There are so many factors that can play a role in determining our results, performance and ultimately our success, but some factors matter more than others. We asked folks what they felt was the most important factor driving their success.

Erin Lacey | Knotless Braider

I feel the main factors behind the success of WhatKnotz ATL has been my ability to consistently provide quality service to my clients. My clients have come to expect a certain quality of work which I provide and because of this quality of work they return for repeat services. I provide a professional atmosphere but pride myself at putting my clients at ease. I treat my clients the way I would want to be treated. I also put in a lot of time in marketing WhatKnotz. Read more>>

Chaze Riggins | Fashion designer

The most important factor about success is my support system of friends and family believing in me and my dreams. My brand fly billionaire clothing has played a major role in my life by motivating others and Encouraging others to chase their dream and be a creative in this world we live in. Read more>>

Katie Voelpel | Co-Founder & Executive Director

I believe the two most important factors behind my success are my passion to always be learning/adapting and my passion to be a great leader. I am happiest and most motivated when I am connecting people and ideas, and helping others to feel fulfilled in their work. I find great joy in empowering the people around me; an example of this is the strength of the Virginia Highland District team of 12 dedicated volunteers, growing the brand to where it is today out of the love and joy in their community. Each volunteer has unique skills that they bring. We all show up when we feel important and needed, and I believe it’s possible to make a difference in your community and have fun in the process. This is what inspires me and what I attribute to both my success, and the success of VDHA. Read more>>

Vee Amorrr | Trainer/ social media influencer

Consistency. Putting work in everyday even if your not getting paid. If you love what you do the money will eventually come Read more>>

Star Ericka | Serial entrepreneur and wealth strategist

The most important factor behind the success of my brand is the impact and success of others! My main goal and purpose is to transform lives. My biggest flex is helping others succeed, achieve financial freedom, reach higher heights. Honestly and truthfully the best and most rewarding part of my career has been the fact that not only was i able to grow and scale my brand, I’ve been able to reach, teach and service over 600 people across 26 states! Read more>>

Ali Payne | Portrait Photographer: Professional Headshots, Personal Branding, Senior Portraits

For better or for worse, I am unabashedly honest and a perfectionist. These qualities can be off-putting in some respects, and I’ve seen the negative impact of such qualities, but I believe those same qualities have helped build the success of my business and a meaningful brand. In terms of honesty, I’m not in the business to earn a quick buck. I want what is best for my clients and if something doesn’t sit well with me, I address it. If I’ve made an error, I admit it and fix it. There’s no tiptoeing around when one makes a mistake, just own in and do what can be done to correct it. Read more>>

Catrina DaCosta McAfee | Executive Director of LaAmistad

The desire in each individual to want to make our world a better place. When anyone pauses and asks themselves, “What can I do to create long-lasting and immediate positive impact in my community?” The answer to that question is finding a way to selflessly give back. Whether that is through volunteering your time or making a donation to a nonprofit, your action cascades and grows beyond the individual and positively transforms our community for the better. There’s no better way for us to create quick and lasting change than through education. Read more>>

Sadjr Williams | Professional Makeup Artist

Staying true to my authentic self. Beauty is one of the most saturated industries, and it’s incredibly easy to lose yourself in what’s popular in the moment. It’s important for me to stay true to myself, my style and approach to makeup. It gives my ideal client the confidence to sit in my chair and know there’s a space for their true expression too. Read more>>

Javisha Lasheaa | CEO and Founder of Winning SZN

Consistency. From my experience, consistency has been the single most important factor to ensuring success of any brand. Consistency creates accountability. Companies need to have accountability in order to create a good reputation and brand presence. This explains why most companies will have a form of structure like 40 hour work weeks and meeting deadlines for tasks. This structure keeps them consistently getting tasks completed, ensuring long term growth in the business. It also reflects on a company’s values and standards. In the fashion world you cannot just release two collections and then take 2 years off. Read more>>

Rowe Jones | Hairstylist & Salon owner

The most important factor behind my success of my brand, is making my clients look and feel confident and beautiful about themselves. Read more>>

Codi McIvor | Interview Host / Videographer / Content Creator

I would say hard work and dedication. without these two things I would not be where I am today and I truly believe people notice when you are putting your hard work towards your brand. I also believe you need to truly love what you are doing as that will push you even more to succeed with your brand. Read more>>

Dasia Johnson | Professional Makeup Artist & Instructor

Believing in myself. While running a business it’s easy to get distracted by whose not supporting you. It used to make me question my talents. Once I started believing in myself, everybody else’s opinions became secondary. It is one of the most important factors behind my brand because I don’t seek validation for motivation. I motivate myself to keep going. Read more>>

Jessica Burns | Author and Entrepreneur

Authenticity, intention and integrity. They are all necessary as there is only 1 authentic you, our intentions behind what we do provides the passion and energy needed to create and integrity that is the foundation for long haul of organic growth and maintaining our relationships. Read more>>

Turkey Chareunsouk | Tattoo artist

The most important factors behind my success? With out a doubt my wife and my kids. With out their patience love and understanding I wouldn’t be doing what I love till this day. They are my biggest support system and cheerleaders. Hell my wife pushed me to my limits when it comes to creatively and with her knowledge in business formed and shaped me in this industry. Read more>>

Shai Ellison | Wine Tasting Coach & Entrepreneur

The most important factor behind the success of Velvet Vino Tours is the commitment to treat each client with the same type of kindness and hospitality that we would treat family. By treating our clients like family we ensure that we always go the extra mile to create a fun and memorable experience. Read more>>

Mich Page | Celebrity Makeup Artist

One of the top factors of success for an artistic professional is ALWAYS practice. I was having a conversation the other day where someone said to me, ‘It must be so exhausting- I feel like you’re so busy and you never stop!” to which I explained that there are two different kinds of work I do: Paid work for clients, and unpaid work for myself. While I feel like I grow a bit in both types of work I do, I grow substantially more when the work is for myself. Thats the time where I can push myself creatively and really focus on bettering my skills as an artist. When it’s a paid job, it’s “go time” and has to be what the client is asking for. Most of the time, that doesn’t leave a lot of room creatively and is more a time to test the skills I’ve practiced. So my biggest advice to practice your craft for yourself to grow yourself as an artist because thats truly going to lead to the most successful version of you as an artist. Read more>>

Shanai Jenkins Eyes Of Nai Photography | Photographer

The most important factor behind my sucess within Eyes Of Nai Photography has been making everyone feel comfortable within themselves. It has been a joy as I continue to watch my clients fall in love with themselves, through looking at their photos. A personal important factor is to always keep pushing. Sometimes you lose sight in what you want for yourself because life gets in the way. I find myself praying and meditating to keep myself grounded and it has been working ! Read more>>

Tia Lyons | Tia’s Tipsy Cocktails Mobile Bar Owner

The most important factor behind my success is consistency. I realized that you only get out what you put in. It was up to me to put the work in and brand my company to exactly what I wanted it to be. It’s also important to post daily on all social media platforms. Future clients have to know what you have to offer. Read more>>