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.

Iniki Bryan | Entrepreneur & Crafts(wo)man

So many great questions, however I’ll take a stab at this one. Everyone measures success differently. For me, the only factor behind my creativity & success is GOD. He has done amazing things in my life. I’ve seen His hand over & over again, countless wonders & miracles performed on my behalf. Whenever I feel defeated, the Holy Spirit is my counsel, & reminds me of the times when leaning on my own understanding brought me to ruin. Read more>>

Angelica Baylor | National Recording Artist

My team, #TheJellybeanTeam . I have taken a lot of time and out a lot of thought behind who is a part of my team and what their role is. Honestly, the first half of my team was super easy because it consists of my Mommie, my sisters and my Manager. They are the executive team. Read more>>

Stephanie Young | Owner and Designer // W A N D E R S T A T E Mercantile & Home Design

This answer is a forecast into the future since I have only been open a little over 7 weeks; however, I hope to have success with my brick and mortar store based on my authenticity. The concept of W A N D E R S TA T E Mercantile was born after an idea in the back of my head since high school. I had always loved shopping small boutiques and worked at them in the summers so naturally I thought it would be cool to own a store in the future. Read more>>

Dre Steinberg | Creative Director

The real secret to Designed To Conquer’s success, if you ask me, is all about connecting on a personal level. I’m not just a design studio; we’re partners in your brand’s journey. I take the time to really dive deep and understand what makes your business tick, what your passions are, and then pour all our creative energy into crafting designs that bring that vision to life. Read more>>

Aaron Earlie | Poet & Podcaster

The most important factor behind my successes is care. So many people operate with ulterior motives when it comes to the business they tend to, I do it out of love. The way I write or offer my opinions for my podcast are predicated solely off of genuine care, not the potential earnings, attention, or other frivolous things. Read more>>

Folashade Fajembola | Certified Specimen Collector

As the owner of a mobile drug testing business, I attribute the success of my brand to a delicate blend of unwavering commitment, innovation, and a genuine concern for the well-being of our clients and their communities. At the core of our success lies a resolute dedication to the values that drive our business. Read more>>

Dr. Celeste Nagy | Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

The most important factor behind success and your brand is belief in yourself and asking for help when you need it. No person is completely “self-made.” Behind every successful person are mentors, associates, friends, and family that have supported you along the way. There is also no straight path to success. There are side roads and set backs. Read more>>

Lei Zhang | 3D fashion designer

I believe the most crucial factor about my brand is my perspective on the future of the fashion industry. I have always been steadfast in my belief that fashion needs to be sustainable, while individualized needs must be respected. Amidst numerous solutions, I have chosen virtual fashion as the category for my brand, aiming to provide customers with maximum personalized customization. Read more>>

Cornell Lewis | Co Producer & Mens Fashion Enthusiast

At the core of Sharp Love Production’s unparalleled success lies our unwavering commitment to transcending the conventional boundaries of a mere fashion show company. We stand as believers in the transformative power of creating an uplifting and inspiring experience for every artist we collaborate with. Read more>>

Capri Moody | Barber Stylist

The most important factor behind my success is hustling. The success of my brand is to hustle. When I think of hustling, I think of hard work, network and marketing, adaptability, problem solving, continuous improvement, time management & entrepreneurial spirit. Read more>>

Alexandru Manastirean | Private Chef and Owner of PrivilegeChefs

Certainly, the most crucial factor driving the success of Privilege Chefs is undoubtedly the ambition to create something truly unique. Our relentless pursuit of enhancing every client’s experience, ensuring that each one remembers us for a service or flavor they can never forget, sets us apart. I’m an individual who is inherently dissatisfied with the status quo; I perpetually strive for improvement and envision things to be far grander than before. Read more>>

Jennifer Pessima | Film Producer

For me the most important factor for my brand is keeping Christ first. Knowing that He has helped me get to a measure of success that I dreamt of is an even more reason I want to always thank Him. I’m so many seasons I wanted to give up, but He always showed me that He was there helping me along the way. Read more>>