We asked some of the most interesting folks in the community to open up about how they think about taking chances and the role risk has played in their lives and careers. Risk is by far the topic folks talk to us most about and we hope the responses below will help shed light on many different perspectives.

Natalia Markajani | Permanent Makeup Artist

There’s a Russian proverb “The one who doesn’t risk, doesn’t drink champagne”. And I love champagne :). I’ve risked a lot in my life, but I always rely on my intuition. I’m originally from St Petersburg, Russia and in 2011 I met my future husband Ross overseas. We started dating, fell in love, a year later we got engaged and I moved to the Middle East, where he was stationed at that time. We moved to the States in 2013 and got married. So, for love, I took a risk, left everything I had back home and guess what? It paid off. We’ve been happily married and have 2 beautiful children. Read more>>

Brooke Blocker | owner of Outside In Plants

Risk comes with a little courage, a bit of fear, and as we all hope, that satisfying reward. And certain risks are necessary in both life and business– they help push us to progress. However, I’m definitely thoughtful about which risks I take. The right risk can be incredibly positive, and a chance to optimize an opportunity. While I’m not risk-averse, I defintely think there are “wrong” risks– and I don’t believe in taking risks for the sake of it, it needs to make logical and practical sense. Read more>>

Michelle Miltenberger | Co-Owner & Breathwork Facilitator

Risk is everything. I would not be where I am in life without taking huge risks. Every moment of fear, every emotional breakdown, every challenge I would relive again to be living the life that I am living right now, and doing all of the things that I am doing. Read more>>

Joy C. (@joysbeautyjawns) | Content Creator

I’ll be honest; I would categorically describe myself as a risk-averse person. I don’t gamble. I haven’t gone skydiving or bungee jumping. You could not pay me enough to swim with sharks. On the whole, I wouldn’t dive head first into much of anything without a lot of careful consideration. However, when I reflect on my life to date, I realize that I have arrived at my current lifestyle based upon a series of pretty big risks. As a kid, I was super shy. Read more>>

Sabrina Rodriguez | Event Planner & Photographer

People always talk about how scary starting a business can be, and I think that we need to change how we talk about that first step into entrepreneurship. It can unnerve some people and sway them away from this rewarding and exciting part of life. Read more>>

Estrella Quiroz | Life Enthusiast and CEO of Last Farewells

Risk + manifestation is a powerful combination. I grew up in a low income household, but refused to let a lack of money limit the experience I wanted to have. Taking risks has maximized my life completely and has helped me travel 52 countries (38 alone), attend a university with a full ride scholarship, get dream job experiences, become the CEO of a death tech platform, and so much more! Read more>>

Franccesca Canales | Franccesca | SouthFloWithFran | Influencer & Creator

Prior to starting my journey of the SouthFloWithFran brand, I was not one to welcome change or try something new. The first course I purchased was $500 and at the time I could only afford to put it on a credit card and looking back I have no regrets. Some people would think that’s crazy but I knew if I didn’t believe in myself and just start I never would. Launching my blog in 2020 at the time felt natural because I loved sharing all things foodie, staycation, and lifestyle. Read more>>

Zahir Stevens | Rapper (Official.FKZ)

In music if you don’t take a risk you will not gain anything. I went broke numerous times to fund my music ventures and in my eyes it’s paying off each time I elevate my fan base and the quality of my music. Risk taking is crucial to my lifestyle and without it, I would not flourish. Rapping had caused a lot of failures that only turned into lessons which helped me progress not only in music but as a person as well. Read more>>

Melissa Vera | Photographer

Growing up, I was always sheltered by my parents. They were very over protective of me being the youngest of three – making sure I was never in danger, rightfully so as parents but that unfortunately kept me in a bubble that halted my independence. With that said, as I grew older, I didn’t know anything else than to play it safe with everything I did in my life.  Read more>>

Victor Luiz | Marine Surveyor

I’m a naturally risk-averse person so I avoid it where possible but running my own business has forced me to take on a certain amount of risk. I’ve tried to mitigate it as and where possible by trying to be prepared for the typical issues and problems that others in my line of work face and often complain about, but there is only so much you can do. Sometimes unexpected problems arise and you have to deal with them on the fly. It’s cliché to say, Read more>>