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.

Chef Jay J Johnson | Private Chef, Caterer

The most important factor behind my success and my brand wouldn’t just be one! There are 3…My faith in God, my consistency, and to keep my personal feelings away from my business NO MATTER WHAT. Ive come a long way, just from pictures and the way I use to present myself to now. Every time I have a gig or a job I start with God, a short prayer asking that He increases while I decrease. Read more>>

Dr. Raina Murnak | Performer, Professor & Creative Director

I realized through my upbringing and education that the only success I could have personally came from being truly authentic. As an artist, one would think this is a core to the training in the arts however, through academia there is a lot of pressure to conform, to make your output ‘match’ the expectations of your teachers and to disguise your own personal voice. Read more>>

Jeyra Mayer | Artist

The most important thing to me in becoming a successful artist is staying true to myself and my style. I have always had an incredibly hard time expressing myself through words and early on in my life, I found that painting was a way I could convey my thoughts and emotions onto a canvas. Read more>>

David Diaz | Recording Artist & Songwriter

Authenticity. There’s no doubt in my mind that that is what has gotten me to where I am. When I started this crazy music journey, I didn’t understand the industry or how being an artist even worked. I just thought that if I put out music and looked cool doing it, that’s it. People will like me. Read more>>