Legend holds that Cornelius Vanderbilt had built a massive fortune in the steamboat shipping industry, but then realized the railroads were the way of the future and invested almost his entire net worth into railroads. The gamble paid off and made Vanderbilt one of the wealthiest entrepreneurs ever. But risks are inherently…risky. How do you think about risk and how has it affected your life and career? Some of our community favorites share their perspective below.

Canessa Thomas | Artist & Business Owner

Risks are necessary in life and business. Life is filled with uncertainties. You must be able to weigh the options and be willing to make decisions without having a guarantee of a specific outcome. I take calculated risks. I look at the best and worst-case scenarios. If I can accept the worst-case scenario and the reward is well worth that risk, it’s a go for me. My life and business has been filled with my taking risks. I have won some and lost some. I regret none. Read more>>

Leslie Avila | Project Manager and Body, Mind, and Soul Integrative Practitioner

Risk-taking is a skill that must be learned, mastered, and embraced by all entrepreneurs. It builds confidence and character, yet takes immense amount of bravery to embark on. Risk carries a scary denotation with it, but is as common as choosing what you’ll eat today for lunch. Read more>>

Savannah Vinson | Casting Director & Content Creator & Model

In the modeling industry, taking risks is essential for success. Starting your own casting agency also involves significant risks but can lead to more control over your work and income, and the opportunity to build a business that reflects your values and vision. To succeed, you need courage, determination, and a solid plan in place. Read more>>

Carlie Maxine | Master Cosmetologist

I believe risk are unfamiliar opportunities to win. In order to transform and elevate you must step out of your comfort zone and explore unchartered territory. Read more>>

Kennyetta Watkins | Licensed Professional Counselor & Podcast Host

Risk taking is such a double-edged sword. In one way it is ridiculously scary and in the most important ways, it is necessary. When I was younger, I was so calculated in everything that I did. I analyzed, overthought and cared way too much over what other people thought and wanted. Read more>>

Andre Tyrone | Singer/Songwriter in his own lane

It has taken me years to be completely comfortable in my own skin and comfortable with my voice, over the years I am consistently told that I have a beautiful voice, yet my musical peers cast me to side because I don’t sound like them, I remember I was invited to sing at an event July of 2019 the promoter called me and asked for a special song request and then asked me if I could give more with the performance, I asked what do you mean, and he said “I need more riffs and runs” Read more>>

Raysean Smith Jr. | Creative Director | Photographer

I view taking a risk as just going after what you want without considering any alternatives. Just climb the stairs; you don’t have to see the entire staircase. You know, the vision will become clearer as you proceed? Nobody was going to save me, I realized. That’s when the risk possibly began. I had to just take the chance and discover what this adventure had in store if I wanted to succeed. Read more>>

Samira Hardcastle | Visual Artist & Teacher

I love the quote, “If you don’t take the risk, you lose the chance.” I think risk is necessary to grow! The role risk has had in my life has been amazing. It isn’t easy to purposefully put yourself in uncomfortable situations, especially as someone with intense anxiety. Read more>>

Yaumar BigHustle” Williams | Serial Entrepreneur “

My whole life has revolved around not being afraid to take risk. With great risk comes great reward. I have lived this principle for as long as i could remember. My risk in the past was aligned with the wrong lifestyle until a real good friend called one morning around 6:30am and told me about the old fable involving the rabbit and the tortoise. Read more>>

Shari Fairclough | Graphic Designer & UX/UI Designer

Taking risks is an essential aspect of living a fulfilling life. The fear of the unknown often holds us back, but it’s important to realize that the greatest achievements in life come from taking risks. Whether it’s pursuing a dream, starting a new business, or traveling to an unfamiliar place, taking a risk requires courage and determination. Read more>>

Greg London | Executive Artistic Director, Long Bay Theatre

Risk certainly play the central role in the creation of my theatre, Long Bay Theatre in Myrtle Beach, S.C. as well as, the newly formed The Atlanta Institute of Musical Theatre with my partners Don Jones and Kristine Reese. How many parts of Theatre are really about potential. From the first thought, to opening the doors, there is a crackling potential that drives us to create. Read more>>