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.

Zachary Benner | Athlete & Model

Consistency has undoubtedly been the key to my success. When I first began running, I was very uneducated on the sport. However, over the last few years I have had tremendous progress due to consistency. Read more>>

Kelsey Johns | Owner of Glasswing Rentals

The most important factors in Glasswing Event and Wedding Rentals’ success is the passion for learning new things, getting outside of comfort zones, and dreaming of big futures. We are constantly striving to develop new skills and take every event as an opportunity to absorb more efficient ways of providing quality service. Our staff members have a love for working with people and new styles, especially if there is color involved. In the next year, Glasswing Rentals look forward to working with many more couples and aims to expand into other events such as corporate dinners, baby showers, rehearsal dinners, etc. The owner, Kelsey Johns, biggest piece of advice is to “not let the fear of making mistakes paralyze you from starting or continuing. You are on your path and can’t get off of it. So work hard to make your dream a reality.” Read more>>

Natalie Davis | Blog and Email Writer for Business Owners

Everyone has a different idea of what success looks like. For some, it’s a certain amount of money in their bank account or a specific accomplishment, but for me, success has more to do with how I FEEL as a person as a whole. To me, success is about being in alignment in your life and work and having a sense of contentment (not to be confused with complacency – they’re two different things). In order to really get to this point, I’ve personally had to act out of a lot of intention. So often, we get consumed by what other people are doing and feel like we need to do those things too, but when we fall victim to that, we lose sight of what’s authentic to us. A huge value in my business is intentionality, which means that I never do something “just because.” There’s always a ton of thought and reasoning behind every decision and I really believe that’s what has allowed me to experience success in my own life. Read more>>

LaTavia Roberson | Public Figure & Motivational Speaker

This is a very great question, the most important factor behind my success is my family, kids & amazing loyal friends. Without a great support system I wouldn’t be LaTavia Roberson. They have grounded me and help guide me to greatness. They taught me how to be Authentic and raw As I enter into the beauty industry with Bouji Lip Cosmetics I am reminded everyday to not limit myself. I strive for my greater cause. I am super excited for this journey and I encourage everyone with a purpose to not limit yourself but be a goal getter. Read more>>

Caleb Linsey | Photographer/Videogrpaher

Just to stay consistent and be patient. Read more>>

Kira Annalise | Singer-Songwriter

We aren’t in any position to tell anyone how to be successful but to both of us the most important quality behind anything we do is authenticity. If you aren’t real, be it on stage or on an album, people can hear that. It works both ways though and people can absolutely hear when you’ve lived the songs you sing. I think that’s not only the most important factor but it’s the only one that really matters. Read more>>

Vanya Foote | Arts Administrator

The most important factor behind my success has always been to listen to others involved in the project or business and get their insight, feedback and process so that it can inform the bigger picture and my decisions. Read more>>

Jasmine Alexander | Actor -Filmmaker

The most important factor behind my success as an actor and filmmaker, and the success of my brand, is a combination of passion, perseverance, and a commitment to authentic storytelling. Passion is the driving force that fuels my creativity and keeps me dedicated to the craft, even in the face of challenges. Perseverance is crucial in an industry where setbacks are inevitable. It’s about learning from failures, adapting to change, and always pushing forward. The festival success of my short films has been a testament to this persistence, as each project presents its unique set of obstacles that we tackle as a team. Read more>>

Dana Cureton | Nonprofit for all God’s ppl(Claudine’s Closest)

My Grandmother(Claudine) always was the place where everyone came and ate or showered. She would say they don’t know where there next meal/shower was coming from but you do so always put the needs of others before yours and God will reward you in the end. Read more>>

Nyketa Cloud | Post Op Care Practitioner

Faith! My faith and will to keep going is the most important factor behind my success. Starting the race is easy but maintaining the lane is where things become tricky. Read more>>

Solomon Smith | Liberia International Musician Friday the Legend

Focus, determination and love for my people has played a major role in my success. For example, when I first started, I was culture dancing in 1991 to 1999; I wasn’t a musician yet. I used to practice four days a week, eight hours each day. I was the best traditional culture dancer in Liberia, so a lot of people came to my practices on the providence island just to watch me from different backgrounds and counties. After a while, I began singing in the year 2000. I was already popular, so my music spread fast after making Biggest Mistake, Monrovia Young Girls, Simple Mistake, Belle, Teldeweane, amongst other timeless songs. My music and dancing are a huge part of Liberia entertainment, and it made a huge impact to the Liberian people, simply because it took part in the peace process of the Liberian civil war. Read more>>

Ashley Lucas | Mental Health Therapist

Accountability is the most important factor behind my success. In addition to traditional forms of support, such as people expressing their pride in me, sharing my content, or referring others to my services, having a support system that holds me accountable has made the biggest difference. In situations where I might be expected to rest on my laurels, the accountability of those closest to me will ask, “What’s next and how can we help you get there?” Read more>>

Stephen and Joi Albright | Owners – Mr. Electric of Covington/McDonough

We strive to provide the best customer service possible to take care of our customers’ needs, and to be consistent with that level of service on every job no matter how big or small it may be. Read more>>

Ceydria Mccray | Momma Breezzys

The most important factor behind Breezzys lemonade is family. Here at the Breezzys enterprise we go so hard with sticking together, being creative together so we will forever win together. The success of the brand comes from the determination to win despite a lemon thrown our way. We value to dare to be different, dream bigger then our ages and everybody gon be drinking Breezzys. Read more>>

Barbara Rothbaum | Professor in Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine

As I’ve told my kids, I’m smart enough, but there are plenty of people smarter than me. The secret to my success is working hard, working efficiently, and being persistent. I also unapologetically expect excellence. Read more>>

D. Shawn | National Recording Artist, Vocal Coach

God, and my determination to win regardless of the situations I may be in Read more>>

A’’Mari Raquel | Film Director | Choreographer

The most important behind my success and my brand is my talent and god. Without the support from my god and the people that I work with there is no Keotic Visuals. Read more>>