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?

Elizabeth Rosenzweig | Principal + Interior Designer at Grant Drive Design

I think the most important factor to my success is not only delivering beautiful and unique interiors for my clients but also making sure that the process is an enjoyable one for them. Read more>>

Kimi Tortuga | Singer-songwriter

Without a doubt the most crucial element has been believing in myself, even when no one else did. I had to acknowledge the following: The talent that had already existed within me; that I had gained knowledge, skill, and experience forged from many years of musical training; and most importantly, that any self-doubt I experienced originated from others projecting their fears and expectations onto me. They were invasive thoughts all along, who knew? Read more>>

Chris Suchan | Executive Director of Platinum National Dance Competition

I believe the most important factor behind the success of Platinum National Dance Competition is the passion for what we do, from me, and our staff. I love every aspect of dance and the arts and being able to work in a field that I am truly happy going to work every day makes all the difference. I have always wanted to provide an experience and service that I would want to receive and that drives most decisions we make. Read more>>

Barrett Thrasher Roger Pippin | Owners & Operators

One of the most important factors behind our success is empathy—simply listening to people, and showing up in person when needed. Essentially, we like to be very hands-on, especially if a guest has a problem or a concern. Nothing can ruin a vacation faster than being passed around like a hot potato that nobody seems to actually want to talk to. Read more>>

Luke Ring | FIlmmaker and Creator

I believe that the most important factor behind the success of my brand, Suka Productions, is our dedication to reviving the best aspects of past films and using them to create engaging and entertaining content for a modern audience. We’re all about bringing back the good old days, when stories were centered on interesting characters, and audiences were free to enjoy them without the distractions of politics or other divisive issues. Read more>>

Steven Lash | Chef / Owner – Sage

Never compromise. Sage is built on a set of core values. “Deliver EXCELLENCE at every turn. Show RESPECT in everything we do. Express GRATITUDE at all times. Walk with INTEGRITY. LOVE what you do, and do it with LOVE.” These values set the bar very high for everything we do and we don’t compromise them. Read more>>

Viandra Dunn | Artist

I feel like the most important factor behind my success is confidence. If you don’t believe in yourself no one else will & you definitely won’t produce your best work without it! Read more>>

Taj Noir | Entrepreneur

I believe that self-discipline and consistency are the most important factors in achieving success. A lot of people believe that it is motivation, but sometimes it runs out. When you have discipline, you can complete tasks even when you don’t feel like doing them, when you’re discouraged, and when your motivation runs out. Read more>>

Scotty Anderson | Master Trainer, Chef & Music Manager

The most important factors behind my success and the success of my brand simply put are synergy and customer service. Synergy of my brands has always produced greater results with my clients. As I am a personal trainer (Body by Scotty ATL) adding meal prepping to the services I provide just made the most sense. I knew that I was a person that enjoyed people enjoying my food so when it came down to it I knew that it was the most practical decision. Read more>>

TJ Green | Animation that focuses on bringing stories to life

Work Ethic I love to study the greats in different areas. Since I am a former basketball player, i reference to basketball a lot. So even when it comes to the greatest basketball players, one things always stood out when they talked about what set them apart. And it was always work ethic. No matter how much talent or skill they had, work ethic made them who they were. It allowed them to do things that others weren’t able to. This is why I focus on work ethic so much. Read more>>

Rashaud Simmons | Photograper/Videographer/Entertainer/Musician/Businessman

To let go of fear and to be willing and open to learn. Determination is also an important factor, because wanting to be successful brings success! Read more>>

Chancellor Jackson | Author/Coach/Entreprenuer

1. Believing in yourself! The first step before anybody else can believe is that you have to believe. Trust God, and trust the process. 2. Whatever you choose to do, give your all to it and stay strong. It’s going to be a marathon; success doesn’t happen over night. 3. Don’t quit. That is the only distinguishing factor behind me and whoever is going through it, about to go through it, or already went through it, is that you are not going to quit. Take the stand that you’re willing to die behind what you are getting after. Read more>>

Adrienne Herron | Fragrance & Skincare Lover

I honestly didn’t start out with the idea of becoming a business. I have been making my own body concoctions for years. Both my oldest niece and I have sensitive skin, so I just wanted to make something that had good ingredients but was also fun and still smelled good. For a long time, my body butter was something that I made for myself, my niece, and other close friends and family. But after receiving much praise and many testimonies from my loved ones, I was encouraged to share my creations with more people, and thus, Nua Baa Fifi was born! Read more>>