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.

Christina Neptune | Cosmetologist, Barber, Makeup Artist, Esthetician, Lash Tech, Special Effects Artist, Wig Maker/Ventilator, Nail Tech, Activist, Motivational Speaker & Non Profit Founder

The most important factor behind my success is God and Faith. This has sustained me and my brand for nearly a dcecade. The foundation of my success comes comes from those 2 key elements. Read more>>

Alicia Brown | Fine Artist and Mother

There are a number of factors that contribute to my success as an artist to date. One thing that is most important is my passion and dedication to what I do and the pursuit of growth through learning and acquiring information and advice surrounding the business of art-making and marketing. Read more>>

Timothy Schwartzman | Owner, Sawgrass Recreation Park

Our brand is our family. We are fortunate to have so many relatives and close friends who work alongside us each daily to help introduce visitors to the Florida Everglades. Our quality and service is a direct reflection of our hard work as a family to provide the very best experience for our customers. We can adapt daily to adjust and modify our business model based on responses and feedback to be constantly improving our attraction and our park. We are not beholden to a corporate structure or a board room, or willingness to grow and evolve is only limited by our imaginations. Our humanitarian side is allowed to shine at the helm of owning an attraction. We can host low income students for free, we adopt and rescue injured or abused wildlife, we can utilize our food truck to feed the hungry or host Make A Wish to grant the dream of flying over the sawgrass on an airboat before it’s too late. Read more>>

Brittney Coke | Fashion Designer, Stylist, Beautician, Pageant Girl, & Influencer

I would not say there was or is a single important factor behind my success and the success of my brand. There were actually several important factors which includes but is not limited to: Discipline, Drive, Determination, Dedication, Ambition, and Motivation to name a few. The support of my immediate and extended family has been extremely vital. Aside from self motivation, my children and my family keeps me going and keeps me grounded. Read more>>

Diamond Dixie | Up and Coming Country Duo

The most important factor behind our success has been consistency. There have definitely been ties where we were burnt out and lost creativity with our music and what we out on social media but in being consistent, it has not only helped us to keep grinding but also to further our music career. Read more>>

Nisi Berryman | Founder and Owner, Nisi B Home

Probably the luck I have had discovering artists and designers whose work is so masterful. We offer them a well-located brick and mortar gallery and on through to online sales through our new site.  I feel that more and more high-level design is being produced in Miami, which makes me very happy. Our South Florida creative pool is growing. Read more>>