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.

Djenane Gourgue

To me success can be defined as finding daily fullfilment in pursuing your dreams and anbitions while able to keep your values. I proudlt earned a degree as an electrical engineer back in 1994 when it was an emerging field for woman, 2020 I apply many of the processes learned back in 1994 to be a project manager and creative producer. Being able to passionately fulfill your purpose. Read more>>

Jonathan Cuartas | Director

There’s this idea in filmmaking of “making it” that has become nothing but a romanticized notion. Making it can mean so many different things. For me, making it is waking up every day knowing I’m pursuing what I want to do with my life. If that means I’m getting paid to do it, excellent, but if not, that’s okay too. If I know I’ll dedicate a portion of my day to filmmaking, then I call that success. If you keep studying, practicing and applying, there’s no way you won’t succeed. The failures along the way aren’t definitive, they’re just checkpoints. Examine and push forward. Read more>>

Misha Vaidya | Designer & Creative Director

As a small business owner it’s natural to put an immense amount of pressure on ourselves to ‘succeed,’ to find ourselves battling with endless to-do lists and to spend our days trying to perfect the superwoman routine. Having said that, I believe real success is in finding a balance; being able to ride the wave, as well as well as being able to sit by the shore. Success is often defined as “the accomplishment of an aim or purpose.” Keeping that, and balance in mind, I find myself looking to achieve intentionally, not through luck (though, I won’t turn that away), but through setting clear, precise goals for myself. I view success as a multi-faceted concept, one which looks a little like this: A promise to be kind to myself; to work hard, but to give my brain the rest it needs. To overcome challenges, but to focus on the wins. To be generous with my time, but know when to say no. To strive for accomplishments, but to thoroughly enjoy the journey. Read more>>

Mariangel Dupré | Fine Art Photographer

I believe success is a subjective concept. While for many people, success could be described as amassing a fortune, having a high ranking job, or even finding love, to me, success represents so much more. I would define success as the ability to sleep at night. Why? You might ask, as sleeping is only a body function. Well, for me, having that ability means that you are at peace with yourself. Because when you go home from work, separate from all the daily fuss, and lie your head on the pillow, that’s when the hard work starts. Money, love or the perfect job will not be a reflection of success if your biggest fear is waiting for you at home. Facing up to our mind and being alone with our thoughts, fears, and responsibilities can be one of the hardest things one could do. So, I know I have achieved success when I can sleep at night, when I do good deeds while no one is watching. Read more>>