We asked some brilliant folks from the community to talk to us about how they think about risk and the role risk has played in their lives and careers.

Lauren Lopez | Floral Designer

I am an Aries sun, so I love an impulsive risk. But also the fear of failing is a huge factor in why risks are terrifying to me. I used to subconsciously live by the rule of “if you never try, you never fail,” living in a world of comfort zones, not pushing my potential, and staying within the walls of my safe little complacent bubble. I am about to out myself as a true corny person, but when I met my boyfriend is truly when I realized how much more I wanted out of my life, how capable I was of really fighting for my dreams. Read more>>

Emma Shaw | Illustrator

The wonderful thing about taking risks is that it’s never too late to start. The most rewarding experiences of my life were born out of decisions that, at the time, felt incredibly intimidating. In the past, my actions were almost always informed by fear. I wanted to travel, pursue a creative career, and experience life in a new city, yet I would dismiss opportunities that brought me closer to achieving these goals. In retrospect, I lacked trust in myself; I wanted to mitigate the risk of failure and, by extension, disappointment. In reality, I was causing myself more harm in the long run. Read more>>

Kailey Shaffer | Violinist, Songwriter & Music Producer

This is such a great question! I think any creative would probably tell you our entire careers are based off of risk taking! Whether it’s walking into a room you don’t know anyone and networking, releasing new music, walking into a session and creating with people you’ve never met or worked with before, or moving to a new city where you don’t know anyone and have to try and make a name for yourself in an industry that is cut throat… everything can be considered a risk. We ultimately don’t know how those moments will pan out and they can feel scary sometimes, but those are the moments that have led me to the success I’ve had up to this point. Read more>>

Leah Hyun | Nail Artist & Entrepreneur

Taking risk is essentially the key to success because your comfort zone can and will kill you. I personally was scared to start my business and made many excuses as to why I should keep pushing it off due to fear. If I sat on my ideas, i would be denying the word of the gifts and visions God gave me ultimately failing no one but myself. I only hope that looking back on my life I can say I didn’t let fear hinder me from living and experiencing everything to the fullest. Read more>>

Steve Hamilton | Actor

Acting has always been my goal. While working for Walmart, Tyler Perry Studios was on my mind 24/7. My dream of the entertainment world played over/over in my head……and well, I took a leap of faith and took my 401k and started my journey. I succeeded. Read more>>

James Milliner | Fashion designer

I had to cut a lot of people off to get to where I am today. I had to focus on my dream cause I was taking a risk to see if it was gone to work stay focus for 3 months for your goals u will go far . Read more>>

Kamille Carpenter | Artist/Creative director

Without risk there is no reward .. everything in life is a calculated risk for me … I don’t even want to do it if it’s not a risk . This has help me get placements for Rick Ross and Trina while also opening doors I thought couldn’t be unlocked Read more>>

Kazko | Dj & Producer

Hiii First of all Wish you a very happy new year Hmm risk.. I think I took lots of risk in my life to move on with my life Biggest risk was move to tech house into prog and organic house vibe.. I asked everyone if I moved to organic house and progssive house what will happen next? Read more>>

Stacia Tate | Podcaster & Mental Health Professional

I think taking risks are essential because if you never try anything new, you will keep yourself boxed in. Risk taking is how you eventually find your purpose, or “calling”. Taking risks has played a huge part in both, my life and career. I do many different things that I never would’ve discovered if I wasn’t adventurous in my day to day decisions. Read more>>