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?

Yiyi Chen | Freelance Illustrator

Keep creating. As a freelance illustrator, it is not easy to get good commissions and the income is very unstable at the beginning of the career. For me, keeping creating my personal illustrations is a good way to maintain my passion for the career and keep my illustrations exposed to potential clients. Read more>>

Andrea de Anda | Wedding Photographer

It’s all about the couple! In the first years as a wedding Photographer, I focused heavily on the most epic and mindblowing images, location, and posing for couples on their wedding day. It made me feel proud of my art and skill, and as the years went by, I noticed that my couples were investing their money and energy in other kinds of pictures to furnish their home. Read more>>

Brittney Abrams | Coach B” Certified Life Transition Coach”

As a business owner, the most important factor behind my success/the success of my brand is God! Without Him there is no Heal to Inspire to Shine. The first letter in Heal, Inspire, Shine (HIS) that’s where it came from. God had a purpose for me to serve women and help them get through the same things I have been through. Read more>>

Shanna Cox | Chef

The most important factor behind the success of my business is my passion for food. The success of my brand is providing the ultimate gift of cooking for others. I take pride in serving great quality food made with love that is visible for the soul. My grandmother always said a meal that is made with love tastes better than one that is simply thrown together. This is why I ensure that my passion for cooking can be tasted in each dish I make. Read more>>

Jacob Sayer | Soccer Trainer and Educator

The most important factor behind our success has been consistency. Not everyday is super great and sunshine but you have to work and push everyday which we do. As a small, service based business, we have to be consistent in what we do in order to compete and impact the community. Read more>>

Anthony Fyrefli” Gasaway

Honestly, one of the most important factors behind how successful myself, our crew, and our self-sufficient network is, is loyalty. True, honest, and open loyalty, Read more>>

Robert Adrian Steiner | Bandleader / Lead-Singer / Drummer

HAPPY HOUROKTOBERFESTBAND is THE original authentic bavarian band straight from the heart of Bavaria The band delivers traditional Bavarian oompah music – authentic Oktoberfest- and international party- hits Read more>>

Alicia Cooper | CEO Esthetician and Makeup Artist

The most important factor/factors in my success would be Excellence and Integrity. My mama always told me growing up that if I was going to half do something, then don’t do it at all. This instilled in me to do my very best at whatever I tried. It gave me a work ethic to make sure my service was top notch. Integrity played a factor in making sure that what I served my clients with would always be in their best interest. Read more>>

Anahi & Jessica Ortega | Jewelry Designers

We would have to say that our important factor in our business is that we are a mother daughter team and work together well. We also are constantly looking for oportunidades to promote our business and looking for new trending jewelry styles. Read more>>

Roxanne Luciano | Music Artist

I believe the most important factor behind my success as well as anyone’s success is confidence. Confidence in knowing that what you are bringing to the table is something that only YOU have. I also think a major factor in success is making sure you take chances, allowing yourself to be around those who can teach because in order to continue growing you must learn. Read more>>

Coliene Belle | Photographer

Photography is really a saturated field right now, almost everyone knows someone who is a photographer. I think the reason we have great repeat clients is because we honestly trying to get great pictures for them. Read more>>

Zkyhia Few | CEO of Kbabyhairco and independent stylist

The most important factor behind the success of my brand is my hard work . I’ve built my bussiness from the ground up doing everything on my own physically financially and with all my heart and soul I turned my hobby into a foundation for me and my child’s future and also for all the other girls of the world who come from nothing . You can do anything you want and you don’t have to work for anyone stuck in a generational cycle . Read more>>

Britton Amanda | Lash Artist | Cosmetologist

The most important factor to me behind my success and the success of my brand is honestly putting God first. I believe that a daily prayer life if essential and entrepreneurship. Read more>>

Chontell Lucas | CEO/Founder Sparkle Nation, LLC

The important factor behind the success of my brand is simply compassion. Being compassionate about your “why” can elevate you to places you’ve dreamed of. My “why” came from the passing of my mother. Losing something that’s so precious can definitely motivate you to quit or succumb to depression. Read more>>

Troop Brand | Music Artist

The most important factor behind the success of my brand is diversification. As a musician, there are some who believe you should focus on one thing at a time but as I continue to navigate through my own creative space, I’ve realized that diversifying your brand is what makes it stick with your target audience. Read more>>

Terri Krause | Creating novel modern art crafted in Colorado. Organic & spontaneous abstract & fluid art paintings, prints and more!

I think the most important factor behind my success is to be authentic and true to myself. Read more>>

Curtis Paige Jr. | Author

Being authentic! People enjoy relatable material, so I use my own experiences and the experiences of others around me to shape the stories I write! People appreciate it because it’s real, it’s me! Read more>>

Dr. Jalaal A. Hayes | STEM Innovator & Educator

The concept of “fail early and fail fast” was the most important factor behind the success of my brand. I believe that the quicker you start, the further you will be to obtain success from your failures and the failures of others. Lessons are very important on the journey to building anything especially a brand for others to relate and connect with. Read more>>

Brianna Colbert | Celebrity Chef

The most important factor behind my success would be professionalism, and consistency. Without those main two ingredients, success would not be possible. Read more>>

Simone Fisher | Designer

The most important factor behind any brand or individual would be consistency. My brand would definitely not be successful without the hard work that comes behind it. There is a lot of sacrifices that come with Winning. I believe if we write down our goals, pace ourselves, speak positive into our daily routines even when it gets hard, find a successful circle full of supporters an you will elevate to highest level in life. Read more>>