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.

Kyuri Kim | Motion Designer

Risk, to me, is an essential element of growth and opportunity. While it’s important to make safe choices, I firmly believe that sometimes, taking risks is necessary to achieve great results.

The biggest risk I ever took was after graduating with a degree in Sculpture in Korea. I decided to pursue Motion Design, a field different from my major, and move to the United States to study it. I was worried about overcoming language barriers, cultural differences, and learning a completely new discipline outside of fine arts. However, I trusted my passion and chose to take the leap. Read more>>

Boss Tee | Lash Artist, Instructor, and Serial Entrepreneur

I see risk as a source of excitement. When I consider the risks tied to success, I recognize the transformative power they hold. I understand how embracing risk can shape your life, and how avoiding it can limit your potential. Taking risks is the path to greatness—it’s how you set limitless expectations and break boundaries that influence the future. Without risk, there’s no reward. Risk-taking is the essence of growth and progress in life and business. Read more>>

Michelle Sturgis | Interior Designer

By the time I started contemplating making a career switch, I had spent a decade building skills and rising through the ranks of ad agencies. The idea of leaving that behind to start my own interior design business was terrifying. I fell into the sunk cost fallacy, even though I knew that being a designer would ultimately make me happier.

The real mental shift happened when I realized that the risk of failure is far less scary than the risk of regret. I would much rather give something my all and make mistakes than wonder “what would have happened if I actually went for it?” As someone plagued by perfectionism, it took me until my 30s to arrive there, but once I realized that regret is actually the bigger risk, it helped put things in perspective. Read more>>

Maggie Wegner | Graphic Designer & Photographer

I think taking a risk can be a really positive thing. You never know what the result will be and that’s the scary part. The biggest risk I took in my social/ career life led to me getting my first salary job and hired before I even graduated college. I did a controversial photoshoot that got me noticed by my boss and began my career. Read more>>

Constance Marie | Friendship Coach

Taking risks is often essential for growth and stepping into new opportunities. For me, risk-taking has always been about trusting my vision and being willing to face uncertainty for the sake of pursuing something I believe in deeply.

When I started Issasistahood, it was a significant leap of faith. I didn’t know if people would support the vision of celebrating women’s friendships and fostering sisterhood, especially since I began with zero dollars and limited resources. It was a financial risk, but also an emotional oneputting myself out there and being vulnerable about something so close to my heart. Read more>>

Kamal Browne | Filmmaker & Teacher

Knowing when and how to take risks is essential. I love challenging myself to try new things because there’s always something to learn, no matter the outcome. Winning the Vans® Passion Project and Canon® Short Film contests showed me how stepping outside my comfort zone can open doors I never expected. Read more>>