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?

Crystal Carr | Talent Manager & Business Owner

Never stop dreaming and never let anything get in the way of your dreams. You know the dreams that take you away has a child, the ability to see yourself as whatever it was you wanted to be when asked “what do you want to be when you grow up”. Truly never letting go of that ability. No matter how stressful things get, how logical you are told to be in this world. I never stopped being a dreamer. Read more>>

Gary Jackson | Oil Painting Artist & Author

My success is a byproduct of persisting in the face of failure while seeking the progressive realization of a worthy goal. Oddly enough my life took a downward spiral after being diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis in 2013. For the previous 20 years I worked in the Electrical Engineering field, post graduating from DeVry Institute of Technology. After facing seemingly insurmountable health odds for over five years, I experienced a mental spiritual breakthrough to continue living. I had mentally and physically give up on living with Myasthenia Gravis. Read more>>

Karen Aylwin | Retired Educator, Wine & Spirit Confectioner

The most important factor behind my success is my relationship with people. Those who encouraged me when my small business was just a thought, those who provided support and advice from a business perspective, people met through business connections and networking opportunities offered by my local Chamber of Commerce and other grass-root networking groups. People who had faith in my product and provided me with opportunities to conduct sales. Read more>>

Poppy Teez | Award Winning International Poet

People and Purpose. Anything I create has to benefit the people or serve a positive purpose. I have been given a gift that I don’t even truly understand the depths of. But it wouldn’t be a gift if it wasn’t given to others. One of the greatest parts of spoken word, or being a storyteller is the number of people who can benefit from my words is countless. Read more>>

Ashli Sneed | Metro-Atlanta Photographer & Blogger

The key factor behind my success has been establishing and building strong relationships and trust with my clients and in their vision. I want to be known for creating iconic images that show their personality and character traits. Currently, I am known for my keen eye, professionalism and adaptability to each persons persona they are looking to capture. I network with everyone from small families to large weddings and celebrity events. What I have realized over the years is that no ones work is the same and my work speaks for itself. Relationship building is my passion. Read more>>