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.

Evan Emerson | Photographer and Videographer

I strive to be genuine, in everything that I do. Rather I’m shooting for myself or a client, I want the project to portray that unique quality that makes us who we are. Read more>>

Georgia Doll | Owner & Event Planner

It may not seem this way to others, but I believe a massive part of my success has been in my honesty and vulnerability. When I was planning my own wedding, I faced so many challenges as a queer woman. There were times that I considered hiding the fact that I was marrying a woman to avoid the judgement and uncomfortable conversations. Read more>>

Jaymie and Jeff Solomon | Yard Sign Owner

Customer Service is the key to our success. We aim to be over the top with our communication all through out the process. When you go above and beyond your customers feel it. Read more>>

Jen Singh Rachel Herzog | Creative Mavens + Girl Bosses

Supporting emerging artists and elevating creativity. From the very beginning, we’ve been aware of how important it is to support emerging artists at Garage Door Studio. You could call us a dynamic duo: Jen’s the fine artist and marketing maven and Rachel’s a jewelry maker and accounts guru. Read more>>

Christopher Kyles | Just Vibin The Series CEO

The ,most important factors in a successful business is basically having a a good team to back you up and a vision that can inspire, encourage and impact others to push forward towards their dream goals. Read more>>

Shaquor Wright | Licensed Medical Esthetician & Asst. Laser Practitioner

The most important factor behind my success is the strong connections I create with my clients when they come to their appointments. Social media drives a lot of my bookings and showing who I am and being myself is what makes my clients and potential clients feel comfortable enough to even spend money with me. Read more>>

Shanicia Hill | Writer

The most important factor behind the success of my writing lab is simply the need and want to help others. Yes of course, I do get paid for the services I provide —but honestly there’s nothing more that I love than helping others reach their goals, achieve new things, and simply win. Read more>>

RASHITIA CRAIG | Rashitia Craig Owner Operator

Cliché as it may seem, simply being consistent helped us scale our small business in a short period of time. We quickly expanded Amani & Co with our consistency . This included persistently keeping the same positive energy while researching development, marketing, customer retention, customer service, market awareness, scaling, cogs “cost of goods sold” operating cost, overhead budgeting, most importantly the support of our customers/friends and family. The Amani & Co brand prides ourselves on simply striving to be consistent every single day! Read more>>

Quintesia Jones | Pastry Chef

The most important factor behind my success would be my ability to accept criticism. I’m a self-taught baker and believe there’s always room for improvement no matter how successful you’ve become. In business, building your brand and pleasing your clientele go hand in hand; we must listen to the customers to ensure quality products are being delivered because satisfaction is key. It’s also important to remember that although you may have done your absolute best, we are human, we’re not perfect, and teachable moments happen. Read more>>

Salena McKelvey | The Young Caregiver, Accountant & Author

Not comparing my journey to anyone else is the most important factor behind my success. Also having the understanding that success is subjective, most people don’t define success the same. My parents drilled in my head at a young age that the end goal is being a self-sufficient adult. How I got to that goal was up to me. I’ve always told myself if I do my best, I would never be hard on myself about the outcome. Read more>>

Hannah Crockett | Curator & Journalist

The most important factor behind my success is confidence. I am extremely proud of myself for having a voice and mind that makes impactful decisions. As a Creative, it is natural for us to have many ideas, but the execution can be somewhat tricky. We tend to want perfection, when in reality, the most perfect thing we could do, is be confident that we will Win. With this method of proactivity and intentional thoughts, my brand has successfully expanded in nine months. It started as an idea to write articles only, but I saw the need for effective marketing. Read more>>

Shaterrica DeLoach | Make-up Artist

The most important factor that is behind my success and the success of my brand would be that I give God the credit in everything that I do. Whenever I make a business decision, I always ask God what direction does he want me to go in. I believe that praying and having God in control leads to my success in my business. In my makeup artistry, I’m able to provide a personal touch and also minister to my clients simply through my work. Read more>>