Taking Chances – SHOUTOUT MIAMI

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.

Shayla Benoit | Filmmaker & Actor

I was putting together a video for the Tony Awards, and my co-director and producer had a connection to an Academy Award winning actor. When he suggested we ask this actor if he would be in our film, I admittedly thought it was out of our reach. We decided that it couldn’t hurt to just ask, and to our joy and surprise, he said yes! Read more>>

Josefina & Vicente Delaveau | Entrepreneurs & Founders of YATI

When we started a entrepreneurship, company or organization, it is inevitable to face adversities, knowing that the business journey is full of “rocks” and factors that are mostly dependent on us entrepreneurs. In this case, the only thing left for us it is to provide ourselves the best skills to adapt to different situations in the business world. Read more>>

Alanee Ngala | CEO Lash Artist

I love taking risk. I’m a firm believer of “you miss every shot you don’t attempt to take”. I don’t like being stagnant and that’s with anything in life! I had to take many risks in my life and career. From investing in my business initially, to free styling new sets in hopes of more clients/sales, to putting out a new product. Most of my risks are pretty calculated so it helps when I get anxious or fearful. Taking risks have benefitted me in ways I couldn’t even imagine. Plus, it helps you understand what/whatnot to do in anything, it builds character. Read more>>

Sasha Sosa | Muse

Risk taking is a part of life that most people won’t experience because of FEAR. Not only is risk taking the best part of life, it makes life more interesting. Many people will talk about manifestation, but they won’t talk about the bravery you need to experience the adrenaline rush behind risk taking. Read more>>

Martina Rosenthal | Marketer by Day & Designer All Day.

I’m not a fan of that word. To me labeling anything “risk” just adds a layer of fear and unpreparedness that you can use later as an excuse to fail or not try. Either you have a plan or not. Nothing is truly “risky” if you thought it through. I like to call it pivoting, which is probably why my friends call me a “master chess.” I’m always playing out my next 22 moves in my head. If I don’t have an exit strategy for the cons, I won’t act. Read more>>

Lekita Logan-Range | Event Designer & Business Branding Coach

In life, we are all presented with opportunities where we are forced to make a decision at some point. Some choose to play things safe and be content with where they are, while other are open to taking risks. I would define myself as a risk taker, and an overall “Take Action Queen”. I would not be where I am today if I was not willing to take a few risks. Majority of my family is in the education field which is amazing. While in college, I discovered my true passion for events & entertainment. Therefore, I pursued a career within the hospitality industry and begun my path at being a entrepreneur. Read more>>

Lexy Mogul | Content Creator + Food Blogger

I think about the risk by always reassuring myself that the risk that I am taking is for the greater good. One of my favorite quotes from Christy Raedeke is, “If there is no risk, there is no reward.” I love that quote because taking risks may open new doors you never thought we’re possible. If there is one thing I will do in life will be to always take the risk because if I don’t I will live with that horrible “what if” feeling. Read more>>

Jose Manuel Santovena | Top Producer Real Estate Agent

For some people taking risks is an option, for me, has been often the only way to go and evolve. I come from a very humble family from Venezuela and when your situation can’t be worse, taking risks only will help you change that for something better. I am a risk taker! Read more>>

Yesenia Martin | Stylist/fashion designer

Risk taking is a trait that I’ve had since a child for various reasons. Taking risks is important when wanting to elevate past measures beyond your current circumstances. Faith in god (higher power) and in yourself first but right after comes the risk for the reward. The goal begins with a thought actions requires Sacrifice. Adrenaline runs through my body with every risk I’ve took yet it’s the best feeling yet. Read more>>

Daniel Wills | Realtor® Sales Expert with Keller Williams Miami Beach Realty

For me, without some aspect of risk connected to my work, I feel a lack of drive and motivation. Risk is exciting to me, if it is a risk to achieve something that I feel will stand out more in my life than taking the easy or safe route, then it gives me a much bigger sense of accomplishment and self-pride to know that I went a route that most would choose not to, and my risk paid off. People tend to know my work for the higher sales I have achieved due to the risks I take. Read more>>

Cordeliah Vales | Influencer, artist, business woman.

Risk taking is the one thing most people are afraid to take. I know first hand that taking risk are super important to take while trying to move up in life. You never really know what’s going to work and/or not work if you don’t take that risk. You just might miss out on your blessing not being confident in your craft or whatever is you’re trying to do in this life. Read more>>

Roger Horne | Father, Farmer, Healthcare Advocate

I think that risk taking is for the brave and dumb. It’s for the individual who dream big or about a better world. Risk takers know themselves and have passion for the works they endeavor upon. As a child of privilege in the Caribbean, one takes careless, youthful risks because you think you are invulnerable, the world is yours, you think you know it all, and your privilege makes you feel untouchable. Read more>>

Felicia Ramirez | Picnic Planner & Intimate Event Curator

Like they say, no risk-no reward. Magical Table was born in the middle of the pandemic just after having my fourth child. Everything was so uncertain for us all. Coming from a corporate position and starting something on my own was something I always wanted to do but never went for it. The risk involved putting out my own capital into inventory and marketing in a time that was so unpredictable. Read more>>