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.

Paulina de La Valette | dance 101 operations manager & Co-owner

The students. We used to think we were in the business of dance classes but it’s actually the business of community. It’s what has kept us afloat during the darkest times. And it really showed up during the Covid shutdown. Pre-Covid, people would tell us what dance 101 meant to them but when we were endangered of closing, it became very real of what dance 101 really was/is to people. You can’t manufacture that. This is why we survived – we had to, no matter what it cost us. Our students needed us. Read more>>

Jason McKinney | Production Company (Omni Productions)

The most important factors behind my brand are God, love & my wife. Without these three contributing factors I wouldn’t be where I am. I have to give the biggest shoutout to God! He covered me while I was lost and while I was angry with him after my sister’s death in 2015. Being in that darkness for so long I lost sight of who was and who I wanted to become.  Read more>>

Wendy Smith | Yoga Studio Owner | Yoga Teacher Trainer | Health and Wellness Writer

When I look back over the “success” of individual offerings as well as our overall brand, I’ve found three things to be integral to our success: 1. Authenticity. When we develop programs, events, and classes that reflect our values and who we are as a community, they always hit. Read more>>

Dijon Bowden | Yogi, Artist, Community Builder

Everything starts with my relationship with Self. Connecting with my inner voice through meditation and stillness is the foundation of my life. I’ve been a daily Vedic meditator for the last 4 years and the name Dharma Glow actually came to me after coming out of a meditation. Read more>>

Marcus Murphy | Actor, Director, Model, and Producer

The important factor behind my success as an talent in the entertainment industry is being resilient. I embarked on my entertainment journey as a teenager which has been one of the greatest decisions I have ever made. I never knew a print ad could open doors for other opportunities. Read more>>

Yuzhi Zhu | Lighting artist & 3D environment artist

I think the most important factor behind anyone’s success is to believe in yourself, learn from mistakes, practice methods to improve and adapt to different situations. As an artist myself, I was never fear to share my artistic ideas with people, and I always wanted to learn from other artists. I took opportunities to talk to them, learn from them and get inspiration from them. It is also very important to expand your network. Read more>>

Jazzaline campbell | Founder of Sevyn Cosmetics

The most important factor behind the success of my brand is my faith in Jesus Christ. Some may think is cliche but honestly I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. Sevyn Cosmetics is not your regular cosmetic business. It is a business where woman can come in broken and leave whole. Read more>> 

Franchesca | Christian R&B Artist

The most important factor behind my success is God. Trusting God, believing in God and being obedient to Him. Knowing that the Lord spoke clearly to me regarding my calling and purpose here on earth, I knew He would see fit to open doors for me. Most of the success we’ve seen resulted from having faith. In the moment we may have not had the resources to accomplish the task at hand, but we knew we just had to take God at His word and He would make a way. And, He DID! Read more>>

Sumer Edwards-Williams | Christian Life & Trauma Informed Coach| Author| International Speaker| Educator

The most important factor behind my success and that of my brand is the ability to show up authentically and transparent as a Global Kingdom Brand. This make it relevant and relatable while breaking the mindset of business and ministry being separate entities. Read more>>

Malika Daniels | Yoga Instructor, Herbalist & Aromatherapists

The most important factors behind my brand is education and honesty. Before I create anything, I educate myself about the ingredients I’m using and then test the products on myself or other individuals with different skin types. Once I see/feel that the product is safe, effective and good for all consumers, I finalize the product. Read more>>

iKhava Omogé | American Luxury Handbag & Accessory Designer, NFT Creator, Model and Philanthropist

The first thought that comes to mind is that our success is fueled by serving a greater purpose. As you know, our firm, iKhava Omogé Creations, donates a percentage of sales of every handbag and NFT to children caught within the American foster care system.  Read more>>