Every overnight success we’ve seen has been years in the making.  And those overnight successes are rarely because of an amazing idea or a stroke of luck.  We asked some of our favorite folks from the community about what characteristics are at the heart of their success story?

Kendra Conyers | Real Estate Broker & Mentor

The most important factor behind my success is staying true to myself. In a world where you can be anything and anyone, it is vitally important to stay true to you. Stay true to what you believe, your purpose, your calling, the highest and best version of yourself and make sure that it is nonnegotiable. Don’t conform to what seems to be popular; stay solid. Trust me, it will take you places. Read more>>

Barbara D. Culp | Retired Principal, Author, Speaker, and Business Owner

I believe the most important factor in my company’s success is my drive and motivation to make a difference in the educational community. I feel I was born to use what I’ve learned throughout my life to continuously help others. As I see it, all opportunities are teachable/learnable moments. Read more>>

Lifestyle International | Travel and Active Wear Clothing Brand

The most important factor behind our success is our consistency and our supporters. We pride ourselves in being consistent in our quality, customer service, and promotion to keep pushing our brand to the next level. Lifestyle International was founded in 2014 by Jerome Green, Britte Robinson, Recardo Tucker, and Gerald Canty. Read more>>

Nehemiah Lamb | Founder

Success can be defined in many ways, but when it comes to the success of Unique Individual, I would credit the success to the amazing staff we have. If you have an amazing team that believes in what they are doing and are passionate about what they do it will show and enhance your business. I express to my team that they are a “walking brand/logo”. Whatever actions they display will be a reflection of the organization. I believe communication, respect, teamwork, and trust are good ingredients to empower your team to make decisions that will positively impact your organization. Read More >>

Cheryl McCord | Owner of Tutu’s By Cheryl LLC

There are several components behind Tutu’s By Cheryl’s success, but the most important factor is our value of customer service! We take pride in staying in constant communication with our customers from the order process, to sending pictures of finished tutus, to customer accommodation for pickups, and sending receipt notification of shipping information. When you value your customer, along with providing them an awesome product, they reward you with repeat business and positive word of mouth for potential new customers and that’s priceless! Read more>>

Ashley Williams | Salon owner/ hair stylist

To me, the most important factor behind my success has been staying true to myself and my values. I know that sounds so cliche but I strongly believe that. I have always envisioned my salon as one where EVERYONE has the ability to be themselves. Your past, sexual orientation, the amount of money you make, etc. shouldn’t matter when you walk into ANY business. My clients come to me for salon services, but during that time they know they can come to me for advice, to vent, or just to get their mind off things. THAT is the main source of success I strive for everyday. Read more>>

Ed Szczesniak | Founder / Lead Designer GLD

We do what we say we will do, when we say will do it – and we are on the job – with our crews – not hiding behind a desk. I tell people I’m a “Recovering Consultant” – and it’s true. I spent the first 27 years of my business career in consulting roles for a couple of major companies all over the globe. It was fun, financially rewarding, but the travel schedule was taxing. I heard that at age 50 you could go back to college for free in Georgia, so I did just for the fun of learning something I enjoyed. Read more>>

Taylor Doehrman | Wedding Planner + Designer

At Taylor Dawn, we believe that the most important factor behind the success of our brand is really just loving people well. The main goal of Taylor Dawn is to create an environment and support system for brides well before and on their wedding day. We want to serve them and let them know that they are special and loved. This environment of trust on wedding day creates a time that brides can truly depend on us to take care of anything and everything and they get to relax and enjoy their most important day. Read more>>