By far, the topic that comes up most in our conversations with entrepreneurs and creatives is risk. We’ve had conversations about risks that worked out and risks that did not. We’ve seen eyes light eye sharing about career-trajectory changing risks as well as folks sigh about the risks they wish they had taken. Below, we’ve selected and shared some of those thoughtful conversations.

Cari Sanders | Business Owner, Community Activist

I love a risk! I’ve not always taken the smartest risks, but I think they have played a major role in where I have gotten today. I like to say a well formulated risk is at least as good as a mediocre plan. I was raised in a super small town in Central Louisiana, and I lived 20 minutes away from civilization in the middle of the pine woods. I’d only seen the ocean once before I came down to visit Daniel in February 2019. I was quite settled in my life and had no intention on uprooting it. As soon as I stepped foot on these islands, it was like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I was moved here full time in April of that year. When Daniel came home in early 2020 and said that the sign shop was going up for sale and the owners wanted to give him first chance, we had already seen the news about the potential virus and it spreading to the US. Read more>>

Sue Ellen Ruiz- Bonilla | Medical Business Consultant & Entrepreneur

I see risk as an essential part of growth, both personally and professionally. To me, risk is less about taking blind leaps and more about stepping outside your comfort zone with a clear purpose. It’s about weighing potential outcomes, trusting your instincts, and believing in your ability to adapt, no matter the result. Read more>>

Mikala Bars

When it comes to risk taking, I tend to look at it as either way I am going to gain something out of whatever it is I’m doing. Whether it’s success or a lesson, there are so many lessons to learn in order to continue growing and I really focus heavily on continuous growth. Without risk, you will never reach your true potential because there is something holding you back from success. Read more>>