In our experience, most folks, including ourselves don’t have enough of an understanding of risk and the role it plays in our lives and careers and so we have made a concerted effort as a team to have conversations about risk with our interviewees. We’ve shared some highlights below.

Alexandra Pica | Actor, Creative Producer, Yoga Instructor, Holistic Health Coach

As an Actor and now Creative Producer, I think taking risks is not only necessary for personal and professional growth but can take you places you never expected. I am a huge proponent of risks, as my career path requires A LOT of it. I took a risk graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre, I took a risk moving to Atlanta by myself to pursue Shakespeare and the Film Industry and I take risks in every job I accept; the most surprising one being the Executive Assistant to the CEO and Founder of Areu Bros. Read more>>

Donae Williams | REALTOR®

To be honest risk is something that changed my life! 2 years ago I picked up and moved out of my hometown which is Philadelphia to go after better career opportunities that are here in Atlanta. I didn’t have any friends or family here at all. I was on a mission alone. That risk I took is the reason why I am consistently prevailing in my real estate career now. Read more>>

Collins MYNDS” Ukegbu | Music Producer/Engineer & DJ”

I feel that taking risks is the only way to push yourself to be better at anything you do. It’s the evolution of inner growth within yourself. My career would not be moving in the direction it has been without taking risks. I am originally from Baltimore and moving to Atlanta was not an easy transition for me. Coming from a place where I know every one to a place where I know only hand few of people, I took that risk. I got uncomfortable. I did the grunt work. Read more>>

Angeló | Actor/Model

Personally I’m a big risk taker, it’s always all or nothing with me. Growing up I was always taught to never half step, if you’re going to do something just do it and give it your all in the process. Risk taking has got me further than I expected so far in my career, I used to always think I wasn’t enough or I was bad at what I was doing, but I never shy’d away from the risk. I always kept my head high and tried regardless of what my mind told me, and so far since I’ve been thinking like that I’ve been getting booked for movies/shows almost everyday. Read more>>

Kira Smith | Crafter

I think taking risks is absolutely necessary for growth in any area of life. I was scared to start my business and thought I had to have it all together and it had to look a certain way. That really held me back in the beginning. I eventually decided to just take the risk and learn as I go. I’ve been loving the journey ever since! I would’ve never knew what I know now if I hadn’t taken the risk and pushed through my fears. Read more>>

Lakeisha Jones | Plantician

As one gets older and has more responsibilities and commitments it gets harder to take risks. Risks to me, are actions that will provide future uncertainty. In my life and career – I took the risk of quitting my job in corporate America in which I was guaranteed a weekly paycheck to open a business full time and be in charge of my own paycheck. I own a home and am a single parent. Read more>>

Jeff Repko | Artist and Art Educator

I like to think of myself as a risk taker and someone who is pretty adventurous, although I definitely like to keep a plan B and C around. In art, risk taking is an imperative part of my process. Through it, you find the most unique, interesting and unexpected outcomes. From the smallest risk of combining weird colors together to the larger ones of putting myself in unfamiliar places, my studio practice is full of risk. Read more>>

JaCory Bazell | Business Owner and Photographer

I think about risk as something that is needed. When I take a risk it is usually because I believe a jump is needed or I need an extra fire or kick to keep me going. Risk has played a big part in both my career and life. I moved my life and business to Macon GA after building a solid brand in my hometown of Douglas GA. Moving to a city where I knew maybe five people and expecting to start a successful business was a big risk. Read more>>

Jean Preston Rex Marshall | Music Therapist and Audio Engineer

Hi! Rex and Jean here from Whisper Party! I think we both try to be calculated risk takers. Rex is a sound engineer and in 2017 he took a risk to go out on this own and established his company Full Circle Sound. Through years or networking, hard work, and long gigs, he has built a very solid reputation for himself and his company. I’m a Music Therapist who began my company Music Heals LLC and have contracted with numerous organizations in the community. We both felt fearful about taking these steps. Read more>> 

Janora Brown | The Voice Season 21

Risk Taking is absolute must! I believe your dream isn’t big enough, if it doesn’t require any risk taking. Risk taking is the first step to success. If I didn’t take a risk, I wouldn’t be where I am today! Read more>>

Edllusion | Illusionst

I started school in 2009 as an electrician and graduated trade school with job placement. I worked long hours only to stroll in the driveway every night at 9pm 5 days a week Monday to Friday. After some months of hard work I realized this job was not for me. I was sad to let go of the job because I had always worked so hard in school studying the required credits in order to qualify joining the trade school. Read more>>

Nysir Carter | Stylist & Image Consultant

I love taking risks. I’ve found that no one really knows what they’re capable of until they try. For me, I’d rather jump and find out what’s waiting for me, than to live forever with the thoughts of “Damn I wonder what would’ve happened if I did xyz….” Read more>>

Jada Samone’ | Model & Actress

Some risks may not pay off, but an optimistic risk-taker will always look at failure as an opportunity to learn. You should never be left wondering what could have happened if you had dared to jump in! Taking risks has gotten me many places in the start of my career in the industry. If I wouldn’t have never taken action towards my dreams those goals I had wouldn’t have never been achieved. Being a risk-taker has opened up many big doors for me, doors I used to dream about walking through. It has made me aware of what is truly important to me, what I want and don’t want. Read more>>