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.

Bryan Majors | Modern Day Hope Dealer

The most important factor behind our brand success is The Art of Preparation. We have been preparing for our current brand status as a luxury athleisure brand for the last 11 years. Now to be in partnership with 80 teams, companies and or schools is exactly what we worked for. We take pride in providing distinguished luxury apparel. Read more>>

Nandita Bhagwandin | Small Business Owner, Full Time College Student

The success of my brand comes from me, being a dedicated and determined individual. I think about how I had this impulse to research and try out new things and I am so thankful that I created my business. The success stems from my personal beliefs as a business owner. I am a people person, I strive to make people happy. Having a product that so many people love and enjoy brings me nothing but happiness. My business was never about the money, Read more>>

Catherine M. Beaty | Beauty, Fashion, and Lifestyle Digital Content Creator

As a fashion, beauty, and lifestyle digital content creator, the most important factor for me is my ability to connect with my audience and build strong relationships with them. I try to do this by creating content that is engaging, valuable, authentic, and relatable and also making sure that I continuously interact with my followers. Read more>>

Amber Staples | Found and Creative Director of Stapled Events

My determination is what keeps me going and allows me to weather the storms of growing a small business. I come from a corporate background and have faced discrimination throughout my career. I was overlooked for promotions that I clearly deserved, my work was credited to my peers (typically men…. specifically, white men) and I had to do 10 times more work to get even a minimal amount of recognition. Read more>>

Maurice Clark-Wilkinson | President/Ceo of Kingdom Business Incorporated

Well, I must say that the most important factor behind our success and I say ours because my Co-Founder Derrick Grant, Marketing Manager Shayla McDaniel, and my board members that includes my little brother Jasir Clark-Washington are nothing short of amazing. The most important factors are number one a strong prayer life and an even stronger faith in God. Read more>>

Vibebrations | Artist

The most important factors behind our success comes down three things: Friendship, God and being Authentic. we would not be the artist we are today with the support and friendship that we have been blessed to experience. it really has been God sent on how this group was started and continues to grow. we do not take it lightly when it comes to making sure we are in alignment and being honest about who and where we are. Without these factors we would not be where we are. Read more>>

Jennifer Poon | Event Designer/Stylist/Artist

That is a very good question! Success holds different meaning for everyone but for me success comes from passion. As an event designer and stylist, I owe my success and the success of my brand to passion, it is what fuels my motivation to push boundaries. I ensure that every event is unique to each client by integrating their vision with mine. Read more>>

Bella May | Journalist

My mentality makes me successful, I believe. For me, success is subjective and has nothing to do with monetary value, but rather with how you see yourself. In my mind, what’s for me is what’s for me, and I don’t take things too seriously. In my job as a journalist, opportunities come and go and that’s fine. Read more>>

Yung Beria | Rap Artist

Consistency, dedication, sacrifices and believing in my self when no body believes in me and convincing my self I’m going to make it regardless if people don’t see my vision Read more>>

Dion Dupree | Entrepenuer, Visionary, Innovator, Mentor; Owner of Grind Mode Music Worldwide, Grind Mode Radio LIVE, UR Vision Television Network and Founder of Grind Mode Multimedia Productions Incorporated

The most important factor behind the success of me and my brand is that no matter how challenging things got with the business and my personal life, I continued to persevere. Knowing how important it is for me to not let myself down has had a ripple effect on those who have entrusted me with their business. Read more>>

Andre Soares | Brazilian-American Author, Screenwriter, Stage & Film Actor

Hey! Thank you for having me! So… Just a little context. I created my own publishing imprint and production house, Process Protocol LLC, in 2019. I needed a structure to claim ownership over my works: novels, screenplays, ad copies, shorts… Growing up in the Jay-Z era, I’ve always admired his business acumen, how ownership was always in the plans for him, ever since he started rapping in 88′. Read more>>

Alvin (Al) Pipkin II | CEO

KNOWLEDGE! A good percentage of recording artist have depended upon unreliable resources for information. There is no platform that shares information on the process after you have recorded your song. AOIR DISTRIBUTION and our affiliates educate recording artist and guide them through the process start to finish. Read more>>

Goldyard | Musicians & Fashions Designers

I think that the most important factor behind our success is the fact that we are always authentic and true to ourselves. We’ve always been versatile and very original which can sometimes be a hindrance, it also gives us our super powers and makes us, us. Our success in the industry wouldn’t be or feel the same without our freedom to express ourselves however and whenever we feel needed. Read more>>