We asked some brilliant folks from the community to talk to us about how they think about risk and the role risk has played in their lives and careers.

Melanie O’Shea | Founder and CEO of Equilife CBD and First Cut Organics

Risk tis an inevitable part of life. We all take risks frequently whether we realize it or not. The word “risk” often accompanies a negative connotation or emotion (usually fear based); but I strongly believe we need to shift that thought process. Risk could/should be seen as a positive emotion, one of possibility and growth. We have the tendency to focus on the potential pitfalls of risk and not the endless possibilities that can accompany risk taking. Read more>>

Aya Uekawa | Artist & Mother

Good risks can possibly initiate a positive change to one’s life, while bad risks have higher possibility of bringing negative results. But without risk taking, one’s life won’t change into a positive stage of life. Deciding which risk to take often comes from a fear of the outcome if one did not take the risk. Read more>>

Lexus Green | Lash Artist

For me personally, my greatest accomplishment has came from taking risks ; hence starting my business. When I first decided to take Prissy Missy serious I’d just quit my job, taking a few clients a week. I was self taught at the time but I believed in craft enough to continue going forward. Eventually I saved up the money to take a lash course & I haven’t looked backed since! I say that to say the risk was all worth so I’d rather do that than live with ‘What if’s ‘ Read more>>

SLM | Recording Artist

I think that risks are something that are a part of your everyday. Everyday is an opportunity to be faced with new choices which will lead to different outcomes. Everything is like math. Listening to your inner voice will help you take calculated risks in order to reach your desired outcome. Risk-taking has played a big role in my life – what differentiates my risks from the average person’s is that my career path is one that is typically seen as a bit unconventional or unattainable, depending on who you’re talking to. Read more>>

Leondra Mitchell | Guidance counselor And Self-made Boss

Taking risk is something great. When taking risk it has taught me to never give up and to always push forward no matter how many times you fall. I have failed sometimes but, the key is to always find a solution to the problem that you are having. Taking risk has led me to finishing and accomplishing my Masters in Psychology. Read more>>

Julie Khanna | Business Owner | Mother | Community Advocate

Everything I’ve ever done was a risk. I believe there’s a direct relationship between risk and success. I couldn’t tell you how many times I saw an opportunity and took it well before I was even prepared to, but I can tell you if I’m given an opportunity I am going to be successful with it. Read more>>

Toyonda Johnson | License esthetician & owner of KD Beauty Bar

My business has put me in a position where I had to take a risk. Taking a risk can be very scary, so my experience has taught me to have faith and just do it no matter what the outcome can be. It’s two things that can happen you gone succeed or you will fail but it’s up to you on what you want that outcome to be. What effort did you put into it? Did you give it all you had? Read more>>

Armando Lopez | Advertising Agency Executive, Investor

Risk-taking has been and continues to be one of the most important factors of my professional career as well as my personal life. From an early age, I witnessed as my parents made the decision to emigrate from my native country in order to provide a better future for my brother and me. Such a decision did not come without enormous risk and uncertainty, but it definitely helped shape my attitude towards risk-taking. Read more>>