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.

Shantell Bated

I come from a place where there are no opportunities for black entrepreneurs. I decided to move to Atlanta after my father passed away. A baby in my stomach and 3 trash bags full of clothes, I vowed to give him a place where he could have unlimited choices and I would be successful no matter what to pave the way. I know what it feels like to have nothing and to have everything and lose it all. I’ve been on top and on the bottom but every time I lost the most high always gave me more than I had before. I am the true meaning of perseverance. Read More>>

Taryn Rice

For a long time, the idea of taking risks felt like stepping into the unknown without a safety net. I equated risk with fear—fear of failure, fear of instability, fear of letting down the two children who depended on me. As a single mother for 17 years, I operated in constant survival mode, determined to provide for my family. My career in education—first as a teacher and later as a school administrator—gave me a steady paycheck, which brought comfort, but it was never truly enough. Read More>>

Mani Monroe

I’m constantly taking risk. Risks has gotten me to where I am and will continue to get me where I want to go. I left my job to start a hair company at 23. Then at 25 I took a huge risk by leaving my family and everyone I know to move to Atlanta. Once I feel complacent it’s time to make a change and that often requires taking a risk. I literally just left my last job to pursue my new journey as a Journalist. I am now a mom and I will be getting married this September, none of this would have come into fruition without just going for it and trusting the process. Read More>>

SkinKare Bae

I feel that taking risks are 100% necessary. If I had not taken a risk and bet on myself, I would not have my own product line and skincare suite. Taking risks is what gave me the courage to walk away from what no longer aligns, to create a luxury space that reflects my standards, and to serve clients in a way that actually changes lives. Risk is what turned my passion into a profession, and my brand into a movement. Read More>>

Rekiyah Baker

I believe that taking risks is essential to growth, both personally and professionally. Some of the most pivotal moments in my career happened because I chose to step outside of my comfort zone, even when the outcome wasn’t guaranteed. Whether it was launching my own practice, taking on challenging cases, or making tough calls when the safer option would have been to play it small, each risk pushed me to learn, adapt, and ultimately grow stronger.  Read More>>

Eve Brown

Risk is so important to me- I think in order to be alive in this complex, ever- changing world we have to accept that risk is going to be involved. No matter what we choose to do with our lives, not one of us can truly escape the risk of living. I spend a lot of my artistic practice processing this aspect of life- that change and uncertainty are inherent.  Read More>>

Camille Denine

I’ve written poetry since I was a junior in high school, but it wasn’t until I was 24 that I performed my first spoken piece. Up until then it had just been like a hobby, a way to express my feelings .

It wasn’t until I lost my full-time corporate job in 2019.

I wasn’t really sure what was next for me. At the time I was living on my own with my 3 year old daughter & I was scared that things were about to crumble around me. Read More>>

Tyler Collins

I see risk as an investment in potential , not just my own, but in the potential of others. I’m not reckless, but I believe real progress often requires stepping into uncertainty with a strong sense of purpose and preparation.

One of the most defining risks I’ve taken was founding The Mended Collective, a community focused on helping people achieve financial freedom through day trading the futures market. At the time, I was stepping away from more traditional career paths to build something I believed could change lives — especially for people who never saw financial independence as a realistic goal. Read More>>

Gary Clary

Life is a gamble—every decision carries a risk, and I’ve been taking those gambles since I was a kid. Growing up in an entrepreneurial family meant there were no handouts; everything came from hard work and determination. My mom has always been my biggest role model. After my dad passed away when I was around seven, she not only raised me but carried on his legacy and businesses single-handedly. The older I get, the more I recognize how incredible she is. Read More>>

Adriano Aragão

For me, risk has always been a natural part of being an artist. Whether I was modeling, creating visual art, or Djing, I’ve learned that putting yourself and your vision out there always involves vulnerability – and that takes. Read More>>