We asked rising stars from the community one of our favorite questions: other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?

Tiffany Lauren Jones | Agency Team Operations Consultant

The single most important decision I made that contributed to my success was to have true faith in God’s plan for my life. I learned to listen to God along the way and allowed them to order my steps along the way. Easier said than done, having true blind faith required me to tap into areas of myself I didn’t know existed and trust that the answers, resources and tools I needed along the way would become available to me at the right time — and they did. Read more>>

Fele` Yeldell | Licensed Esthetician

I’d say the decision to becoming more disciplined really helped me. For me, being disciplined trumps trying to find the motivation it takes to do something because without discipline the effort just isn’t there. Though I could definitely tighten up in certain areas, being disciplined in business drives my consistency. I’ve disciplined myself into promoting and marketing myself wherever I am, I’m disciplined on the customer service aspect and being personable with clients, and also making sure i’m fulfilling orders and keeping track of inventory. Once I trained my mind to stop looking to be motivated and becoming more disciplined, it really helped me see success is obtainable. Read more>>

Laray Dyer | Faith-Based Mental Health Coach for Moms

Growing up in the church, I remember singing hymns like “Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand” by Jennie Wilson. It starts with the lyric, “Time is filled with swift transition.” I did not know what that meant at the time, but there was something to swaying beside my grandma, among a cloud of witnesses who joined us in song, which brought about a sense of conviction and knowing that I would later understand. The single most crucial decision I made that contributes to my success is holding on to God. Read more>>

Jasmin Hamilton | Creative Entrepreneur

Doubling down on myself has been a huge contribution to my success. Entrepreneurship is hard, I’ve experienced many L’s that at times it bruised my spirit. I had to have a serious talk with myself, and say no one is making you do this, so if I’m going to continue pursuing a journey in entrepreneurship I have to believe in myself at a level beyond what I’ve known to exist. I bet on myself every time, I believe in my abilities, and every L that I seen as a failure have been lessons that I’ve learned from. Hardships and scary moments still exist, and I continuously remind myself that I am more than capable to handle all of it. Read more>>

Chasity Enticing | Artist Manager, Entrepreneur, Co-Founder & Media Executive

The single most important decision that I made that has contributed to my success is relocating. I am originally from the Southside of Chicago and that is where I started my music business journey. There are so many talented individuals in Chicago and I connected with so many great people along the way. I learned a lot in the process. Making the decision to take a leap of faith has allowed me to expand my business to a larger network and grow tremendously. Although things get tough, I wouldn’t change a thing. Read more>>

Quamane Favor | Serial Entrepreneur (business partner Shantel Smith, Serial Entrepreneur)

Honestly, Outside of working for myself, having a great business partner is the key to any successful relationship. Even though I previously had the concept of what our Show was suppose to represent, without my business partner we wouldn’t have developed the vision. Having my business partner Shanny D, was one of the most impactful decisions I’ve ever made. Read more>>

Raven Williams | Baker / Creator

What was the most important decision I made that contributed to my success ? Although I still have a long way to go to be where I want to be with my business. I think the most important decision I made was to get out of my own way & stay out of my way . Do whatever it is I need to do that when my time on earth comes to an end , I can go knowing I lived the life I was put here to live & I didnt sell myself short just settling and being average. I can reach any heights as long as I stay focused , work , & dont let anything or anyone get me off track. Anything I want in life is possible , I just have to work towards it and dont stop. Read more>>

Dr. Janelle Davison | Optometrist & Entrepreneur

The single most important decision I make that has always contributed to my success is “I bet on myself.” No matter what challenge is put in front of me I bet on myself. I know that as long as I am walking on God’s path and doing the work I will reach my goals. Thus, for the formula, my Confidence+Faith=Success has not failed. I am one of few private minority female-owned private optometry practices in Cobb County. I started my practice “cold” in 2010 during one of the worst economic recessions and my practice is surviving and thriving in a global pandemic. Read more>>