We asked the community what factors they felt were responsible for their success and we’ve highlighted some of those responses below.

J.W. Webb | Fantasy Writer

As a self-published author of 15 books, visibility is the key. Without that, you’re a ghost. Clear branding and good marketing are essential. For example, good (relevant) book covers that hint at the story inside and blurbs that hook the reader. Like any business, you have to stand out among your peers, and that involves a lot of work when you haven’t got the clout of a Stephen King or Brandon Sanderson. Read more>>

Lindy Picciotti | Wedding, Elopement & Lifestyle Photographer

Being successful is obviously such a reward when owning a business, but to me it is so important to make an impact on people. You can be successful by making a lot of money, or by constantly staying booked, but with my business I want people to keep coming back because they feel loved, valued, important, and beautiful, every single time they work with me. Read more>>

Amaris Pollock | Owner, Production Manager, & On-Air Host of Food, Farms, & Chefs Radio Show LLC

I strongly believe that the relationships formed with the individuals, respective businesses, and events that we choose to highlight are integral to the success of any entity. Whether you are first starting out versus owning/operating a well-established business, building a rapport with the people and their respective brand can open doors and build trust. Read more>>

Reilly Peshel | Guitarist/Singer

The most important factor behind our success would have to be the quality of the music we produce and the talent that we bring to the table and to every single show we play. When people see the passion we have on stage and hear our original music, they will continue to listen to us, come to our shows, and spread the brand name. Read more>>

Katelin Benkoski | Dairy Farmer & Credit Analyst

Passion and perseverance. Working in production agriculture can be extremely challenging, as well as rewarding. Day to day we are a fully operational family dairy farm, but we have also diversified into agritourism. We are passionate about teaching others where their food comes from and giving folks the opportunity to interact with livestock that they may not have otherwise. Read more>>

Willie Stone IV | Content creator, model and creative

One of the most important factor to my success is consistency and the willingness to keep going and not worry too much about how many likes or views I get and more so of the enjoyment and process of everything Read more>>

LuWarren/Glizzy | Artist

Me being myself finding a way to express myself in multiple ways giving others a view of where i come from, how i feel and what i go through. Read more>>

Jorge Roman | CEO & Owner of Jorge Media

Great question! In a space that at times can feel quite competitive at times, I look to differentiate myself with custom media solutions that are developed with client’ first approach from end to end. What I mean by that is that I do my best to place myself in the position of my clients. Read more>>

DeSitaa Lipscomb | Owner Grace First Video Production Company

The most important factor behind the success of my brand is God. Without him nothing is possible. I feel like being sensitive to how I should make certain moves is directly tied to God’s influence and Grace in my life. Read more>>

TY-44 | Artist & Model

I’d say the most important factor behind my success is the support of everyone who’s been apart of this journey. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without my producers, (TK, Rtillery, & Doszachys), my family, and friends around me. I feel like this coming album, Moth, is a depiction of my musical career up until now. Read more>>

Leti McKay | Career Strategist & Business Owner

‘I believe the most important piece that has contributed to a lot of success at MSS has been building strong business relationships with my clients even after the “service is completed”. I think follow-ups is essential to maintain those connections, by celebrating my clients along the way in their career successes whether that’s a promotion, joining a new company, or even adding a new certification/degree under their belt! Read more>>

Darren Darnborough | Actor & Co-Founder of WeAudition.com

I think that one of the things we’ve done really well with the brand WeAudition is to keep incredibly consistent with our branding, logo and brand values. I remember trying to define our brand values specifically early on… it’s a tough thing to do, but as you grow the company, innovate and interact with your customers, it becomes a lot clearer. Read more>>

Yanni BK | Creative

The most important factor behind my success are the two cities I have been blessed to call home. I spent most of my childhood in Brooklyn, New York raised by a family of avid hip-hop fans. During the 14 hour car rides to Atlanta with my aunt and cousins, we listened to Jay-Z’s “The Blueprint” album on repeat. Watching movies like Crooklyn, Paid in Full and Juice at a young age influenced my storytelling/rigid style of visual documentation. Read more>>