Risk is the most common topic that comes up in our conversations with entrepreneurs and so each week we ask entrepreneurs to talk to us on the record about how they think about risk.

Jessie Gutz | Silverie (Artist Name) Tattoo Artist-Painter-Muralist

Before entering the tattoo industry I was a high school art teacher. I had a comfortable and consistent job but it wasn’t as fulfilling as I had hoped it would be. Every day I would preach to my students the important of art and what affect it can have on the world and everyday life. I decided I needed to lead by example and start taking risks myself. I started by showing art at a local coffee shop and vendoring in Downtown Las Vegas. It was absolutely terrifying experience putting the most vulnerable parts on display for thousands of people to see. The risk was completely worth it. I was accepted by the community and found like minded artists that wanted to change the community in a positive way. These experiences left such a positive impact on my life that I decided to pursue my dream career that I thought was unattainable which is tattooing. Taking this venture on has been such a high risk for me being a mom of two but it has been so worth it. I have met some of the most inspiring artists that aren’t just passionate about their own art but helping and collaborating with clients. Read more>> 

Bilena Settepani | Pastry Chef & Influencer

My family owns an Italian bakery in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Our bakery is known for our Italian pastries, specifically, our panettone. Traditionally, panettone is a dessert enjoyed around the holidays. We have revolutionized panettone to be a year-round treat, with new flavors dropped every month. Read more>>

Domenica Rossi | Photographer & Collage Artist

Risk is a funny diction to explain what an artist endures when taking it on as a career. It can be a risk, but in most cases it is our push. It fosters innovation by encouraging artists to explore new ideas and unconventional approaches. For me, I decided to put my other careers on hold for 3 years so I could put all my energy into showing the world the art I have been transforming since childhood. Transforming being because I have been “doodling” mandalas on school work and notes since elementary school. Deciding to open myself up and share work I had hidden for so long was a risk in many ways, including financially, mentally and emotionally, but this lead me to open so many new doors to walk through. I will say that taking this risk has turned my life completely around for the better. I feel I have lived 10 lives in 3 years. I have made a name for myself as one of Miami’s finest visual artist and have work hung in some of the most prestigious homes in the city. Read more>>

Mr. Pauer | Musician / Producer / DJ

Since I was a child I discovered music was my passion. When I was about 12 years old my father asked me a HUGE question: What do you want to be when you grow up? My answer was: I WANT TO BE A MUSICIAN! He laugh and replied: You are gonna starve to death! Read more>>

Zharia Alexander | The Entrepreneur & Rising Social media influencer

Being an entrepreneur is all about taking risks. Taking risks takes you places and puts you in rooms with others you may have never thought you could be in. I put myself and my business out there. If you don’t take don’t take risks you’ll never know what’s out there until you jump. There’s times I’ve taken a risk and failed, but that’s okay, nothing beats a fail but a try. Read more>>