We asked some brilliant folks from the community to talk to us about how they think about risk and the role risk has played in their lives and careers.

Nicole Ruggeri | Freelance Makeup Artist

I’ve always viewed taking risks, in general, as important, but especially important as it relates to my life and career. When I decided to start my own career in makeup, it was far from what I had spent years preparing and studying for! I decided to leave my position as an elementary school teacher, and knew it would be a huge risk to do so. I was tired of settling for careers that didn’t spark that fuel within me. I knew if I wanted a change, it would have to be while I’m young and hungry. The first risk was leaving, the second risk was starting a social media platform to showcase my creativity with makeup. Read more>>

Alan Espino | Cofounder and President of Beat Culture Brewery

Unfortunately business to me isn’t quite like pressing an elevator button where you know what the outcome is going to be. Risk is a thought process that is constant. Sometimes it’s ignored. Some times the gambles are worth it while some times unfortunately its not. One risk was dropping out of a doctoral degree in hopes to pursue a brewery. Mortgaging my house to buy brewing equipment. A risk that allowed me to follow a dream. Read more>>

César Rodríguez | Artist & Music Producer

I like to think of risk as a scary opportunity for growth. To me, it represents courage, confidence, and hope. I have always been attracted to music that challenges me as a listener, music that makes me want to stop and pay attention to what’s being played. My favorite artists are the ones that take risks and are always evolving, so risk means inspiration to me. Actually, I think pursuing an artistic career is already a risk, probably the most important one to start with. Read more>>

Alexandra Martinez | Administrative Director

I believe that in the pursuit of your dream there are no risks that are not worth taking. Everything you experience comes in the form of a lesson, giving you an opportunity to try your best each time. When you believe in yourself and in what you’re doing from the depth of your heart, you will always succeed! I believe we create our own limits. I believe taking risks has been a necessary stepping stone to my success thus far. In my experience, beginning an endeavor within the medical field without a medical background epitomized taking risks. Read more>>