Every overnight success we’ve seen has been years in the making. And those overnight successes are rarely because of an amazing idea or a stroke of luck. We asked some of our favorite folks from the community about what characteristics are at the heart of their success story?

Felicia Demers | Destination and Wedding Photographer

Something that I believe attracts my clients to me and my business is the passion I have and authenticity. I listen to what my clients needs are and bring their vision to life to the best of my ability. I am also all about building a personal connection with my clients so they can feel comfortable with me. As a photographer I meet strangers on the daily and I have to make sure they are comfortable enough with me to get those relaxed and candid photos. My sessions and weddings tell stories and each gallery I deliver is unique to the client. Read more>>

Carlen Dickerson | Visual Storyteller

The #1 most important factor behind my success & the success of my brand, Carlenography, is networking. I know, I know, it’s one of those cringey words that when I was in college I absolutely hated hearing. However, every single job I’ve had since graduating has been through connecting with real-life humans. The first job I had out of school was through meeting the CEO in the lobby of Buzzfeed. In working that job, I met several inspiring women who have mentored me and have made my freelancing possible. I could not do what I do without the wonderful people I have met along the way. Read more>>

Ahbdja Depas | High School History Teacher

The most important factor behind my business, I would say are my family and close friends. Who have supported me when I almost lost everything. They encouraged me to keep pressing forward even when I was at my lowest. They encouraged me to keep fighting when I couldn’t fight no more. But most of all the glory has to be given to God. For it was God that gave me the name of my business. It was God that inspired my brand. Read more>>

Hulis Mavruk | Artist & Gallery Owner

The most important factor behind my success is INTEGRITY. I follow the principle of treating people how you want to be treated. I offer quality art, at fair honest prices, and my family and I have gone above and beyond to accommodate our clients. My goal is to touch peoples lives in a positive way through my art. Honest, quality, customer service is essential to build trust and grow a successful business. Read more>>

CJERMAINE | Visual Artist, Photographer and Creative

I think the most important factor that I have behind my success and the success of CJermaine Photography, are the ones that are truly rooting for me. I thank God everyday for those special persons in my life that are always encouraging me and pushing to never to quiet because sometimes it gets ruff but having that support there is very vital. My clients as well, are one of the driving forces behind my brand, because let’s be honest without them there won’t be a CJermine Photography, so not one day I take them for granted. Read more>>

Sashauna | Artist

First, I wanna say that I haven’t reached the final stage of my success but each goal that I set for myself and accomplish is a mini success within itself and a step closer to where I want to be. The most important factor to accomplishing these mini goals is sticking to your vision. If you’re planning a launch, promo, music video or album it is important to stick with the vision you are most passionate about, essentially the one you’ve been visualizing for months. Don’t be afraid if it’s too outlandish or what the audience may think because once you start making changes to appeal to others, Read more>>

Dan Long | Head Of Comms, Insert Coin

I think the key factor behind the success of Insert Coin is our underlying passion for gaming. We are gamers ourselves, so we understand and appreciate the deep connection people feel with the games they love – because we feel it too. It’s all about taking that passion from the screen and into the real world. Read more>>

Claire Schneider | Resin Artist & Photographer

Authenticity and connection. Any work from the very start of creating until the end, will remain bringing a thought/daydream of my own to life. I also believe in always remaining open to new ideas and collaborations with other artists. Art has always been a huge inspiration to me. Ever since I was a kid, I would see a piece of work and think “That. That’s what I want to do when I’m older”. If I get the chance to have the same effect on somebody, then I’d say I am aligning with exactly what I am trying to do here. Read more>>

DJ LEEOR | International DJ / Owner – L R Entertainment

The most important factors in my success are my love for music, sharing music with others, and understanding the vibe and atmosphere I need to create as a DJ by reading the crowd and the room perfectly. Also, I have no ego, and I am a very easy DJ/person to work with. As a DJ, I can play in front of any crowd, size, and play any style of music. As a company, we are full-service music, and clients can book any live musician/band with us. Read more>>

Stephanie Bullock | Professional Makeup Artist & Business Owner

We are personable! We are able to put ourselves in our clients shoes and provide a service that we would want to receive. We love getting to know our clients, chatting with them and making them feel good from the inside out. Read more>>

Basillia Barnaby-Cuff | Content Creator, Broadcaster, Event Emcee, Founder & Director of The Sterling Gospel Music Awards.

Factors: Consistency, creativity, persistent excellence & a strong support system. Read more>>

Jordan Naylor | Professional Makeup Artist

I would say the most important factor behind the success of my brand would be to ALWAYS remember to take care of yourself. Most people don’t understand the importance of self care, take a day or two to relax.. this will help to gain your energy back which in return will spark that drive and inspiration you have for your business again. Read more>>

John & Kaja Angel | Owners of Angel Timepieces | Jewelers and watch dealers

In one word: Determination. At Angel Timepieces we are determined to procure forever memories in the jewelry our clients take home. We’re determined to succeed in our efforts to provide one-on-one customized service. Personally, as parents, we’re determined to show our daughter and instill in her the morals important to us, a strong work ethic, independence, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Read more>>