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.

Montez Harris | Business owner, producer, songwriter, engineer, chef

Passion for Music: Love for the craft is a powerful motivator. People are drawn to working with those who are genuinely enthusiastic. Building Relationships: The list of artists you’ve worked with suggests a strong network of contacts and the ability to build trust and rapport with creative partners. Read more>>

Beth Hughes | Candle + Apothecary Artisan

Finding and shining my own little light. It’s a little corny, we know, but its true. Authenticity has kept us going and open for a decade. Every single product we have launched is a direct emotional connection to my story and journey. I think people FEEL that when they light out candles or use our soaks. Read more>>

Veronica Kelly | Big Band Jazz Singer & Technology Enthusiast

I have learned my inner circle is the most important to my personal and professional success. Who I allow to have access to me and the things they can speak into my life can directly affect what I know my purpose is and how I pursue it. Read more>>

Sherika Nicole | Entrepreneur & Line Dance Instructor

I have created a safe space for people to come and be themselves. A setting where all ages, races and gender can learn different styles of line dancing. Read more>>

Chris Busby | Personal Trainer

We have two guiding values for everything we do at Live Oak Fitness: 1. Honesty and integrity in all that we do. 2. A Team of Fitness Professionals dedicated to changing people’s lives. At Live Oak Fitness, our staff has worked to provide honest information with the highest integrity to all of the clients we get to serve. Read more>>

Stafford Braxton | Santa Handler

The important factor behind my success is the degree that representation is held in hearts of parents in regards to their children. Parents realize the importance of their children seeing themselves in the traditions that we hold dear & having Santas that look like them is just one thread of the delicate tapestry we call life. Read more>>

Darren Jones | Cosmetology Educator, Mentor, and Founder of Beyond Hair Education by DarrenJ

The most important factor behind my success is keeping God first, staying true to myself and my passion, and having great mentors and a great support system. God gave me a purpose. When I accepted this, I began to learn who I am. This lead to discovering my strengths and passions.  Read more>>

Chicona Kibria | Entrepreneur | Mother | Mentor

The most important factor behind the success of my brand is knowing that my hard work and dedication yields results that are more substantial than anything obstacles I’ve faced. Read more>>

Ashley Redwood | Dance Fitness Instructor & Wellness Advocate

The most important factor behind my success is my authenticity. I am a super minority in my industry — I’m a plus-size black woman in the fitness realm. I can’t be who I’m not and I refuse to shame myself for who I am. However, my authenticity makes me relatable as I’ve been just about every woman in the room. Read more>>

Paul Lizell | Real Estate Investor & Educator

Taking the time to do the due diligence on each property to make sure it’s a deal and to verify it with local realtors. Read more>>

Ayanna Castro | Founder & Chief Maven

There are several factors behind the success of my brand such as knowing my target audience, providing a unique value proposition, and consistency in content creation. However, the most important factor is authenticity and trust. My diverse professional experiences, certifications and professional journey, spanning city government, law, public relations, and media, add credibility. Read more>>

Christopher Joe | owner, Connecting with Birds and Nature Tours, LLC.

I started Connecting with Birds and Nature Tours, LLC October 31, 2018, to diversify the family’s Black Angus cattle farm. I credit our success to working effectively with partners in the birding and ecotourism community. I reached out to my state’s Audubon chapter as well as economic development departments to meet with professionals to help me get off to a fast start. Read more>>