We asked some of the most interesting folks in the community to open up about how they think about taking chances and the role risk has played in their lives and careers. Risk is by far the topic folks talk to us most about and we hope the responses below will help shed light on many different perspectives.

ATM Curly | Music Artist & Songwriter

Risk-taking is the reason I’m where I am today. The bigger the risk, the bigger the reward, and without any you have no story. If you believe in yourself, the way that I do for me, then a risk is just another every day decision. Read more>>

Kruz Valero | Actress & Photographer

I think taking the risk to go all out for your dreams is more important that anything else, sometimes we can be scared what the future holds but just trusting your intuition is more important than doing something you are not happy with. take that first step and follow your heart, there is a reason why you can’t stop thinking about what you want! Read more>>

DJ Monie | DJ & Entrepreneur

I have “risked it all” several times on my entrepreneurship journey, and I must say, it was all worth it and I’d do it again! I’ve always kept in the back of my mind, “if you keep doing the same thing, you’ll keep getting the same results”. Sometimes the best things in life happen outside of your comfort zone. Read more>>

Sasha Owens | Actress, Author, & Content Creator

Risk taking is an amazing factor of life. How do we expect anything new in life IF we do not try anything new. I recently arrived to a new city that I had only driven through and when I say the opportunities started pouring in. However, I had no idea this would happen when I did. It was complete FAITH and risk is somewhat a part of FAITH.  Read more>>

Aushailene | Writer, Actress, & Music Artist

Taking risks has become a natural part of my life. I’m constantly placing myself in uncomfortable situations. All to pursue my dreams. I think about my intentions before I take any risks, and I meditate on my desired outcome. What do I want? Will I be okay if I don’t get it? I ask my spirit guides for advice. Read more>>

Gabi O. Fernandes | 3D Character Animator, 3D Generalist and Concept Artist

I think that risk taking is a very big part of life. Without it, we accommodate and settle for less than what we are meant to do, or are able to achieve! Fear, most of the time, keeps us from being the best possible version of ourselves and paralyzes us of going after the things that will bring us the most success and satisfaction. Read more>>

Syncere Huston | Creative Director

Risk-taking is highly important. Change may be a formidable topic. As humans, we tend to surround ourselves with familiar feelings. This action limits us to what we are capable of performing. In high school, I participated in Marching Band. At the end of each practice and performance, we cited the ‘band creed.’ Read more>>

Alan Toleu | User Experience Designer

Honestly, I never liked taking any risks, I tend to play safe and know that I will get something guaranteed in the end. I think it is coming from the times when I used to play professional tennis tournaments. For example, I had a ton of matches when I and my opponent were going head-to-head, and sometimes I would have an opportunity to make a risky shot and win the point but I rarely was able to accomplish it. So this kind of situation made me feel doubtful about the concept of risk-taking. Read more>>

Helena Alfajora | Designer & Artist

I get a lot of anxiety that’s fueled when my fear of the unknown collides with my strong urge to seek more__ with my art. More experiences, opportunities, locations, connections, creativity. I keep a screenshot of stills from Into the Spider-Verse on my desktop, specifically when Miles asks Peter, “When will I know when I’m ready?” Read more>>

Myesha Banks MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER / COACH | MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER/ AUTHOR / COACH

RISK TAKING REQUIRES A MINDSET SBD COURAGE . I JUST RECENTLY RESIGNED FROM NYPD AS A POLICE OFFICER TO FOLLOW MY DREAMS. I TOOK OUT ALL OF MY SAVINGS AND RELOCATED FROM NYC TO ATL. I BELIVE IF YOU WANT SOMETHING YOU HAVE TO TAKE A LEAP OF FAITH AND USE COURAGE TO FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS. FEAR IS NOT KNOWING WHAT TO DO. BUT THE REAL TEST OF FAIR IS NO ACTION WHEN YOU FIGURE OUT YOUR PURPOSE ! Read more>>

Shaquan and Amanda Anderson | Entrepreneurs/Owners of Anderson Cafe

Taking risks is an important action for every entrepreneur. Without taking a risk , you will never receive a reward. Sometimes taking a risk can be tricky and scary, with fears of the unknown, but perseverance is needed to reach the finish line! Everything that we, as entrepreneurs have accomplished, is a product of risk taking. Birthing comes from risk taking. Taking a step of faith is the reason why the multiple businesses we own today have birthed, one after another! Read more>>

Brittney Williamson | Crafter and Custom Novelty Creator

Risk-taking is a part of all life decisions and experiences. With a business, it’s about assessing to pros and cons of the risk you may or may not take. I started my crafts and DIY projects as a hobby, it is my happy place. I took a risk by opening Britt’s Creative Vibez to the public, not knowing the outcome. Read more>>

Cherelle Yarbrough | Mother & Author

Well I believe we all consciously and subconsciously take risks everyday. Every choice you make could lead to a risk resulting in a potentially good or bad outcome. There are thousands of examples we could reference in history and how so many risks has helped shaped this world to what we know it be be today, and that is a combination of the pains along with the pleasures. Read more>>

Elizabeth Taylor | Celebrity Makeup/Hair Artist

Risk taking is the reason my business began and is where it is today. Read more>>

Gadrien Williams | Director, Writer, Poet, Filmmaker, Photographer

Years ago on candler road a drug addict gave me some jewels that I live by to this day. “You want to be rich you gotta take the risk nephew”. I’ve realized life is all about ups and downs and the road to your goals literally start with sacrifices and risk. Read more>>