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?

Cyndi Bray | Owner and Inventor of Wad-Free®

I always knew I had it in me to make the world a better place, but I wasn’t quite sure how…and I certainly didn’t think I would make laundry history in the process! As a stay-at-home mom for over a dozen years, I cherished bedtime; little did I know that I would find inspiration for my laundry-life changing invention when my kids’ sheets – which were intended to be put back on their beds – were constantly in a wet wad, delaying everyone’s bedtime. I’ll admit that calling the dryer names was not my finest parenting moment. Read more>>

Kayla Bashe | Entrepreneur & PRO MAKEUP ARTIST

The most important factor behind my success as an entrepreneur/MUA is simply having faith; I strongly believe that faith is the foundation for success because there would be no point in exercising patience if I did not believe I was waiting for something, or perseverance if i did not believe that what I am believing for is attainable, so faith is my greatest attribute, definitely the reason I am still here! Read more>>

Another Millennial Podcast | Another Millennial Podcast is a brash yet fun loving, conversational podcast hosted by an unexpected group of friends; Acey B.,NickTeezy, Los D. Ghost, and DJ Wyze No I.

Our consistency over the past 3 years has helped our fans grow and evolve with us. We always strive to be open and authentic on the podcast knowing that it doesn’t always mean we’ll be “right” or “politically correct.” Being open and authentic helps us have fun and difficult conversations on and off the pod. We find talking through our differences to be the best way to promote growth in ourselves and our listeners. We’ve become a brand that our audience can trust and relate to. And of course, we would have no success without support. Our AMPutees keep us going. They motivate us to be great and to be mindful of our influence in the community. Read more>>

Jamir Smith | Podcast Host

I have had the opportunity to create a platform which allows me to interview every day people and tell their stories creatively. The most important factor behind my success has been the amazing stories which have been told and how they relate to our listeners from “The JamirSmithShow “ Podcast. Read more>>

Blerona Begolli Shabani | Makeup Artist

My name is Blerona, I am 29 years old. I live in Georgia , born and raised in Kosovo. I have been a certified makeup artist for 10 years. Although I was a makeup artist in Kosovo for six years prior to moving to New York,
becoming a freelance makeup artist was not an easy process here.
I was born in a family of hairstylists and been watching beauty being created since I was a child. I first started doing makeup for family and close friends. The most important factor behind my success is my dedication and passion to do what I love. Read more>>

Monika Dr Demmler | Musician

I think we’re creating something very unique. Our music is a blend of contemporary happenings/general moods and German techno music. Read more>>

Niya Brown-Matthews | Master Life Coach, Author, Entrepreneur

My most important factor behind my success and the success of my brand has always been, having a strong spiritual foundation. Believing in something bigger than yourself. When you have belief in something greater than you the striving never stops, it’s a continuous moving forward. You are always striving for betterment never looking for anything less. Read more>>

Adrienne Avery | Chief Creator of Student Joy at Odyssey Atlanta (Senior Director of Student Engagement​)

“We have strong evidence that students of color benefit from having teachers and leaders who look like them as role models and also benefit from the classroom dynamics that diversity creates.” -Education Secretary John B. King, Jr. Howard University, March 8, 2016 The aforementioned quote and the words of a former student guide my beliefs on the importance and impact of diverse representation in schools. Khalia was an 8th grader at Leadership Prep Ocean Hill Middle School who had a great deal of tenacity and personality. Read more>>

Nakeia Homer | Well-Being Educator, Self-Healing Guide & Author

My personal story is at the center of my brand. The work I do in the world started with me first doing the work on myself. Telling the story and sharing the lessons and insights from the journey is what I am known for. I don’t just tell people what to do, I share the steps that I actually took. Telling my story is the most important factor behind my success. Read more>>

Isabella Cormier | Pet Portrait Artist & UX/UI Design Student

My brand is dependent on people who love animals just as much as I do. I have built my brand by simply getting to know my local pet community. Whether that my be the cat dads or dog moms of ATL. I love hearing about the joy my clients receive from their furry, feathery, or scaly friends. When a client adds extra details like a pet’s favorite toy or treats into a painting it adds a special moment to that piece. Read more>>

Rochard Simeon | Auto Detailer

The most important factor behind the success of our business is our ability to take sacrifices. Isaiah and I were taught that most small businesses fail due to beginning profits being put into the entrepreneurs rather than the business. What I mean by that is that when we first started our business, all revenue made was put back into the business. We did not pay ourselves, or you could say received our very own check, until a few months after. It is important to put the business as the top priority in order to make way for the future. Read more>>

Irvin Ramos | Residential Contractor

We believe that our standards and quality is what makes us stand out. We strive to meet our clients expectations. We deliver quality work, materials, and labor. Read more>>

Billy Willig | Stand Up Comedian

The most important factor to my success in comedy has been endurance, a belief in myself, and the willingness to press on even when it feels completely hopeless. Often in show business you will see your peers, or other performers who haven’t been around as long as you getting opportunities and accolades that you may have wanted for yourself. Read more>>