A host of factors, developments, and dynamics have made most industries more competitive than ever. As a result so many of us wonder whether there is still such a thing as work-life balance. We reached out to the community to hear perspectives on finding the right balance.

Holly Smith | Owner + Photographer | Holly Ann Co

Never stop showing up. Do something towards/for your business everyday. Whether it’s going into the community building those longtime connections or continuous education towards your craft.. Read more>>

Bryson Darnell | Aesthetician

I’ve always heard “success comes to those who work hard”. Although true, my success has been powered by a deep rooted passion for becoming the best possible version of myself. That passion comes from watching my parents continually strive for perfection and growth in their lives, both personal and professional. As I watched and learned from them I saw all the qualities it took to become successful, so I applied those qualities to my life. That’s when my Aesthetic journey began. As a new Aesthetician I instantly knew I wanted to be in the medical aesthetic industry. Every job I got at first was with day spas so I spent so much time and energy training and learning new skills to reach my goal. Then I did it! I got a job in a Medical Spa, known as OVME, as an Aesthetician. Read more>>

Melissa Scott | Loc Solutionist & produce and manufacture natural hair products

The most important factor behind my success and put my brand is healing people scalp. Restoring, Regrowing, & Replenishing Healthy Hair. Read more>>

CRUZ The Dame | Singer-Songwriter, Entertainer, Creative

The most crucial factor behind the success of Vintage Music, embodying the brand promise of “something old and something new,” is authenticity. Authenticity serves as the cornerstone, distinguishing Vintage Music from other brands in the market. While many may associate vintage with a sense of nostalgia and the past, Vintage Music goes beyond mere retro aesthetics; it introduces a novel and innovative flair to the experience. Authenticity, in the context of Vintage Music, means that the brand stays true to its promise of blending the classic with the contemporary. It’s about creating a musical atmosphere that may evoke a sense of familiarity, yet it consistently introduces elements of innovation. Read more>>

Mike Williams | Author&Tutor

God! Read more>>

Mike Ebron, Jr. | Apostle & Global Mentor

Success is defined different for everyone. Have I arrived fully at success? No. As I reflect on nineteen years of ministry I have accomplished many things. To be honest many things I had no idea were apart of God’s will for my life. I was simply trying my best to obey him. If I had to sum up some key factors behind the quote unquote success it would be consistency, transparency, and relatability. Nineteen years is a long time to work at anything. Through all the ups and down I stayed Consistent. Making me a stable and building that reputation with the community. Transparency is vital. Read more>>

Jake Diaz | Bartender

I believe the most important factor behind my success is my ability to make everybody and anybody feel comfortable at my bar. I treat people like they’re at my hanging out with me in my living room and that’s just who I am as a person. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from or what kind of service you’re expecting, anybody can sit at my bar and be comfortable including people who just want to be left alone and chill. I really love what i do and I strive to learn something from everybody that comes in, I’m not too good to cater to everybody’s personal wants or needs and I am never above making the customer exactly what they want but if they’re willing to explore new cocktails and experiences that’s what I’m here for. Read more>>

Jordan Benton | Hair colorist

Diversity is the most important factor behind my business. I say that because I don’t want my business to look like everybody else’s I want a different look so if you look on my page, you see, I have different colors, different styles, different wigs and different flyers. Read more>>

Victoria Lartey | Filmmaker and Director

The most important factor behind my success is God, because with God–success looks different. In an industry where the saying “you’re only as good as your last project” stands true, it’s easy to get caught up in the accolades, mass recognition, and clout. So you can only imagine how one might feel when they don’t have those things (yet or anymore). In this season I’m in, I’m huge on letting God lead the way while I’m putting the hard work in to do my part. This industry can be filled with ALOT of no’s, not yet’s, and “hurry up and wait’s,” but the key is to keep going despite what it may look like and despite what you feel. And I don’t know about you but I would’ve BEEN QUIT (lol) if it wasn’t for my faith and knowing that there is a plan for my life. Read more>>

Armani Walton | Gay Influencer & Panelist

There have been several factors that have actually evaluated my success as a LGBTQ influencer in the print modeling , brand ambassador , gay adult entertainment industry and my event hosting’s as well. First its the education that I have behind each field of work that I handle . I take the time to analyze and really study what I want to be successful in . Having a honest and non-stop work ethic that has really played a huge part in me being able to live a life that i desire as a black gay man. Staying authentic and thinking of new creative ways to keep my audience engaged in my work goes viral most of the time and allows me the opportunity to connect with other successful individuals to take my career to the next level. Read more>>

Joshua Neal | 25 year Fitness Pro. NASM PT, 200hr YTT, Dance Choreographer, Lifetime Studio Leader and Live Stream Hub Producer

Being in this fitness industry and being a top performer for 25 plus years, the most important factor is consistency, striving to be the best version of myself instead of trying to compete and understanding that my purpose it to help others be the best version of themselves Read more>>