While it’s inspiring to read high level summaries of success stories, we think it’s just as important to learn about what drove the success and made it possible. We’ve asked some of the brightest folks we know to open up about what they believe was the most important factor behind their success.

Hela Emanuel-Sidman | Photographer & Videographer

I believe the most important factor behind my success and brand is communication. I believe in good customer service, being kind, and consistent. I’m a people person. I love getting to know my clients, having fun during our session, and always making sure they’re comfortable. Read more>>

Kimberly Swenk | CEO & Founder Of Swenk Social

The most important factor in my success is simple – my failures. Failures and challenges. My father died when I was in high school. I have had cancer twice. I was laid off twice. I have had more than one lousy job review. My oldest son was born premature, and my second son is neurodivergent. But I would not change a single thing because all those failures and challenges, even cancer, made me a better person. Failure is like weights at the gym; the more you lift them, the stronger you get. Now, when I encounter a challenge in business or my personal life, I know I can overcome what life throws me. Read more>>

Frost | Label Executive

The most important behind my success was creating a culture behind my name and brand. When people see my name or my logo they know what to expect without knowing me. I pushed the same thing over and over until it registers with people even without them realizing. Read more>>

Polina Khokholkova | Licensed Nail & Toe Technician

The most important factor behind my business is the attention to detail. I consider myself a perfectionist when it comes to my art; I take extra time making sure both me and my client are satisfied with the outcome. When I used to work in a regular salon, I was always rushed by everyone; I was told I was too slow. Those words never made me “faster”, those words made me leave the salon and work for myself. I take pride in giving my clients extra care and my clients are happy to have someone who cares about their nails. Read more>>

Jac Vitale | Lifestyle Wellness Coach

The success of my clients overall well-being is the most important factor behind my success. How my clients feel, look. at and think about themselves is a reflection of the life coaching I have provided them through their journey with me. How my client struts into a room with confidence, taller posture and a brighter smile is a reflection of the resources I have given them through their journey with me. The better they feel the more they want to show and express it to others. When other people see that, it is an automatic human response to NEED that feeling too and naturally they now trust me. Read more>>

Erica Williams | Designer & Founder

What fuels my success is my personal story. Growing up from a single mother and the youngest 3, my why was always about giving back to my family. Being a first generation American, I’ve never took the struggles of my family for granted. What has build the success of my businesses and brand is the internet. Using the internet as a marketing tool by way of social media, websites, SEO, and Meta advertisements has opened a lot of doors for me. For personal branding, having a business page on Instagram very early on (Since 2015) and growing what I like to call “digital real estate” has helped with the success of building my brands. Read more>>

Blake Grun | Charcuterie Board Company Owner & Event Planner

Making the leap to start your own business may seem intimidating, but use this as your sign to do it! The timing of Palm Beach Cheese Girl’s inception, right before the pandemic, posed both challenges and opportunities that ultimately led to the successful business that we are today. While it may seem counterintuitive, the timing played a crucial role in the success of my charcuterie board business. The pandemic forced many of us to seek creative outlets and moments of joy amidst the uncertainty, and for me, my joy was bringing others joy through charcuterie, and that’s where Palm Beach Cheese Girl was born. Read more>>

Charlie Weingroff | Physical Therapist & Strength & Conditioning Coach

Stumbling upon the right mixture of being great at delivering a clinical experience and also being enjoyable to be around. There’s a lot of words and analogs that can break these 2 characteristics down and further explain, but this is the not so secret sauce for anyone to be successful. Read more>>