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.

Marcus Albert | Entrepreneur & Fitness Coach

Risk-taking is a concept that involves making decisions or engaging in activities that have an uncertain outcome, often with the potential for both positive and negative consequences. I approach risk-taking differently based on personality, past experiences and my individual goals. I thrive on taking risks, seeking new challenges and embracing uncertainty. Read more>>

Alexsis Robinson | Dancer/Dance Teacher/ Movement Artist

I think risk taking is one of the best and most important decisions you can make in your life and your career. Risk taking has taught me so many things about life , who I am , the kind of people I want to surround myself with, what I like and what I don’t like and how I perceive the world and life itself. Me moving to Atlanta was a risk take I’ll forever cherish. Read more>>

Stacia Harvey-Randall | Director of Human Resources/Co-Founder of Black Women of Hospitality Organization

When I think about risk, I think about being fearless. I had the barrier of fear for a long time because I was criticized very often that I became my worst critic. After being exhausted and asking myself “Why did you work so hard to accomplish what?” I began to passively search for new opportunities and when one presented itself that I completely overlooked, I thought “I need to take a risk.” Read more>>

Dr. Monica Lara | Owner of Argentum Et Aurum Jewelry and Gifts

I am always evaluating the Risk/Reward balance in the decisions I make. Sometimes it may look like I am a wild risk-taker from the outside and I can see how people may question the decisions I have made. I opened a shop during Covid, I bought an “antique building” two years after opening my original shop. What they don’t know is all the scenarios I have already run in my head.  Read more>>

Donovan Gary | Music Artist

I think risk are a pre-requisite of success. I think the goal for me is to take a form of calculated risk! Risk that come with a plan. Blindly stepping into things isn’t wise but taking a well thought out and planned risk can yield great reward Read more>>

Christine Tyler | Artist

I really believe in trusting your own instincts and questioning authority. If you feel your decision is right for you, do it! (as long as you’re not hurting anyone else). I see so many people who get so bogged down with decision making and questioning every angle that they never make a decision at all. If you make a mistake it is more than likely not the end of the world and maybe you’ll learn something about yourself from it. Read more>>

Valencia Neptune | CEO & Founder

One main philosophy of mine is to live life with no regrets. The only way that philosophy can manifest in my life is for me to take risks. It’s not always easy, but I choose to embrace it. I haven’t had any major achievements in my life that didn’t involve risk-taking. As a a woman of faith, risks and faith go hand-in-hand in my personal journey.  Read more>>

Mahamma | Artist

Risk taking are for people with courage. Risk takers are people who don’t want to have a stagnant lifestyle. I’ve been taking risks ever since I decided was going to be my career. I took an even bigger risk when I decided being a full-time artist and then moving to Atlanta to pursue that. Read more>>

TYESHA H. | DESIGNER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF HIZXHIERZ

Risks determines success! When I started my brand, HIZXHIERZ, I didn’t know how difficult it would be. Most times, even now, I have no idea of what I am doing or if it will work out. However, I allow my creative abilities to continue to motivate me, even during the times of uncertainty. Read more>>

Terrance Crawford II | Actor & Inspirational Speaker

I believe that risk taking is essential for accomplishing your goals. I think Covid was a blessing to a lot of creatives and entrepreneurs because with a lot of businesses closing during this time it forced people to really sit down and work on their ideas and goals. It forced people to create their own opportunities for themselves instead of waiting for someone to create opportunities for them. I wanted to create my own stability for myself and my son. Read more>>

Fantasia Tellis | Entrepreneur

To be honest. Everything I do be a risk, from the smallest thing to the biggest thing. I always see myself bigger than what I am in that moment and want to advance myself to the next level. If I see a good opportunity for me I’ll pray about it and take it. Read more>>

Jada Palmer | Real Estate Consultant & Economist

When I first graduated high school I went straight to college just because that was the norm in my family. After finishing my first semester with a 4.0 I thought it was going to be smooth the next 3.5 years. COVID hit and I was out of school and really didn’t know what to do. This is where my faith and alignment with my true purpose really tested everything in me. Read more>>