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.

Ashley Kramer | Online Boutique Owner

At 24 years old, opening a business was the biggest risk I’ve taken in my life so far. I really stepped out of my comfort zone by resigning from my secure corporate job with no idea what the future of owning a business really meant. I fully invested all my time, money, and energy into the launch of Approval, my online women’s clothing boutique. It has been a humbling, but extremely rewarding journey. I have no regrets and am so happy I took this risk! Read more>>

Marian Paternina | Artist & Designer.

I believe that taking risks is what has led me to where I am now in my professional career. I believe that the search for a solution to a problem will always contain a risk factor. Creativity must be fed to give way to making the right decisions, As a designer and now also as an artist, from lettering to the world of murals, I get with my favorite passion: the implementation of ideas that allow me to experience my artistic world and offer innovative solutions. Read more>>

Benjamin Marchant | Owner – Ellie Mental Health, Weston

We have all had these introspective moments, where we contemplate the risks of inaction and the weight of unexplored dreams. Coined by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and introduced to me when I worked at Amazon for 4.5 years, this model focuses on making decisions by envisioning the future and minimizing the potential regrets for not taking certain opportunities. Read more>>

Emily Prada | Destination Luxury Wedding Photographer

Risk-taking has been an integral part of my journey as a wedding photographer, especially after recently opening my own photo studio. To me, risk isn’t just a leap into the unknown, but rather an opportunity for growth, self-discovery, and pushing the boundaries of my creativity and capabilities. It’s a space where beautiful things are born if you work on yourself enough to see past the fear of the risks you take. Read more>>

Camara Aunique Helps | Ceo/ Founder/ Celeb Makeup artist

Taking risks is one of the best gifts I was blessed with; I took one when I said yes to learning makeup and becoming one of the most sought-after artists, I took another when I stepped out fully to be a full-time freelancer, I took another risk when I said yes to starting the first faith-based beauty line when no one was talking faith in the beauty industry I did it. The risks I’ve taken have inspired others to step out and be who God called them to be, but they also helped me stand firm in my gifts and identity and understand my true purpose. Read more>>

‘Yitzi’ Nussbaum | Team Owner & Broker Salesperson

When talking about risk assessment, it is observed that a considerable number of professionals within the real estate and sales industry refuse to reinvest in themselves in the areas that matter. Many people are in this for the “bling” of it all and do not seem to consider the core of the real estate industry, which is the client, the client experience and expanding your network. This becomes extremely noticeable when looking at it from a marketing perspective. I firmly assert that allocating resources towards client experience, branding, and marketing is paramount in building and expanding your business. Read more>>

Paulna Lorimaire | Physician

Risk is like fear, in the sense that it is required to achieve a goal. I have always been the person who was willing to take risks. I believe this has allowed me to succeed. I have never been afraid of failure. As a matter of fact, I expect failure and learn from it. I took a risk at 17, leaving everything and everyone I know to attend college three hours away from home. I took a risk to move to the island of saint Maarten for medical School. However, these risks have led me to be the first physician in my family. Read more>>

Shannon McCurdy | Freelance Illustrator

Honestly, I wish I took more risks in my early twenties. Constructive risks, I mean. I avoided a lot of creative opportunities when I was younger because I was afraid I couldn’t handle them. I always want to feel ‘ready’ before I try something new, and at the time I let that instinct control my choices. Read more>>