The Decision Makers Series is one of our staff’s favorite because decision making is a topic that so many of us have studied deeply.

Patricia Barreto | Food and portrait photographer

I’ve been a photographer for over 15 years. It was an interesting process because how i landed in photography was pure fear and the reason why i joined Miami AD School was because i had a back up. Im originally from Brazil, and when i decided to join the photo program in 2004, the crucial point was that if i didn’t adapt, i could run back to Sao Paulo and finish the course i started in Miami. And that was the turning point for me. Read more>>

Phron Freeman | Radio Producer, Marketing Strategist and Audio/Video Editor and Creator.

The single most important decision I made that contributed to your success was… deciding to go back to school at the age of 39 years old to show my son something positive so he wouldn’t get trapped into the things that was going on in the streets of Chicago. Read more>>

Maria Camila Rocha | Fashion and Travel Influencer

People don’t realize how hard it is to find a balance for yourself being an influencer , and for a long time it was very hard for me to let go of people’s opinion of me regarding , how i dress, look or act on social media. I was always afraid of rejection and criticism not only when I started my social media but growing up with my friends and family , but being exposed to being judged has taught me of the biggest lessons I’ve learned which is to be myself to the fullest. Read more>>

Linda Farha | Founder and Chief Connector

As an entrepreneur, surrounding yourself with a strong team with complementary strengths is a must. Empowering them and not micromanaging will no doubt result in success and less turnover, and a strong team. Read more>>

Keanna Cowper | Tarot Reader

Staying positive! Along with staying consistent and disciplined. I had a lot of people not believe in the field of work I am doing. Or people that don’t believe it’s possible to do this as a full time thing. I am happy to prove to them it is something to do full time and most importantly, inspire anyone and everyone to follow their dreams. Read more>>

Krista Lee Locklin | Professional Photographer

I think the single most important decision I made that contributed to my success would have to be deciding to finally take my first photography class. I always loved taking photos and for the longest time, my mom kept saying, “you need to get into photography”, “you need to take a photography class”. Well, it turns out my mom was right! It was not easy in the beginning learning everything about exposure, the different styles of photography and how to shoot in manual mode. After a lot of overexposed and underexposed images, and possibly a few tears- I slowly fell in love with my DSLR camera and capturing beautiful images! Read more>>

Shenae Harrison | Self Taught Freelance MakeupArtist

I think finally deciding to give my business my all changed the game from me. I would always half step, I was still doing things the same way that got me started not realizing that things with social media are different from when I started in 2015-16. Instagram had new features (reels) and there was also tiktok. When i decided to adapt to the changers and make them my own, thats when things started to come full circle. Where i am now, I should have been here a while back, but did I believe in myself? No! Finally taking that leap and putting myself out there in a different light definitely helped me achieve some things i only dreamed of and talked to my friends about. Never really thought I would be here! Read more>>