Taking Risk is essential, but how much, when and why? Taking risks effectively is as much of an art as it is a science and we’ve asked some of the brightest folks in the community to tell us about how they think about risk taking.

Narell Hunt | Publisher & Author

We all know the saying, “with no risk comes no reward.” Writing for me was a hobby. I grew up journaling and the only time I wrote a short story was for one of my creative writing classes. The teachers who looked over my work encouraged me to take on writing as a career, but the thought of putting myself and work out into the public frightened me. It wasn’t until I had nowhere to turn but my writing that I knew I had to take a chance on myself. Read more>> 

Sarah Joy | Property Manager & Business Owner

A longtime friend said something to me that changed my perspective in many things. This friend said: “love and success is not for cowards.” This really shifted my mind and gave and continues to give me a boost whenever I face challenges. There is a risk of failure, for sure; and this fear of failure is what keeps us in the safe zone, in the comfort zone and can sometimes even paralyze us. Read more>>

Tondeleo Day | Financial Advisor & Wealth Strategist

As the old adage goes… “No risk, no Reward”. Taking a risk has probably been the single most important career decision I have ever made in my life. But I truly prefer to call it stepping out on faith. The role of a financial Adisor is not one for the weak of heart. And risk is at the root of what we as Financial Advisors do for our clients on a daily basis. We assess our clients risk tolerance before making any decisions, and then we construct a plan, pick investments, counsel and make recommendations based off that risk profile. Read more>>

Alyssa Tootle | Photographer

I feel risk taking has played a major role in the growth in my small business. I am a firm believer that behind every success story, there were many risks taken. There are days where you have to just weigh the pros and cons of a situation/scenario, and go with the flow from there. “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” This quote leads true to not only entrepreneurship, but my life in general. Read more>>

DeJhanie Brown | Branding & Marketing Expert

As a creative, taking risk is an essential part of your career. To be a great artist, specifically one in branding and marketing, success comes from thinking outside the box. Each project is a risk. I am tasked with the responsibility of ensuring each client’s brand or company can compete with giants in their respective markets. Read more>>

Jasmyne Moss | Serial Entrepreneur, Credit Specialist, Logistics And Dispatching Expert And Certified In Business Management Admin

Risk Taking is huge to me. Taking a risk means to put your all on the table and being Alright with ALL of it being completely gone! But it also gives you a rush to know that there is a 50-50 chance that you could come out on top. The role that risk taking has played in my life is Major. I am no longer afraid to put my all into something because of that chance and I have learned that if you are really devoted and really committed to that “Something” then you will come out on top EVERY time! Even if you do not win in certain situations when you risk it all, it’s still the experience that you have gained while loosing, and that there alone, is something to add to your journeys Story! Risk taking is essential in growing! Read more>>

Bonnie Morét | Professional Photographer

I’ve always been a risk taker, but taking a risk doesn’t mean being reckless. Instead, I do research to get to know the lay of the land before making any moves. For me, taking risks was just what I needed to propel me to the next level to find the calling I love — photography. One thing that is paramount in risk taking, never burn any bridges behind you, and make sure that you always have something to fall back on. Read more>>

Brittany Dugas Dugas | Residential Interior Designer

From the outside looking in, I may be viewed as a risk taker. Against all wisdom, I moved from California to downtown Atlanta at 18. This did not make for an easy transition into adulthood; however, I proved to myself how capable I truly am. Risk is a very scary word to me because it implies loss is a possible outcome, but I have never failed when I bet on myself. Starting my business was no different. If I looked outside of myself to define success, the risk seemed insurmountable. However, choosing to remain focused on who I am, where I want to go, and committing to learn everything in between, that’s a bet I’m always going to take. Read more>>

Walt Brock | Entrepreneur | Creator & Producer

Taking risks has been everything for me. I’ve looked at the stops I’ve made along the way, and there weren’t any guarantees about the lessons that would come from the risks. I always take the time to look at calculated risks before I make a decision. If you think about successful people, they’ve taken some level of risk at some point. That is what separates successful people from people who have goals and ideas but are scared to jump and do it. Read more>>

Melody Kelly | Cosmetologist

Life is a risk all in itself, the personal risk I took was seeing myself as a business owner who could expand my gift to the world and not hold myself hostage to helping another person make more money off of me than me doing exactly that myself. The role risk taking has played in my life and career has showed me that being comfortable is not a substantial place to be unless I plan on not going anywhere in life. Read more>>

Johdi | Artist and Creative

Everything in life has a risk. Big or small. Sometimes stepping out on Faith requires bravery. Being brave against the odds, obstacles, haters, failures, etc. I always just try to do at least one thing outside of my comfort zone. Most times it works in my favor. You just gotta do it! Risks are not reasons to quit or stay in the same place. Read more>>