I am here on this earth still and leaving a legacy behind for my generation to remember. To let people know how unique and valuable each creator’s story is because as you get older you will start to realize how huge it is to be able to bring something to life you’ve envisioned for yourself despite what life obstacles are thrown at you..some people just give up and let those obstacles make decisions for them. Choosing your own reality is liberating and I want to show people that I’ve done just exactly that..that I kept my word and did everything I said I was going to do and my life story isn’t the averaged normal struggles and achievements of life. It’s sacred and it’s deserving of success. Read more>>

Dylan Marie | Autistic Artist & Business Owner

Imagine being told by doctors your child may not be able to walk, talk or comprehend. Imagine him or her being written off at only hours old. Dylan was born at only 31 weeks’ gestation. She was born with Amniotic Band Syndrome; Moebius Syndrome and her tongue was also attached to her palate. She was later diagnosed with autism and she’s partially deaf in her right ear. Now imagine That same child excelling in everything she puts her hands on in her mind too. Throughout life she was always taught to be most AUTHENTIC self. This caused Dylan to soar in ways no one ever expected. She has received numerous awards that include her bronze award for Girl Scouts, a blue belt in Hapkido, FFA member, and countless other academic awards! Read more>>

D’Monica Finney | Makeup & Brow Artist

The most important factor for as it pertains to my success & my brands success is that I keep God at the center of it all. Constantly going over what God says about me & what He has promised for my future helps me not have a close-minded mentality when it comes to what & how much I can achieve with my businesses Jeremiah 29:11 will do it every time, but some Amos 9:13-15 will have you SHOUTING, so the most important factor behind my success is being God-focused with how I make every decision & remembering I’m just doing my part with the gifts He’s given me & letting Him do the rest. Read more>>