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.

Soulpax | Band

Since the beginning of Soulpax, we realized very quickly that it’s just about impossible to do everything by yourself and achieve the quality of work that we strive to provide. Team energy is honestly the biggest driving force behind any of our success. Even at the heart of the band, we songwriters (Julia Camayd and Julian Harris) rely on the uniquely individual skills that we have each cultivated throughout the years, and trust in each other’s abilities to bring forth the best possible song that we can. We rely on the skills of our acclaimed musicians: Ben Beal (Keys), Kalil Bohannon (Drums), and Sebastian Holmes (bass), to help us perform these songs in a well articulated and musically proficient way, so that our live shows can be the best they can be. Honestly, having these guys on stage with us, it’s hard not to be amazed at the life that they bring to our music in their own way. Read more>>

Portia Lange | Belly Dance Instructor & Founder of Belly Motions, Inc.

Perhaps the most important factor behind my success and the success of Belly Motions as a brand, is the teaching methodology that I have pioneered, developed and implemented over the years. The Belly Motions teaching format fuses fitness principles, guidelines and group exercise protocol with authentic Middle Eastern dance (Belly Dance) movement and music allowing myself, and my team of trained instructors, to reach the masses. This method serves to inspire, motivate and empower women (and men) of all walks of life and allows anyone to learn how to belly dance for the simple joy of it. In addition, the classes provide a low-impact, safe and effective workout which is very appealing to many populations. In other words, with our method and approach, it’s never too late to learn how to belly dance and get some physical activity in! Our eldest client, Cheryl, is 75 years old and attends daily! Our participants feel beautiful, learn a skill, improve their balance, coordination and cardio-respiratory systems. Read more>>

Jessie Wilkie | Resume Writer & Career Coach

At the start of 2020, I was at an all-time high. I had just accomplished my first year at a new company and was humbled by also being awarded Leader of the Year. Needless to say, I was “on my way to success,” and then…COVID happened. Overnight, my entire world changed. I was laid off from my job and had a front row seat to watching an industry that had given me SO MUCH crumble before my eyes. I was quickly fixated on the fact that the world of Hospitality, and those who worked in its world, did not have many options when it came to “relief programs.” Why? Because who would have ever DREAMED of a world where people would be scared to travel and terrified to dine outside of their homes. But, here we were, in a time such as this, and nowhere to turn. Although many remained hopeful, something in my gut told me that this “temporary” closure of hotels, restaurants, airlines, cruise lines–you name it–would be anything but short-lived. Read more>>

Charlie Bahama Smith | TV Personality + Filmmaker + Photographer

I think the most important factor behind my success, other than putting 107% into your work and remaining secure, yet humble, is to stay true to your self and your brand. Early in my career when I started as an On-Air host here in the United States on the Caribbean Satellite Network (CSN), I had already hosted my own very successful show (Electric Air) in The Bahamas for many years. I had a following and the reason CSN chose me was because of my ‘Charlie Bahama’ casual, fun and authentic style. But when I taped my first day, I thought I had to become something I was not. I thought I had to follow the ‘American’ style of hosting or act like what I saw on MTV or VH1, and didn’t realize that being different or being ‘Charlie Bahama’ would set me a part, instead of being just another television host. People who are different stand out. Be true to yourself and let your brand be true to you. Read more>>