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.

Ari Urban | Classically trained Violinist and Independent Artist

As an artist, I think of risk taking as an inevitable part of the path of being an entrepreneur. To me, the opposite feeling of risk, is trust. So in my life, there is a consistent dance between risk and trust at all times. Read more>>

Samantha Jones | Founder – Designer

What is life without risk? I ask myself this often. I have always been aware since the beginning of starting my company that there is a ton of risk. However, I have always thought that the reward is worth it. I have always taken risks in many areas of my life, and for this I believe has helped me in my business. Read more>>

Gina Judge | Owner & Founder, The MMG

There’s a direct correlation between risk and reward. The more risk you’re willing to take, the potential for greater gains but also potential for greater loss. In my life and career, I’ve taken calculated risks, these calculated risks changed the trajectory of my life. Read more>>

Jaylyn Maxwell | Independent Photographer

To me, risk taking is a fundamental part of going into business for yourself. Risk is important as it can lead to much success in your business. Of course there are pros and cons of taking risks, however make sure the pros outweigh the cons and that should guide yo in the right direction of life. You never truly know the outcome of a risk, but if you look into it deeply, you may be able to limit the room for failure. Read more>>

Melanie Maria Scott | Artisan & Designer

Taking risks has pushed me to achieve more success than I could have ever imagined of myself & my artisan jewelry works. I experimented putting my work out there in NYC on Time Square billboards, entering into gallery shows in Brooklyn, Miami & Paris in 2012 which helped my brand get established on a global level. Read more>>

Christina DiArcangelo | Meet the Woman Entrepreneur working in Global Biotech, Pharmaceutical, Medical Cannabis, CBD, Nutraceuticals, Device Clinical Research, Patient Advocacy and AI Technology

I have taken several risks through out my career but one that stands out to me very vividly was when I decided to start working in the cannabinoid clinical research space. Most of my career I worked in traditional pharmaceuticals, medical devices and biotechnologies which meant that I had limited exposure to nutraceuticals. Read more>>

Shani Nyelle | Fashion stylist and designer

I am a very big risk taker. Anyone who knows me personally would be quick to say that I change my mind a lot and I am very free willed. If I hadn’t taken the risks that I’ve taken in my life so far, I would not be anywhere near where I am today. From dropping out of college, to quitting job after job, without any real or solid plan. Read more>>

Frederic AUTRET | Entrepreneur & Artist

I don’t think I took many risks before I turned 40. I was lucky enough to start a career in the development of renewable energies by participating in two start-ups (wind and solar photovoltaic) as an employee where I learned a lot and where the risk was reduced to the decisions taken on certain projects where I had to bet that I would land on my two feet after having managed complex situations. Read more>>

Sasha Graham | Bestselling Author & Award Winning Tarot Deck Creator

How do you know when to keep going or give up? The eternal question! I never give up on things I care about, whether it be people, myself or my work. If you allow your life to be guided by internal stirrings and passion you will intrinsically know when a well has run dry. Read more>>

Kristi Price | Matchmaker and Dating Coach

I was a financial advisor and didn’t love my job. After my divorce, I made a lot of mistakes dating the wrong type of men for me. I did soul searching to value myself more, set better boundaries and spot red flags. As a result, I started helping friends not make the same mistakes I did after divorce. Read more>>

Luis Gispert | Visual artist / filmmaker

Others have seen what is and asked why. I have seen what could be and asked why not. Read more>>

Danielle Nevarez | Business Owner & Entrepreneur

For me, risk always brings excitement to life. In this point in my life, I see it as a necessity. We only have one life, sure you can settle for the good life, but what about the great life? You cannot truly know the possibilities of what it is that you can accomplish if you do not risk trying. As scary as it can be some days, it is always worth it. Read more>>