We asked some of the city’s hidden gems to tell us about what they feel is the most important factor behind their success.

Markus Malone | Chief Executive Office/Owner of Manifest Ur Dreams (M.U.D.)

The most important factor behind the success of our company has been our understanding of being consistent, persistent, and resilient. We stick to our core values on an everyday basis. Our CEO Markus preaches that it’s not about the money, it’s about changing the lives of others who have dreams that have yet to bring forth their true potential to the universe. Markus’ mom taught him if you do something for money, you’re doing it for the wrong reason, and everything you do should be done in purpose to fulfill your goals. We have seen low points and high points within our company. There have been times where we didn’t have money to purchase shirts and get them printed or how we kept up with business operations. Read more>>

Elizabeth Kennedy and Ellen Cobb | Co-owners & Lead Trainers

Novo Fitness Studio’s success is dependent upon our prioritization of our clients. We always put our clients first and their needs are of the upmost importance to us. We are constantly asking ourselves, “how can we better the client experience?” Whether it is someone’s first time through our doors, or they’ve been with us since day one, we strive to make each visit to our studio one that makes them never want to leave. Read more>>

Kyra Crandol | Owner of The Kyra Danaya Collection

I would say that one of the most important factors behind my success/the success of my brand would be me changing my mindset! I would often set goals and write out things that I wanted to accomplish although deep down inside, I did not really believe that I would achieve them. I basically had “why me” syndrome. After shifting my mindset and believing that I could have all of the things I desired to have, I noticed a shift in my business. Read more>>

BJ Orr | Sr. Producer (Content Development)

My Network! You can study and work your butt off for years and never find yourself getting ahead. Key opportunities help to foster an environment for growth and development; providing you with opportunities to fail forward, gaining essential experience along the way. I received a majority of my key opportunities via associates, family and friends. I then used those opportunities as a means to leverage new opportunities and grow my brand. What you know is important; but who you know is vital! Read more>>

Amber Hill | Psychic Clairvoyant, Medical Intuitive, Life Coach, Mentor & Video Blogger

I believe the reason for the success that I have been experiencing is because I am being true to myself about who I am and that transparency is shining through to others. I am constantly pushing myself to be uncomfortable in order to stretch myself and my abilities. I am a firm believer that we don’t truly know what we can do unless we expand our thinking and ourselves spiritually. Read more>>

Melissa Levy | Interior Decorator

The most important factor that I would consider a huge part of my brand’s success is, my willingness to branch out from my typical style to meet the needs of my customers. As a designer it can become challenging at times to pull away from your normal aesthetic and style someone’s home in a totally different way. You have to be open minded, willing to research and to step out of your comfort zone. It took be a while to get there, but it is something I feel I pride myself in now. Read more>>

Monique Fisher | Co-Founder & President of xJ Ministries, Inc. & Co-Owner of xJ Apparel

Before I share my ideology on success, I will start with the benefits of branding. Branding not only sets my business and non-profit organization apart, but it represents the mission and promise to my supporters, whom I refer to as Models for Christ. The brand, which was given to me in the form of a dream by God, is xJ- Jesus is the Prescription. Within this brand is God’s mission to protect, help, and save people in need; a communication of love without judgement; and the logo whose intentional simplicity signifies the organization simple outlook to plant seeds of love,hope, and giving around the world through the love that is modeled daily by God. Read more>>

Victoria Brady | Certified Personal Trainer & Marketing + Consultant

The most important factor behind the success of my brand my level of transparency. I aim to be as thorough as possible with my clients as a way to build trust and ensure we maintain open communication. As a result, my clients are not only more satisfied but they also become loyal customers. Read more>>

Liz Williams | Fashion Designer & CEO

Faith in God and in the vision he gave me, has accounted for the success of the brand so far. What I mean by that is, God gave me this gift and this vision and so, I trust him to guide me. When I consult with him on what the brand needs, what it should do and be, and then I rely on what I hear from him, the resources and ideas flow most abundantly. I lack nothing in terms of what my brand needs to reach the next level and it is not because I myself have everything, but because I am willing to work the vision and walk out in faith. Read more>>

Shara Watson | Artist and Owner of JorTene’ Arts

The most important factor behind my success and the success of my brand is persistence in the face of adversity. Being an entrepreneur, a full time single parent and having a regular 9-5 is by no means an easy rodeo. You would think assuming all of these roles would be too difficult a task to juggle but managing my time effectively has played a major role in the continued success of my business, JorTene’ Arts. Following through although there never seems to be enough time in the day– working countless hours, late nights and early mornings. There have been several times I thought to myself this is not it–I am not receiving the type of business nor life I want or know I deserve. Read more>>

Angela Randle & Zandra Davis | Owners & Head Chefs

We are extremely meticulous about what we serve to our clients. We follow the leading sanitation and food safety standards. Beyond that, though, we are very particular about the ingredients we select and incorporate into our menu items. If they do not meet our quality standards, we don’t use them. Periodt (LOL). We also experiment heavily and perfect recipes before we offer or serve them to our clients because we truly aim for excellence. We want the people who choose us to be a part of their special events to recognize the commitment we have to customer satisfaction. Read more>>

Shontel Kealoha | Treat Maker

I’m sure I could list several things that aide in the success of the brand I’m building. Aside from putting out good product, I feel that I am the most important factor. I say that because I love what I do and it shows. I have a lot of personality and I never meet a stranger. I pride myself on providing the customer service that I want to receive as a consumer. Read more>>

Breonna Vereen | Jewelry Designer & Air Force Veteran

The most important factor behind my business and any success I’ve had up until this point is my faith in God. “Imani” mean faith in Swahili, and faith in God is what fuels me. There are a number of things that have happened within my span of doing business that cannot be explained. I now know that a situation that seems impossible with human resources is simply an opportunity for God. He has continuously showed up for me in unimaginable ways. I don’t take it lightly that he has blessed me with a gift of creativity and a platform. Read more>>

Celina Foste | Makeup Artist & License Esthetician

The most important factor behind my success is due to my transparency, being transparent with where I’m at with my business and where I’m heading. I understand that not everything Is going to be a smooth ride but I take those bumpy roads as lessons and adjust accordingly. Read more>>