Are you a risk taker?  Do you think you have a stronger appetite for risk relative to your friends and family?  We asked some folks from the community about their approaches to risk and have shared their thoughts below.

Frederic Loraschi | Chocolatier / Owner Frederic Loraschi Chocolate

Since creating Frederic Loraschi Chocolate in 2005 risks have been part of my daily life. Taking risk is necessary, every risk taken needs to be measured carefully, so it doesn’t turn into a failure, but rather contribute to the success story of your company. Giving birth to a business is never an easy task, and you have to accept that risk and stress will be associated with it. Read more>>

Stephanie Ruiz | Professional Makeup Artist

I am a firm believer that without risk, there is no reward. By constantly playing it safe, you are forming the habit of staying complacent within comfort zones. My personal mantra is that no growth can thrive within comfort zones. You have to set your goals, and not just mediocre ones that you feel are easily attainable…set goals that you fantasize of; that linger far past the skies. Then, put in the blood, sweat, and tears it takes to get it, even when you have so much to lose. Read more>>

Alejandra Umana I I am the CEO of Lavish Hair N ‘ Makeup Studio , Hair Artist & Makeup Artist

Taking risks changed my life forever. The moment i came into an understanding that if you don’t take risks in life you can never know the outcome , and if you never take a chance to find out the outcome you may lose the chance of something great! Opening up my buisness at 21 years old changed my perception of taking risks. I went in with a mindset that if I don’t take the leap of faith and hope that my buisness will grow I will never know the capability of greatness I can create. Read more>>

Karen Muirhead | Founder, CEO Honeybee Doughnuts SoMi • The Falls Shopping Center

I think a healthy dose of educated risk is important. If we are not willing to take risks, then how can we grow and evolve? There are times that we also just have to follow our gut and trust our instincts. We will not always be right, but we can always say that we tried our best. It takes courage to put yourself out there. With great courage comes great rewards. Opening Honeybee was a risk. However I knew with my creativity, business sense and proven research that I was making the right decision. Read more>>

Eric Nathan | Private Investigator

Risk is part of all our lives. As humans, we take risks to grow and develop. Even as a society, from energy to infrastructure, airport security, hospitals to housing, effectively managed risks, help us, our communities and our businesses achieve individual goals. Is it possible to live your life without taking risks? In my opinion, risk-taking is essential for growing self-esteem, learning new skills, making new friends, and embracing success and failure. Read more>>