Through our work we have been constantly amazed at the incredible things people in every neighborhood are working on. What’s even more exciting is that they all have different stories, backgrounds, strengths and weaknesses. That there isn’t a single formula for success means that everyone can take their unique set of strengths and characteristics and turn it into a success story. We recently reached out to some folks we admire and asked them what characteristics they feel are responsible for their success.

Erin Smandych | Health Coach & Private Chef

The most important factor for my personal success has been in giving myself permission to let go of the shoulds and opening up to doing things in a way that works for me. There are so many experts out there telling you how you should be running your business, what you need to focus on, how you need to show up, etc. when the reality is that the path to success is going to be unique to the individual. Read more>>

Lizzie Terletskaia | Celebrity Pastry Chef, Founder of Lizzie Sweezie Inc.

I am 100% convinced that the success of any business is hidden in the owner’s love for the product. Utilizing the best marketing frameworks, investing thousands into go-to-market strategy or hiring the best talent will not bring the desired ROI if owner’s full heart is not there or in case there are doubts about the quality of the product/service. I have no doubt my pastries and desserts are the best in Florida. Lizzie Sweezie products got the best looks, the best tastes and the best customer care and I am not willing to have it any other way. Read more>>

Slimtronic5k | Just Some Guy

Well… what’s “success,” right? That has to be defined first. For me, “success” is nothing more than “a quantifiable accomplishment of a goal.” It seems foreign to me that someone would assign a dollar or follower amount to the definition of success. My goal was to use my art to pay my bills so that I didn’t have to work a desk or labor job. In that regard, I’m successful and I believe everyone can be successful in their “thing” too, it just requires a few things: Read more>>

Maria Chechi | Lifestyle & Wedding Photographer

I’m in the business of photographing people, their love story, their families, their roots, how they express themselves, what they express, what they’re going through. With all this in mind, the importance of real human connection beyond just a business transaction has been the success of my business. I always look to connect with someone before they hire me for their family portraits or their wedding portraits. The experience has to go beyond me showing up, taking the photos, and then delivering the photos x-amount of weeks later and never hearing from them again. Read more>>

Tiffany Boardwine | Social Media Influencer/Youtuber

The most important factor behind my success is pushing myself to be the best that I can be. I am always thinking of ways that I can improve myself and things I can do to lead me to more success. It is the motivator behind everything that I do. Read more>>

Antonio Manuel Rayo Vega | Managing Director & Co-Founder of Glu Company & Theviralab

Well, success is a goal that any entrepreneur has. However, this big words has different meanings for each one. For me, success means that you have achieved a position in the market or in your industry where the rest of the companies know you and respect you for what you do. Is having taken the risk to do something or develop something totally disruptive solving an existing problem or delivering a better result. If you are able to get that, I am sure that you a re not going to have any problems to get clients and growth your business Read more>>