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.

Ebony Williams | Flavors of the Isle – Restaurant Owner

I think, risk taking is subjective. Risk taking is based off your life experiences or preferences, ideologies or beliefs. Everybody’s level of risk taking is different. So we should never based our risk taking off of someone else’s experience, only our own experience. Read more>> 

Sandra Macedo | Pet Influencer & Content Creator

I am a first-generation Mexican American college graduate. My parents came to this country seeking a better life for themselves, my siblings, and me. They put their dreams aside so that I could pursue mine. They came to a country where they didn’t know the native language and with little to no money. Read more>>

Cortavious Finnie | Hairstylist, Beauty E-Commerce, Serial Entrepreneur & Influencer

Taking a risk is like dodging a bullet you didn’t even know was coming right? For me, the big gamble was packing up and heading to Atlanta as a hairstylist. Scary? But you know what? It ended up being my proudest move. Read more>>

Mia Onyeuku-Johnson | Owner/Operator of The Opulent Oasis Spa LLC

I feel the only way to make it in life is by taking risks. Yes it is a challenge to take a risk on starting a new venture. But the rewards are endless if you work at it. In life and career, calculated risks can lead to growth, innovation, and progress. Taking risks has challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and has also resulted in valuable lessons, whether I succeed or fail. Read more>>

Trenece Barfield | Beauty Content Creator

I feel as in the content creation world taking risks and part of the process everytime you film and post a video especially when your first starting your getting out your comfort zone and taking risk day 1 on the journey and many more on out. Read more>>

Carla Belding | Jazzercise FitPro & Owner

most rewarding. Opening my first Jazzercise location was one of the scariest decisions I had ever done. All of the questions in your head and then the fear of the what ifs. If I had to give my advice on how to handle the fear of risk taking, I would say pray about it and always trust your gut. Read more>>

Karin Husty | Artist

“Risks” are a major part of being an Artist. Working Artist take risks in their everyday studio work and especially when it come to the business aspect of Art. Risks in your studio practice are essential for moving forward in your work and ensures you stay relevant and unique. Read more>>

Devon Moon | Videographer/Cinematog

I think taking risks is a key role in one’s success and even failures, but it’s necessary whether that brings growth or sets you back. Sometimes the risk isn’t even necessarily taking the chance, but not taking the chance & putting forth action. Read more>>

Tislum Jiarai | Versatile Stylist

I encourage risk taking! You are going to take a risk EVERYDAY one of two ways; consciously or subconsciously. For example, sitting in a chair is a risk we take subconsciously. If the chair breaks; you fall. If you fall; you get back up. What happens next? You take another risk by sitting in another chair. I apply that analogy to life. Read more>>

Divinity Divine | Cultural Curator “Sankofa Healing Experience”

Risk, to me, is not merely a gamble but an invitation to embrace the unknown. In 2021, I embarked on a solo journey to Africa for six months, a decision that many deemed risky. Questions like “what if” and “how will you” were frequent, but I understood that dwelling on them often hinders us from truly living. Read more>> 

Lymaira Agosto | Visual Artist

I believe risk taking is important for personal development. It keeps you from staying too comfortable in life and you learn more about yourself when you’re pushed out of your comfort zone. From the very beginning when I realized art was my passion, taking a risk is what pushed the pedal to me being the artist I am now. Read more>>

Tierra Gantt Wright | Master Cosmetologist

When I think about taking a risk, I think of it as stepping out on faith . Quitting my 9-5 job and focusing on my passion and career as a cosmetologist was the biggest risk I took back in 2021. I went to school for cosmetology and it was always my passion but I was scared of depending on doing hair since sometimes it isn’t consistent. Read more>> 

Lenita Washington | Lenita Washington | Youtube Content Creator, Author, Actress

Risk-taking can play a significant role in both life and career development. It can lead to opportunities for growth, innovation, and success, but it also comes with the potential for failure and setbacks. In my case, as a Fashion/Lifestyle Content Creator, Author and Actress, I have had to take risks in learning new information, adapting to different followers request, and providing accurate responses. These risks have allowed me to improve my capabilities and provide better assistance to followers like you. Read more>>

Temera Stallworth | Lash Technician

I think risks are essential to life. You have to be prepared to take risks to make it your dreams a reality. Being a business owner is a risk in itself honestly one day business is going up and the next it not as good. Either way risk can be good or bad you just got to be willing to risk whatever. Read more>>

Syerra Donaldson | Catering/ private chef & Mental Health therapist

Risk-taking is like adding spices to a dish; it adds flavor and excitement to my life. In my case, I experienced risk in a different way most people do, but I understand its importance. Read more>>

James Shackleford | Marketing Specialist

When it comes to risks, I feel that they are necessary if you are going to achieve what others have not. Staying in your safe space leaves you never being able to satisfy your desires. If not for the many risks that I have taken in my life, I would have never lived in the multiple states that I have lived in, worked the multiple jobs that I have worked, or started the multiple businesses that I have started. Read more>>

Lázara Santana Alvarez | Bassoonist and Director/Founder of Santana Music

Risk has been a guiding force in my journey as a musician, shaping the very essence of my growth and progress. Growing up in Cuba, a country brimming with cultural richness but limited opportunities for aspiring musicians, instilled in me the profound importance of taking bold leaps to pursue my dreams. Read more>>