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?

Sarah Barrett | Experienced Founder with a passion for bringing Waldorf education to more communities and cities world-wide.

I think the most important factor behind the success of my businesses is that I created them with my own children in mind. I knew what I wanted for my own children and did not find it in my local community, so I decided to create it myself. I had a vision for the type of education I wanted for them. I saw my daughter so excited for her first day of kindergarten. She had looked forward to this moment for a long time, and frankly, she was disappointed. Read more>>

Dario Maldonado | Photographer

I am a strong believer of perseverance. Nothing in life comes easy and sometimes no matter how hard you try things don’t go your way. But if you stay focus on what you want and use every opportunity to learn, specially from your mistakes you soon will realize that the formula to achieve your goals is a mix of consistency and stubbornness. Read more>>

Arianna Rose | Theatre Writer & Educator

Perseverance and continued application of my craft/learning about my craft. I am a playwright and musical theatre writer, a theatre and music educator, and a visual artist. In each discipline, it’s important to learn everything you can about it, by listening, reading and practicing, and staying up-to-date on current trends; to ensure you are producing work at the highest level of craft, and then learn and implement marketing tools to get your work out into the world. This all takes times, perseverance, the ability to have perspective about your work and to not take rejection personally. Read more>>

Nikki Oxley | Pro Makeup Artist/ Creative Director/ Global Educator

The most important factor of my success as been taking risks, believing in myself and my skill set and Dreaming BIG!!! I’m from a small village in northern England (Yorkshire) I took everything I had to leave my family and move 4,000 miles away to make my dreams of becoming a success come true….and by doing so inspiring others along the way Read more>>

Amanda Gonzalez | Glow Artist/ Model/ YouTube Personel

I have a motto, everything will be okay in the end. As long as you continue to work hard, pray, and keep pushing forward it will. Right when I feel like it’s not okay, I know it’s only getting started. Motivates me to keep going, why would you stop if you’re NOT ok? Read more>>

Patricia Contreras Romero | Wedding event planner

Being discipline, consistent, creative, and thinking outside the box. Having passion for what you do and as cheesy as it sounds LOVEING it.. This is like my baby and I have to nurture my business in that same mind set,.. No one is going to take care of or want the best for my business but me. Read more>>

Jorge Alberto | Founder/ Owner

I believe it’s important to work doing something you love. When I began Cult Classic with a dream of one day having my artwork showcased in homes, businesses, museums all over the world. I wanted to be able to portray the beauty of my subjects which are usually nature/landscape prone to the viewers. Read more>>