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.

Keisha Gibson

The most important factor behind my success has been authenticity and consistency. I built my brand around solving problems and by serving people first. I openly shared my own journey of losing over 100 pounds naturally, including the struggles, setbacks, and victories. That created trust because people knew I wasn’t teaching something I hadn’t lived myself. From there, I began helping others. Read more>>

Joely Burgess

I think the biggest factor behind my success has been accepting that building a business is full of trial and error. Early on, I looked for immediate validation, and if something didn’t work right away, I questioned whether it was the right decision. Over time, I realized that not every product or idea is going to be a hit and that’s okay. Read more>>

Johnathan Crane

I think the biggest factor has been refusing to separate my work into different boxes. Whether I’m acting, voice acting, writing books, or making films, I’m always chasing the same thing: honesty. I want people to recognize themselves in the characters, even when those characters are at their worst. If a performance or a story feels safe, it usually isn’t saying much. Read more>>

Mardi Winder

I believe the most important factor behind the success of my business is that helping people through the divorce process is not just something I do, it is something that I believe everyone should have if they are dealing with challenges and difficult situations. To me, coaching is not work, a brand, or a measure of success. Read more>>