How do you think about risk? What role has taking risks played in your life/career? Check out responses from hidden gems from our community below.

Trenton Pinkston | Founder of Hip Hop Appreciation

I think risk is an essential part of everyone’s journey, especially in business. People have to make decisions as to what they think is the best option when choosing a career path. Investing your time and money into going to college can be a risk in itself. Making financial investments, choosing job opportunities, and forming relationships with people are just a few examples of risk-taking that all of us experience. Read more>>

Celines Estevez | Actor

A lot of sacrifice is involved in being an actor, so taking risks is a must. It’s important for me to play roles that I’m proud of and who could act as a role model to other girls. Women are so much more than those one-dimensional stereotypes, and as much as I love romance movies, I’d much rather play a complex kickass character than a girl who just falls in love. Read more>>

Dulayne Cumberlander | CEO, Kirkwell Partners

I believe that risk taking is an important aspect of everyone’s life, not just their career. For me, risk taking allows you to be vulnerable and honest to yourself and those involved in the risk you take. Some people fear taking a risk because they are afraid of failure. Yet, when you take a risk there are only two outcomes… Read more>>

Andre Manga | Musician/Music producer/ Music instructor

I love taking risks ! I mean I feel like if I don’t take risks, I’ve already fallen. There have been times I had to make difficult decisions, and there were risks involved. I followed my instincts, and took chances. I can say it paid off. I believe that success is built upon taking risks. Read more>>

Sonjia Burns | Supervisor and business owner

I have always been a risk taker. I use risk-taking as a guide to help me with my business because if you don’t take risk sometimes you won’t know what’s at the end of the rainbow. A lot of times people wait until they have the right funding, ideas and resources but me when it’s concerning my business I dive in first because if I dive in first I know that when I run into a obstacle I will know what measurements to take. I started my business with no ideas, no thoughts and no understanding but I took what I knew and went for it. Read more>>

Ashley Rodriguez | Creator, Healer, and Community Leader

By definition, “Risk” is exposure to harm, danger, and or loss. All of the defining words, have a negative cognition to it, and anything that is negative, has an aspect of fear to it. So when I think of risk, I initially think of fear. I think of how fear has single handedly, destroyed any opportunities that requires myself to take a risk. Read more>>

Rebecca Davis | CEO, Platinum Beauty Bar & Spa

I think my middle name should be risk. Risk was quitting a 9-5 job 21 years ago and joining my husband in becoming an entrepreneur. Risk was opening a mechanic shop as everything was shutting down as Covid reared it’s ugly head in 2020. Risk is purchasing a 6500 square foot building in August of 2021 and turning it into an oasis in the middle of Covid and inflation. Read more>>

Wileen Johnson | Master cosmetology/ Custom Wig maker

I bet on myself every day, risk taking for me is stepping out on faith and believing that you and your brand will be successful. Risk taking to me essentially means that you have faith that you know deep down that you’re going to succeed in what you do! All it takes is one leap of faith and you believing whole heartedly that you’ll succeed in it. Read more>>

Emma Greene | Photographer/ Luxury Photo-booth Owner

A risk to me is doing something and not knowing the outcome, but believing in yourself that you can do it, when others might not. Being a full time photographer in itself is a big risk; you are not guaranteed clients, benefits, insurance, or money. When I decided to give it a try and go full time, I was definitely very scared. But I also believed in myself that I can do anything I put my mind to. Read more>>

Erin McDevitt | Personal Trainer & SAG Stunt Performer

If I am being really honest, risk taking has played one of the biggest roles in my life for as long as I can remember. I have been a dancer for 20 years now and upon graduating high school, rather than taking a more conventional route, I decided to move to Hollywood to dance professionally. Since then, I have taken every opportunity I can to travel, experience life, and follow my passions no matter how intimidating it may seem at first. Read more>>

Shonivia Edwards | CEO of Z’Nor Avenue Boutique

I believe if you never take a risk there is no way to truly know your potential or ability to go beyond average. Risk takers are brave; They’re bold, and there’s not always a lot of them. I truly believe you should surround yourself with people who are not afraid to jump! Take leaps and bounds that are unheard of, that’s what truly sets you apart. I’ve taken many risk! Some days I feel like too many lol but no such thing. Read more>>