Risk is the most common topic that comes up in our conversations with entrepreneurs and so each week we ask entrepreneurs to talk to us on the record about how they think about risk.

Nadine Norvelus | Content Creator, Entrepreneur & Registered Nurse

In the past I used to think about risks in a fearful way. Today, I see risks as an opportunity. Taking risks has helped me tremendously in my life/career. I took a risk going to nursing school, then taking my boards and after failing, I took one last risk that placed me where I am today. In a much better place and in a new city, happier than ever. Read more>>

Laura Ann Hart | Entrepreneur, M.S.

Risk is a part of my life and honestly, I would not have it any other way. The old saying, no risk no reward is a saying I have see come true time and time again. I grew up with a father who is an entrepreneur. He is in his early 80’s and still goes to his office four time a week. I have not really known anything else. Read more>>

Aylon Gipson | Aylon Gipson, Morehouse Scholar & Advocate

I hold the conviction that achieving success necessitates embracing calculated risks both in personal and professional domains. Throughout my journey, there have been numerous instances where I ventured beyond my comfort zone, pursuing positions, grants, and a plethora of opportunities that might have seemed beyond my qualifications. Read more>>

Monae Alexis | Micro Influencer, Upcoming Master Cosmetologist/Creative Stylist/ Business Owner

Taking risks has been a pivotal factor in shaping my journey. Each risk I’ve taken in my life, business, career and school has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and push my boundaries. I consider risk a challenge and a chance. It’s the threshold between your goals, aspirations, dreams and essentially, the complete unknown- forcing you to leave familiarity behind. Read more>>

Oleithea Trail | Realtor

I’m all about taking risks. Settling for the ordinary just isn’t my style. I’ve gone after things that might seem out of reach, and you know what? Those risks have been the stepping stones to my success. They’ve taught me more than I can put into words and given me a confidence boost like nothing else. Read more>>

Makyah Dixon | Model and Content Creator

I think risk is a chance – a chance for change, growth, experience, and broadening horizons, among other things. I don’t believe risk is easy; in fact, I believe it’s one of the hardest things to do. What can be even harder is growing up while taking risks and soon realizing it’s always a 50/50 shot in the dark, and being okay with whatever comes out on the other side, whether it’s good or bad. Read more>>

Matt Reeves | Chef & Writer

Risk taking to me seems like a life long endeavor. There will always be more risk. If you don’t put yourself out there, if you just sit and watch all the parts move but don’t put your hand in, absolutely nothing will change for you. I’ve been homeless, I’ve been shot down several times, I have been in life and death situations where a ‘no’ wasn’t a possibility. Read more>>

Kimberly Hauser | Actress & Filmmaker

I think of risks as an inherent fact rather than some one-off choices we make. You’re always “taking a risk.” Every decision inherently comes with risks and repercussions, and since you’re always deciding something, to “be” is actually just a form of constant risk-taking. Understanding that every moment innately has risks has helped me put less focus on if a risk I’m taking is the “right” one and instead put my focus on if this decision/risk is one I personally want to take. Read more>>

Brittinie Love | Chef and Caterer

When I think of risks… I think about faith. I took a leap of faith believing God will cover and provide for me, choosing my passion over what I knew. I left corporate and what was taught and suggested to work a job for 30 years, save for retirement, and simply said to myself. There has to be more to life than this. Read more>>

Quintin Alexander | Actor/Director/Producer/Writer

I think that a risk in general is necessary for growth and character development. After-all, you never know who you really are until there’s a 50% chance of a “risk” being the greatest decision of your life or the worst possible outcome. One of the hardest things I’ve done in my life was take a risk of my gift, but I have learned to sit with that risk and map out the pros and cons. Read more>>

Amanda Niqole | Director & Producer

Being an artist is a risk in itself. Risking putting your thoughts and emotions down on paper, on screen or on stage is scary because your whole soul is exposed and it could go horribly wrong OR amazingly right. Risking the world to look at you through art is incredibly brave and authentic, and that’s why I believe it works for me. Read more>>