We asked some of the city’s rising stars to reflect on what made a difference in their journey. We asked them to tell us about what they think the most important factor has been behind their success.

Brittany Patterson | Master Curl Specialist

My amazing clients. They are so supportive and come from a range of backgrounds. They appreciate my talents and advice. They also are gracious when I am not feeling my best and offer encouragement when I need it. They recommend my salon to their friends, family and co-workers. Dream Curls Studio is a success because of the wonderful people that I encounter every day. Read more>>

Joseph Bovino | America-First Immigration, Business, and Trademark Attorney

I’m a rare, America-first immigration, business and trademark attorney who represents a lot of foreign entrepreneurs who want to live and work in the United States, including an increasingly large number from Canada. I also represent Americans who wish to file a petition on behalf of a foreign spouse or fiancee. As long as I am certain that the relationship is genuine, I can assist. Read more>>

Sylvia Lott | Sewist, Digital Content Creator and Homemaker

The most important factor behind the success of my brand, Kismetsews, is being authentic to myself and what I stand for. I’m not everyone’s cup of tea or fit the mold of what others think I should be, but I’m okay with that. I like tons of styles and dress how I feel. Some people think you can only dress a certain way at a certain point in your life. I disagree with that. I’m here to show people they can be comfortable dressing how they want, not how others expect them to dress. Read more>>

Very Good Music Group | independent record label

A major factor behind our success at VGMG is our dedication to authentic artist development. We believe in nurturing talent in a way that aligns with each artist’s unique vision, rather than pushing a one-size-fits-all approach. Our team prioritizes building genuine, long-term relationships, which helps us understand our artists’ needs and goals on a deeper level. This commitment to real partnership allows us to create impactful strategies and build their brands organically—because when artists feel supported and understood, they’re more likely to reach their full potential. Read more>>