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.

Naomi Dennis | Bookkeeping Professional & Cloud Accounting Firm Owner

When I named my business after myself, I didn’t know it would force me to learn so much about myself. The great thing about small businesses is the ability to connect with the owner. I had to find who I am for myself so that it could shine through my business. Read more>>

Lauren Gray | Photographer & Painter

The most important lesson that I’ve learned from running my business is that fear will hold you back from walking in your purpose. Society ultimately teaches us that if you pursue a career in art, you’re going to be broke. With that fear of being financially unstable and dependent on others, when I was in undergrad, I chose not to focus on pursuing a career in art but pursued a career in psychology as my main focus instead. I majored in psychology and minored in photography after being “undecided” for 2 years. Read more>>

Daniela Varela | Small Business Owner

I think the most important lesson my business/career has taught me is that even if you’re not an expert you need to start. I believe that most of us think we can’t start a business until we have money, until we perfect our craft or product but truth is you need to start now, there is no better time and time can’t be wasted. Starting your career and business before you think you’re ready will teach you so much about what you’re doing, Trial and errors are the best way to perfect what you do. Also the ability to keep going forward even in the most difficult time as a business owner, because at the end of the day it is about how well you can walk through fire, and I promise it will be worth all the sweat and tears. Read more>>

Mone Symone | Artist & Manager

The most difficult decision I’ve ever made was leaving my hometown in Chicago. Just moving all those miles away from my family was very hard for me. Read more>>

Tatiana Garner | T shirt shop

Deciding if I was going to have to shut down during the beginning of Covid. When covid hit alot of small businesses took a major hit because we had to shut our doors. I was determined to keep my dream alive and my business running and I did just that. I had to get creative Read more>>

Gabe Roziers | Professional Dreamer

I think the most difficult decision I’ve made is distancing myself from some love ones in pursuit of my dreams. I’ve found myself in situations where I realized that it was more important to guard and protect my peace and vision than it was to make others around me comfortable. Not everyone means harm or is out to get you. You will actually have people who truly love you and want the best for you, but still not understand what it is you’re trying to accomplish. You do know that people can love you and still not have a clue about what they’re talking about right? They can be your biggest dream killers if you allow it. Read more>>