By far, the topic that comes up most in our conversations with entrepreneurs and creatives is risk. We’ve had conversations about risks that worked out and risks that did not. We’ve seen eyes light eye sharing about career-trajectory changing risks as well as folks sigh about the risks they wish they had taken. Below, we’ve selected and shared some of those thoughtful conversations.

Octavia Y. Lewis | Associate Vice President of Advocacy & Operations at Destination Tomorrow

Risk is all I ever known being a Black Women of Transgender Experience. It’s a risk getting up and exiting my home navigating spaces that were not created, designed or implemented with me in mind. I took a risk 12 years ago when I purchased a one-way Amtrak ticket to NYC. I had nowhere to live or any financial means, but I was destined to make it. Fast forward to now, I have two children, a new home we just purchased, and the rest of our story is yet to be determined. Read more>>

Jahmekher Newton | Esthetician & Lash Instructor

Taking risks, I believe is essential for growth in any aspect of your life, professional or personal. Its necessary for success. If you think about it, every goal you set forth & every choice that you make comes with a risk. When I began doing lash extensions back in 2019, I started out of my college dorm. Read more>>

Gwen Hughes | Musician and Actor

I am ridiculously curious. Because of this, I am not afraid of risk if it’s something I am interested in learning, or an experience I want to have. This started many years ago when, after getting a corporate advertising job, I gave it up to go on the road singing for almost no money. Read more>>

Mark Davis | Business Consultant, Best-Selling Author, & Speaker

When it comes to risks I have come to a place of understanding, within the last few years, that risk-taking definitely aligns with our faith. Faith in God as well as faith in ourselves. Read more>>

Diego Silva | Producer / Director

When you don’t feel a sense of risk in what you’re doing, it’s likely because you’re not pushing yourself to try something new or venture outside of your comfort zone. Staying within your comfort zone can limit personal growth, so taking risks and embracing opportunities for learning, even if it means the possibility of failure, is crucial for personal development. Read more>>

Shae Shakur | Entrepreneur & Content Creator

I believe that there’s no growth without taking risk. If you want better for yourself, you have to challenge and apply yourself in order to reach your goals. I feel as though playing it safe to avoid risks is ideal. Your brain will convince you to that you shouldn’t try anything new, when in fact that risk could be that one move that will change your life in amazingly drastic way. Read more>>

Cymone Jeans | Luxury Hairstylist & MUA

Risks and sacrifices are the only things that can change your direction or speed. Big or small, your choice. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am without it. From dropping out of college, to moving to Atlanta as a single parent with only $300, I would say my risks have shaped my career more than my talents. Read more>>

Hirsch Hunty | Independent Nail Artist

Risks, although may seem daunting at times, have played a significant role in the development of my career. After quarantine, beauty professionals were given the green light to go back to working in the salon. Read more>>

Dr. Michael Lloyd | CEO & Food Scientist

Risk taking is vital to an entrepreneur or a person coming from the bottom looking to rise up. As the old saying goes, “No risk no reward” is totally accurate because the risk puts you in the game of competition and differentiates you from the norm. Read more>>

Shanteria Hale | Licensed Esthetician/Instructor | Founder of G0lden Me Esthetics

When I think about risk, I think of how important it is to fully trust in your own abilities. It may sound cliché to say, “Nothing great comes without a risk”; however, this is the best advice that you can give or receive. Being an entrepreneur is all about taking risks. The amount of determination and faith you must possess is significant in continuing this journey. Read more>>

Eleni Angelis | Home & Seasonal Decor Retail Business Owner

Taking risks has played a huge role in my life and career. I firmly believe that without taking big risks, you won’t be able to see the big results that could come from it. I have always been a big believer in pushing myself out of my comfort zone and taking chances, and it’s been a philosophy that has served me well over the years. Read more>>

Chanelle James | Author & Educator

I think taking risks is necessary to overcome moments of nervousness that could prevent you from living your life fully. Taking risks can add to your growth and assist with reaching your goals. My career path is being an educator. Read more>>