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.

Maria Jefferson, LPC | Therapist/Speaker/Relationship & Empowerment Coach

I would have to say that I have two important factors behind my success and the success of my brand. My faith in God is my first one and secondly, my authenticity. Both of those factors combined have made me successful thus far in building my business brand because I followed and continue to follow my calling authentically, which helps me demonstrate the passion I have for helping others succeed at achieving their goals. Read more>>

Melvin Edmonds Jr | CEO/Founder of Edmonds Music Inc.

The most important factor behind the success of myself and brand, Edmonds Music Inc is working hard, remain consistent and having a solid team and foundation. Read more>>

Veronica Mateu | Videographer, Director, Director of Photography, Cinematographer, Professional Photographer, Video Editor, Photo Editor

I believe the most important factor behind my success is having a firm foundation with the Lord Jesus Christ. I have worked my butt off for everything that I have done. But I didn’t do it alone. Yes, I have my amazing family who supported me through school, through hard challenges, and through all of my successes. But God, most of all, has led me where I am today. Read more>>

Jacob Lynn | Actor

I think that the biggest contributor to my success so far is my ability to truly be myself. Most people try to adapt and change based on who they are around. So when someone actually stays authentic it can be very impactful. I am a Southern actor with a strong Southern accent. Read more>>

Ré Alissa | R&B Artist, Songwriter, & Producer

I would say the most important factor behind my success is God. I say that because it’s by God’s grace that I have any of the things I have now. God gave me this voice, He gave the ambition to purse music as a career and to do what I love full-time. Read more>>

Kara Kiefer | SŌZŌ YOGA Owner & Instructor

The most important factor behind the success of SŌZŌ YOGA is how we believe life change happens in community and wellness is not just about the physical body. SŌZŌ was birthed out of the desire to invite people into a supportive community and empower everyone who walks through our doors to live well and thrive in mind, body, spirit wholeness. Read more>>

Ron Tyler Jr | American Actor, Producer, Director and Owner of Tyler Studios

To be completely honest, my brand is still a work in progress. I work diligently every day to expand and improve it. Of course, there is someone with the same name who has gained much more recognition. Similar to how that name is widely known, I strive for Ron Tyler Jr, the owner of Tyler Studios, to be just as recognizable. Read more>>

Takenya Walker | CEO of Boss Ryderz

Sucess is making sure you accomplish your mission, and our mission is to give back to our community. Not only do we hang out and have a good time, we also do many events to help people across Middle Georgia. Those events are trunk or treats, toy drives, back to school giveaways, warming center donations, and group home visits. Read more>>

Mylira Green | Psychotherapist, Confidence Coach, Master Healer, and Transformative Speaker

The most important factor behind my success is God. When I started my business six years ago, you could not have told me that I would be living the life of a full-time entrepreneur doing everything I love to do. I did not start my brand with much research, knowledge of my competition, or a business plan to give me direction. I had the desire to grieve the loss of my two children in a healthier way by celebrating the life God blessed me with, my rainbow daughter, Adoniyah. Read more>>

Vanicha Suwansiri | Character Artist and 3D Generalist

As an artist, learning is the huge key to my success. I spend time updating and learning new software, technique, and workflow. Doing that will give me a better vision to polish my result and a faster workflow to complete my work. If you are working in this industry, you would not know what you will get on the next project that comes to your plate. Read more>>

Ryan Cameron | Author Actor Artist Model Director

I would say the combination of my past AND my optimism for the future has been responsible for my success thus far. Because as a child I was a lil trouble maker, so I’m kinda used to not having the “praise” at that time. Then in late highschool i went through a hard situation & ended up being incarcerated for a while. Read more>>