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.

Tori Kravitz | Music Publicist & Journalist

I have always maintained the mindset that “the worst that could happen is nothing happens.” I think fear of rejection or failure are the only things holding people back from taking risks. The decision to take a risk feels empowering if we flip that around and ask “what happens WHEN I succeed?” I am not scared of being turned down or failing and that is what propels my success. Mindset is everything. We miss 100% of the shots that we don’t take! Read more>>

Fiyabomb | Gallery Artist

I believe that without risks being made, it is very true to what they say – there is no reward. Betting on myself along with believing and standing in confidence of what I do and bring has came with the most beautiful blessings and successes of my life and career. Being comfortable (in form of stagnancy) and playing things safe, yes of course has its own rewards, but you’ll never achieve more than what you would like if you stay there. Without taking risks, you’ll never be able to see the potential you’re capable of every single day. It’s almost robbing yourself of opportunities. Read more>>

Ximena Rosales | Professional Real Estate Agent in Miami Beach

I worked in the corporate world for over 17 years and in 2015 I had a professional crisis. I had “everything” in a good position, was well paid and a great experience on I I used to did, but I was not passionate anymore. I felt I had to make my next step. So I prepared myself for a year to take the risk and quit and leave what I had built to start with the next step. Which one? Honestly, at that point, I did not know. Read more>>

Ana María Caballero | Poet + Artist

Risk is inherent in all artistic practice—there is risk of rejection, risk of disregard, risk of lackluster execution. But I think that the greatest risk is that of not creating, of not writing. Personally, rejection hurts less than not making the time to write and share my writing. When I receive a rejection, I feel motivated to write more, write better, and resubmit. Rejections are in effect sources of inspiration. The greatest risk you can take in terms of artistic creation is delaying it. Read more>>

Jess Gaither | Creative Support & Organization for Interior Designers

Taking a risk has always been a scary concept for me. There are times that I look back at risks that I wanted to take, that I should have taken but when it came down to it I didn’t have the courage to jump. In the past few years and as I’ve moved through a few career phases, I’ve realized this fear of taking that leap was holding me back from pursuing a career I was truly passionate about. Read more>>

Melissa Batt | Christian Life & Business Coach

Throughout my entire life, I’ve always struggled with fear. A few of the big ones off the top of my head: Fear of others’ opinions Fear of failing Fear of looking stupid or like I didn’t know what I was doing Fear of rejection So, when I think about risk, I automatically think about the fears. For the majority of my life, I allowed those fears to hold me back. Read more>>

Marcia Hacker | Owner of Sauipe Swim

I have always taken risks, even before I started my business. Over 30 years ago I decided to study Computer Sciences in college. Back then men dominate the field of computers and engineering. After college, I made the most risky move of my life. I left my home, family, and friends in Brazil and came to the United States. I did have about $500 in cash and a small credit card. Although I did not initially have a job, I did come legally and was hired by a large consulting firm, where I started to work in my field of systems engineering. Read more>>

Connor Totten | Fashion Designer

I find risk taking to be very important to success. By taking risks creatively, your making something that’s new and commonly slightly controversial and by doing so, that’s the best way to get your name out into the world. If you play it safe all the time, no one is going to care. But if you take risks with your work, your gonna be more attention grabbing and noticeable by people. I take risks all the time with my work by using materials I’ve never used before, silhouettes I’ve never created or seen, and all of those risks have always lead me in the right direction and have even won me awards. Read more>>

Rogerio Peixoto | Visual Artist

To live is to take risks and to mitigate the possible damage it takes a lot of discipline, ethics, commitment, seriousness and tranquility to always move forward, with business is no different. Read more>>

L.T. Phoenix | Poet/Writer

I think it’s essential that we take risks as human beings. Taking risks inspires a level of vulnerability. I think even if we aren’t comfortable in doing so, we should aim to try. You can learn so much about who you are and what you’re capable of when you allow yourself to take a leap of faith. Maybe that risk can turn into a lesson, a blessing, even a passion project. Maybe your ability to take a risk can help someone else,, whether it’s by sharing experiences and or gaining a new perspective on life. Read more>>

John Noltner | Photographer, storyteller and inspirational speaker

Trying new things involves risk. Sometimes we try to reduce the amount of risk in our lives, but in the process, we insulate ourselves from some of what is best about life. Amazing experiences and rich relationships. My wife Karen and I sold our house in the fall of 2020 and in the midst of a global pandemic, we went fully nomadic. First in a 34-foot RV and now downsized into a van named Vinny (Van-Go). Read more>>

Stefani Petrillo | Licensed Esthetician & Makeup Artist

You know the saying “sink or swim”? I try to keep a “swim or swim” mentality when it come to taking risks. Most of the risks that I’ve taken in my career/life have been somewhat impulsive. But they have all played a role of forcing me to grow into the next phase. Taking the leap towards something that feels right to you, even with the possibility of failing.. will at the very least create a new opportunity for growth. Read more>>

Sofia de la Vega | Crystal Connoisseur & Herbalist

Risk taking is always scary, but as I learned after leaving my office job – the leap of faith is always worth it if you’re investing in yourself. When you know the risks but you jump anyway, the universe will always catch you. Leaving my role after 5 years to pursue my own ventures was terrifying and took a year of planning before fully committing to it. I was giving up what was familiar, my routine, and the scariest part as someone with an illness – incredible health insurance. Read more>>

Debra Somerville | Photographer

I’ve learned to say “yes I can” to new situations. As a photographer for over 20 years saying yes when presented with a new photography opportunity, even when unsure, is the best advice I can give. Risk taking is key to success & if you don’t step out of your comfort zone you will never grow! There have been countless times in my career when I have doubted my abilities & talent but non the less persevered. The best advice I received from a pretty famous cinematographer early in my career were 3 simple words, why not you? Step out, take risks, believe in yourself because if you don’t someone else will and “why not you”? Read more>>

Veronica | Owner, Rainbowlicious Deelites

Risk is necessary – with anything in life. The key is determining your own comfort level with it. It’s taken me some time, but I’ve realized that all great things that have happened with my business have come from taking a risk. I started Rainbowlicious Deelites in October 2020 – a day after the company I was working for closed due to the pandemic. Almost instantly I was convinced to take a bet on myself, and offer for sale what so many had told me I had a talent for – baking and desserts. We initially started in that holiday season with a limited menu of rum cakes and crema de vie. Read more>>