We asked some of the city’s rising stars to reflect on what made a difference in their journey. We asked them to tell us about what they think the most important factor has been behind their success.

Isaiah Zay” Little | Creative Services Provider + International DJ”

Integrity and authenticity. Sticking to my moral principles and values along with being true to who I am and come from has proved to be the most valuable attribute which has contributed to the growth of my brand. Building on ideas and concepts that are true to me has allowed my work to resonate with a bigger audience developing a community with common pasions and concerns. Read more>>

Zah Morgan | Epic Business Expert

The Most Important factor is that i can relate to my brand. Being abe to relate to what you are pushing is powerful. i myself was once that person who struggled with mental health, abuse, parents gone, home to home. I’ve dealt with crazy situations in life that has made me want to quit. I have had crappy business risks, and situations that has put me under the tree. So Be Epic is a reminder that no matter what we go through we deserve the epic life that we want and desire. We can have anything we set our minds to. Read more>>

SHAKITA HAYWOOD | Earring Artist

For me, customer service and communication are key. As a business owner or even as an employee, you will not always get it “right” with every client and that’s okay but what’s not okay is not making it right. It’s one thing to get a new customer, it’s another thing to keep or retain a customer. How you treat people who decide to do business with you can really be the make or break factor for the success of your business. Read more>>

Alexis Mann | Wax Specialist & Beauty Therapist

I believe the most important factor behind my success is my ability to talk to people and put them at ease. All of my clients say coming in for a Brazilian with me feels like coming in to talk to an only friend. I attribute my gift of gab to my years as a mental health therapist. Prior to transitioning into aesthetics full time, I owned a mental health therapy practice. Giving clients a great experience that includes great customer service in addition to performing an amazing wax service is key for me. I want all of my clients to feel they’ve made a new friend when they leave my studio. Read more>>

Jade Ammons | Life Purpose Coach

The most important factor behind my brand success would be being unapologetically and authentically me. I learned that God honors the person you are and not the person you pretend to be. Just like my clients I have to practice what I preached by finding myself first in order to be able to find my purpose because your purpose is created for the real you. Being the real me has attracted everything and everyone that is for me to me. Plus, others are already taken. Nobody can literally be me or do what I do, that way I do it ( that’s God-fidence)! Those that matter don’t mind and those that mind don’t matter! Read more>>

Falesia Carter | Balloons and Party Event Decorating

I love to help other bring life into their events byt decorating with my heart of love and care. I’m truly a unique and genuine individual and believe in making my clients happy. Read more>>

Noemi Puntier | Attorney whose passion is to protect and empower immigrants

Being authentic – this world needs more vulnerable and real leaders to show that we are not perfect but there’s always a possibility to rise above any obstacles, staying grounded in my faith, developing a vision and core values for my business which are aligned with who I am, what’s important to me, and what I strongly believe in, Creating service standards that are non-negotiable for your business, reading business books, being part of a mastermind,, having a business coach, and lastly, taking a chance at hiring someone based on their character and not necessarily hiring just on skills (I tend to hire people not skills). Read more>>

Ja’Mee Chanel | Fashion / Wardrobe Stylist & Entrepreneur

The most important factor behind my success/ brands/ entrepreneur journey has absolutely been nothing but God. Entrepreneurship is not an easy road at all especially for someone such as myself who’s juggling multiple businesses and life endeavors while all trying to maintain a healthy relationship with God. Over the course of the last two years I have accomplished so many goals and and visions that I prayed and manifested for myself. Read more>>