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.

Tyneka Wright | Financial Consultant & Strategist

The most important factor behind my success is staying focused and putting in the work to achieve my goals. I first learned the value of hard work back in college while studying for my accounting degree. While my friends were out having fun, taking trips, and enjoying their free time, I often found myself staying in, hitting the books, and working on assignments. It wasn’t always easy—there were plenty of times I wanted to join them—but I knew that investing in my education was crucial for my future. Read more>>

Cello/Phn

Success, in my opinion, should be self-assessed; comparing our success to others may hinder our happiness. When it comes to my brand, image, and message, success is reflected when fans share their interpretations of my music. Their interest in learning the backstory, streaming at 3 am, as if these aren’t some of the most vulnerable stories I’ve penned down, holds significance for me. This connection/success is what truly matters to me. Read more>>

Mitch Harris | Former Naval Officer | Former MLB Pitcher | Wealth Management Advisor

Understanding that the bar for me is set by myself and no one else. Perseverance played a huge part in allowing me to get where I am today. Read more>>

Charlene Wilhelmsen | Beauty Brand Owner & Serial Entrepreneur

The key to Wazuri Cosmetics’ success lies in my capacity to establish strong connections with our customers and deliver a highly effective product that delivers instant results, leaving customers with a magical experience. Read more>>

Jalyn Rangel | Martial Arts Business Owner

I think the most important factor behind our success is genuinely caring about each student (customer) and their needs. We pride ourselves in holding each student to a high standard. This can be difficult much of the time because it pushes people out of their comfort zone. Other businesses in our industry just treat each student as a number. It’s a pretty common term in martial arts to hear about “black belt factories” or “McDojos”. Those are the studios that give out black belts in 2-3 years no matter what. For them, each student is on the same timeline to their black belt. Each one of our students are different. Read more>> 

Cody Thomas | News Producer & Correspondent

Well, I don’t know if I’d necessarily refer to myself as “successful” just yet, given I still have a running list of achievements I want to accomplish. Maybe that’s just it…I’m rarely satisfied and continuously chasing the notion of “what’s next?” It’s not that I don’t enjoy the present and the coveted journey that many successful people speak about, but it’s a matter of never wanting to feel stagnant. I like to go about my life in as strategic and calculated a way as possible. Read more>>

Deniece Camille | THE Urban Love Therapist/ Relationship with Self Coach

The most important factor behind my success, and the success of my brands would HAVE to be Purpose and Patience. For me, having a Divine Purpose and reason behind my success, adds priceless value to my work ethic, profit margin, and passion of how I align to Source creates success for me! In having Patience with myself, my children, life’s obstacles has taught me slow and steady will ALWAYS win this race. Being diligent, and consistent with my craft will continue to keep me humbled and accomplished, day in, day out. I am grateful for the lessons, and the little things. Read more>>

LaTricia Akhagbeme | Actress & Singer

Without a doubt, my faith in God has been the foundation for everything I’ve had an opportunity to do creatively. I know that I did not give myself these gifts/abilities, so without that, I would not have been able to achieve any measure of success. I’m grateful! Read more>>

Nolen Tanner | Musician and TikToker

It was not an easy task taking on another instrument that I’ve never got my hands on before, but with strong dedication and perseverance, I took off with flying colors. My primary instrument is the Clarinet; self-taught for 5 years with it and still going strong. My spark for the clarinet started on Christmas Day on 2019 when my mother got one for me. At first, it was very difficult to play because I had no experience at all. Later on during the years, I excelled gradually with my skills I bestowed upon myself. Read more>>