We asked some of the city’s rising stars about why they think they have been so successful and we’ve shared their responses below.

Rick Garcia | Personal Trainer

I have a very deep, strong desire to always succeed, no matter what it takes with integrity. I have been a personal trainer and have competed in this business for 12 years now. The personal training business is very popular and I have been able to seperate myself from the rest. Read more>>

Jim Barcus | Photographer, Jim Barcus

I learned at The Kansas City Art Institute if you want to be an artist, you have to practice it every day. It’s about being a professional and taking what you do seriously. With that said, when I wasn’t being hired for work for art directors and news agencies, I would go out on the streets and find something relevant and fetch it back to an editor or director. If my work wasn’t speaking for itself, it was certainly my effort. Read more>>

Calvin Hughes | Journalist

If it’s really true that we are what we routinely do then I have tried to make discipline, consistency, and hard work a part of my daily regimen. I have learned to fall in love with the process as the reward is always in the work. Read more>>

Khat Vesal | Curator of the Wild

Perhaps not a habit but a survival skill, resilience. From a young age I watched my mother work 3 jobs to provide for my brother and I, which forced me to play the role of ‘parent’ part time. We were new to Canada and had come as refugees from Iran, I was in awe of her determination and work ethic, still am. From a business standpoint, this means there’s always a way to get things done, often more than one. So, we never say no. Just, how much do you want to spend? Read more>>