While it’s inspiring to read high level summaries of success stories, we think it’s just as important to learn about what drove the success and made it possible. We’ve asked some of the brightest folks we know to open up about what they believe was the most important factor behind their success.

Kristi Taylor | Actress, Director, Producer, Singer

Having a great attitude and always being 100% prepared on the day of filming has led to my success. It’s more than just talent. It is having the willingness to constantly learn and grow in my craft. This is vital to becoming successful in the Film Industry. I understood that I needed to take the time in between filming gigs/jobs to take a class to expand my skill set. Dialects, Improv, script analysis, methods of acting, on camera classes etc. I did my research and took or attended these workshops or classes from reputable people and studios. I also believe we can learn a ton from those we work with on camera. Please, listen to your castmates and crew. They might not be in a scene with you or even on camera, but you can always learn something from those around you. Analyze it and see how you can use it in the future. I’m not saying copying mannerisms or how an actor does their actions…but rather, it’s noticing the minutia around you that make the difference when you apply them in the future. Why does an actor make that choice to say a line a certain way, or move their body the way they do when they say that line? These small things can make or break the believability barrier to the audience. Your mind is a huge sponge, soak up your surroundings! Read more>>

Whitney Alexandra | Performance Coach for Women Entrepreneurs

The most important factor behind my success has been learning how to create my own inner champion. Most people are influenced by their inner critic, but I find real success is in creating such deep belief in you, your product/service and taking action like a champion. Spending time building up your inner champion by affirming good thoughts, celebrating your successes and cheering yourself on all important parts of this! You have to learn to celebrate yourself and push through when no one is watching you. Read more>>

Jamecia Jackson | Artist/Performer/Painter/Creator

The most important factor behind my success is having God first in my life and having the support of my loved ones. This support has enabled me to fly without falling. There’s a security in knowing that as a last resort, they will keep me upright. Both encourages me to pick myself up and dream an even bigger dream! With this, I have no fear being my truest authentic self through my music and the peoples acclimation. These factors are a few of the integral parts behind the success of my brand. For starters, heal yourself from past endeavors, pick yourself up, improve your game, and dream a bigger dream! Read more>>

Kelli Jenay or K | Director

I believe the most important factor or factors are mental health and purpose. Those two play a major part in why I am, where I am now. I’m starting over, but I’m more driven, resilient and ready than I ever was. Read more>>

Alexa Ben-Israel | | Pastor and Board Certified Counselor, MA

As a result of my obedience, I have been able to achieve success in my life. According to Webster’s Dictionary, this is an act or instance of obeying, but obedience is often considered a dirty word. If I were to define obedience, I would see it as a training ground for what the Lord is preparing to bless you with, and the question is whether he can trust you to be there, show up, or if you are just going to come collect, and then leave. As a result of trusting in God “ELOHIM” and knowing that all things will work out according to his plan and not mine, my success has been a direct result of trusting and knowing what God has required me to do. Read more>>

Greg Henderson | Owner Atlanta Vintage Guitars, Musician, Songwriter

Atlanta Vintage Guitars is a living breathing thing on its own, due to our previous founder, and some of the amazing guitars that passed through his doors when the store was located in Smyrna GA, I really had no business opening a brick and mortar store but I did, we have had people half heartedly want to help us in investing but they were not as committed as I am to growing the store and surviving in this very uncertain climate, My vision has been and keeps being, if I were a guitar player and loved guitars and all the things that go with them, what would I want to see in a guitar store. We do sell expensive vintage items, but I came up with the phrase Affordable Vintage and also Where Guitar Lovers Shop !!! So I usually work 6 days a week 9-11 hours a day and the will to keep going to do whatever it takes to make customers happy and keep them coming back ! Read more>>

Robin Tucker | Business Consultant

As I’ve embarked upon this entrepreneurial journey, one of the most important things I’ve learned is that you must have mentors. Not just one, but many for various aspects of your life, business and/or career. I personally believe you should have a spiritual/life coach mentor, business mentor and financial mentor. Having several mentors give you targeted advice/perspective. It also keeps you accountable in various areas. Read more>>

Lotoya Vongrechin | Event and Wedding Producer

The most important factor behind the success of my brand V Agency as an event and wedding production company for 16 years is our ability to serve our clients. My team and I have a relentless commitment to personalization and attention to detail. Every event is unique, and we approach it with fresh eyes and a bespoke plan. We don’t just create events; we craft experiences that resonate deeply with our clients and their guests. This approach has not only garnered us a loyal client base but also has helped in establishing our brand as a synonym for quality and exclusivity in the events industry. Furthermore, our capacity to seamlessly adapt to changing trends, economic shifts, and cultural evolutions, all while upholding a high standard of service, has been key to our enduring success Read more>>