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.

Susan Knof | International Interior Designer

I believe risk equals reward. Stepping out of your comfort zone, taking that leap and diving into the deep end. Risk creates opportunities to overcome challenges. The more risk the more opportunities. Read more>>

Wilder WID’ Octavius | Recording Music Artist “

Risk plays a major role in the life of a musician. Especially the sound of music changes over time. My first solo project was a risk and I wasn’t even sure if it will work because that was not the sound of the day. I took the risk because I wanted something different and that was a hit song. Risk regardless if it brings failure is a success. I am okay with that because failure to me is a learning process. It helps me grow. Read more>>

Nayla Benitez | Broker-Associate & Founder of InMiami Group

Risk-taking has played a huge role in my life and now my career. I took a risk when last. In November I decided to quit my job of 7 years as a Managing Broker with a fixed income and benefits to go back to selling real estate. My husband also has his own business so being the one person that had a steady income coming in and letting go of that to pursue my passion was not an easy decision. Read more>>

Snø Blvk | Online Boutique Owner, Makeup Artist & Hairstylist

I feel like when you have your own business, you have to take risks. Even if they’re calculated ones. When I first started my business, I took many risks and invested into myself and I’ve seen great return. My whole thing is , you’ll never know unless you try. So I risk it. I like to stay optimistic and see all “risks” as opportunities. Read more>>

Robnitia Weekley | Entrepreneur

Business is all about taking risks. You live and you learn. I have made a lot of money and also lost a lot. But those losses are learning experiences, they taught me what not to do. Read more>>

Jackie E. | Media Personality, Content Creator, Sneaker Enthusiast, & Former Division 1 Basketball Player

Growing up, the word “risk” often frightened me. As a child, I was always the one to play it safe – I did not take the “big jumps” off of the swings in the playground. I also tried my best to not do two things: get wrong answers on tests and get in trouble. If I was not sure something was correct, taking a “wild guess” would be my last resort. Read more>>

Amy Solares | Professional Portrait Artist and Muralist

As a self taught Artist I knew I had to work on my confidence. My creativity was solely an outlet in the beginning of my Art Journey. I built my confidence over time. Marketing myself was my very 1st step, with a online portfolio in Oct 2013, because of the amazing support I was receiving from Friends and Family after I completed a tree wall mural in my home, I started Unique Designs by A.Lee as a Muralist. Read more>>

Stephanie Sanon | Transformation & Mindset Coach

Many people look at the word risk as something negative. I look at risk from a different perspective. When you take a risk you will always get one of the two things: a successful outcome or a life lesson. Either way, I see it as a win. Starting my own business was a risk that involved financial investments and uncertainty. However, it provided me with the freedom to pursue my passions, be my own boss, and have a direct impact on the success of my endeavors. Read more>>

Amber Scott | Cocoplum Pool Services Owner

Curtis and I have only together two and a half years. From our very first date, we knew we wanted to be together and that we wanted to live big. From that first date, we spoke about our dreams and what we wanted to achieve and accomplish in our lives. We decided that if we were going to succeed, we would have to jump right in and HUSTLE. Within six months of being together, we bought and flipped our first home. Read more>>

Da’Areona Wright | Online boutique owner

I, Da’Areona Wright, the owner of online boutique “AMOURAE” lives by the slogan, “if you never take the risk, you’ll never know the outcome.” The process of starting my clothing boutique was really rocky. At first, i faced doubts that no one would purchase. I thought I would just be a small town girl with such big dreams that no one would support. Read more>>

Amy Found | Founder and Director of Found My Skin

I am risk taker by nature, I generally do my best work under pressure and my biggest motivator is the fear of failure. I believe that if you wait until everything is perfect before taking the plunge then you’ve waited too long. I have made mistakes and to be honest I am still working through some of them, but there is nothing in business that can’t be fixed. Read more>>

Canieria Gardner | Chief Executive Officer

Successful entrepreneurs need to be calculated risk takers, without it, there could be no reward. Innovation thrives in calculated risks, it’s fundamental to sound investing. Being able to manage calculated risks has been necessary in my growth of my business, it allows me to be creative and ahead of my competitors. Read more>>

 Victoria Leigh Poplaski | Artist

Risk taking is everything! No risk, no reward is my mindset. Without challenges and problem solving there is no growth. I’m the type of person that will lose sleep at night knowing i missed an opportunity. With that being said, I think it’s so important to get comfortable with being uncomfortable & taking on challenges. I’m really big on saying yes to opportunities & giving myself no choice but to figure it out along the way. You’ll tend to surprise yourself on what you’re actually capable of, which is super dope. It also keeps things super exciting. Life is short, take the risk! Read more>>