Through our work we have been constantly amazed at the incredible things people in every neighborhood are working on. What’s even more exciting is that they all have different stories, backgrounds, strengths and weaknesses. That there isn’t a single formula for success means that everyone can take their unique set of strengths and characteristics and turn it into a success story. We recently reached out to some folks we admire and asked them what characteristics they feel are responsible for their success.

Genevieve Stevens | Photographer

The most important factor behind my success, is my daughters. I was so in love with my children and I always took photos, but they were never the photos you saw photographers posting. I went and had a session done of me and my girls and fell in love with how clear and vibrant the images were. Read more>>

Christa Boyd | Lifestyle photographer

The most important factor is the support around me along with the determination to succeed. I wouldn’t have been half the photographer I am if my family and friends didn’t encourage me to get out there and pursue this dream. I have thought about it ever since flip phones had cameras. Read more>>

Andrew Cruz | Musician

The most important factor behind the success of my brand is believing. First and foremost you have to believe in yourself before anyone ever can. I think once people begin to see that you believe it makes it so much easier to support. Read more>>

Naarah & Niomie Mitrou-long | Founders/Owners of Naomiekaybeauty

The most important factor is patience. We are patient with ourselves inclusive of building skills, building relationships, outsourcing products, constantly learning through trial and error, and so much more. We both have built a high level of patience to lead to the success we have, especially when considering all the errors we’ve made but we have used these errors to learn and improve. Read more>>

Kia Henley | (Entrepreneur) Owner – KChanel Styles

It is very challenging to attribute my success and the success of my brand (KChanel Styles – an online swimsuit boutique) to a singular factor, as I am a firm believer that my success is a derivative of a plethora of factors. However, if I had to pinpoint the most important factor behind my success and my brand’s success it would be my commitment to quality. Read more>>

Ameka Coleman | Founder and CEO

The most important factor behind the success of my brand has been faith and work! I am a firm believer that in order to reap the rewards from the harvest you have to put in the work. Faith alone won’t do it! Read more>>

Douglas Gomez | DJ/Producer

When it comes to my production, the most important factor has not only been the quality of the music I release but also consistency. There’s always room to improve and grow but, I can hear the difference between the early years of my music production to now. Read more>>

Marissa Thomas | CEO/CoFounder of For the Breast of Us; Patient Advocate and Healthcare Consultant

I believe the most important factor behind the success of For the Breast of Us is that the women are their true authentic selves and that shows in the blogs being wrote on the site, the images we show and the quotes from the women diagnosed with breast cancer. Read more>>

Kelly Quintana | Writer

I think many of us are starting to understand the negative impacts of the individualist culture of the U.S. and that’s so great because community is so important. Growing up, because I was in a Mexican family I understood the importance of community but unfortunately because of the circumstances surrounding my childhood I didn’t have access to that. Read more>>

Kristen Lee MA, LPC | Therapist & Life Coach

The most important factor behind my success, and the success of my brand, is who I am as an individual. My business is very closely tied to my person because, not only am I the face of my My Awesome Coach, I am also the primary person providing services. How I carry myself both in the world and in front of my clients is important. Read more>>

Hannah Aryee | Photographer | Co- Founder of Love In Motion

Our most important factor behind our success of Love In Motion, is our style of how we capture our bride and groom’s love story. We pride ourselves with our documentary style cinematography films and or fine art photography. Our goal is to highlight black love, and create generational artifacts that are priceless and captures the essence of love and family. Read more>>

Danielle D. Cooks, PMP | Founder & Lead Project Management Consultant

The most important factor behind my success has been my ability to pivot. Even while working in corporate, I was never afraid to move into a new position that was completely different from what I was currently doing. I’ve never feared the unknown, it actually excites me. Read more>>

Zachary LaVigne | Doctor of Chiropractic & Owner

The most crucial factor behind our success is that we genuinely care for everyone. From the moment our patients walk through the doors, they enter a serene space that calms the mind-body and soul. In addition, our sessions are typically longer than most, which gives us time to listen to all concerns and, in turn, provide them with the best possible care. Read more>>

Meg Indy | Artist

The heartbeat behind my work is story telling. Whether I’m giving glimpses into my own life or reflecting the journeys of others on canvas, the artwork I strive to create speaks beyond the art. This has been an essential part of my career, not only because it adds depth to my work, but more importantly, because it fosters community through the human experience. Read more>>

Mendey Nabie | Licensed Natural Hair Care & Luxury Extensions Specialist

The most important factor behind my success is my determination. I may take a break, but I never give up and I feel like that is so necessary when running your own business. Often times, being an entrepreneur can be difficult and it is hard to stick to the vision, but when you keep going you always see the fruits of your labor. Read more>>

Hermean Shields | Personal Guidance Coach & Hairstylist

The most important factor behind my success and personal brand is that I have never measured my growth to another individual or business. I have always looked at success as a self conscious journey that only I can determine when I have achieved it! Read more>>

Ashley Edwards | Philanthropist , Educator & Podcaster

The most important factor behind my success is God. God gets all the credit because He gave me my beautiful life. I’m grateful because He allows me the opportunity to full-fill my purpose everyday, and with Him, He has given me deep passion, a positive attitude & perseverance. Read more>>

Angela Jackson | Instagram Sales & Mindset Coach

One of my favorite quotes, and something that I tell my clients all the time is, “The mindset is the steering wheel to the business. Where the mind goes the business will follow.” – Angela Jackson I learned early on the most successful in business have a unique ability to control there mindset aka thaughts. Read more>>

Maxwell Mahieu | Musician and University of Georgia Graduate Student

Two years ago, if someone had told me that my group of friends and I calling ourselves ‘The Asymptomatics’ would someday be playing at the Georgia Theatre with eleven musicians onstage in front of an audience of over 350 people, I would have called them crazy. Two years ago, The Asymptomatics and I played for the first time ever in front of a real audience. Read more>>