How do you think about risk? What role has taking risks played in your life/career? Check out responses from hidden gems from our community below.

Bianca Jade | Recording Artist, Songwriter

When I think about the word ‘risk’ I think of the quote “without risk there is no reward.” I believe that in order to have new experiences and level-up in your life, you have to be willing to take risks. This doesn’t mean just jumping without any thought, but being willing to get out of your comfort zone for the sake of growth. The greatest experiences I’ve had in my life and career as an artist have come from taking risks. You have to be willing to sacrifice time, money, and comfort to truly have success as an artist. Read more>>

Piero Atchugarry | Gallery owner

I believe risks are a necessity in life. In fact, not taking risks is the biggest risk, as time goes by. We need a sense of urgency in order to achieve new goals and have an impact. That’s how I live my life. Read more>>

DJ Baby Van Beezly Aka Vanessa Resler | Club and Private Event DJ

My whole career has been built on risk taking! I’ve made a lot of decisions that didn’t look great on paper, but have only had the most rewarding of outcomes. When I got my master’s degree in tax preparation and took a job in a top 4 accounting firm the “good on paper” decision would be to stay there for the rest of my life until I made partner, and in turn, a shitload of money. But I was MISERABLE. And I wasn’t able to enjoy any of that money because all I did was work. At 26 years old I decided to quit my CPA job and start an entirely new career as a DJ (the modern day equivalent of running off with the circus haha). Read more>>

Alana Mandrick | Founder of DIIMA Apparel

Taking risks is not just beneficial; to me, it’s a necessity. Taking risks is necessary for growth, success and wellbeing, both on a personal and professional level.  One of the biggest risks I took was moving across the country from LA to Miami to start a new chapter in my life. I had never lived this far away from home, in a city where I didn’t know a single person. While having my significant other by my side made the process easier, the journey still had its difficulties. However, I knew in my heart that moving here was something that I needed to do, and I am so thankful that I was right. I have become even more driven, independent, appreciative and open minded since finding my new home away from home. Read more>>

Nirvana Crystal | Artist

Risk taking is how I choose to live life! I have always been a risk taker, but recently, I have really started to flourish with more risk in all areas of my life. I have the utmost faith that everything is always working in my favor, so when a huge, beautiful idea pops in and it feels really good to me, I go in that direction. When the doubts pop up, I know that it is because risk taking can be scary, but pushing through those doubts always leads to a bigger reward than I had expected! Read more>>

Rebecca Mansueto | Professional dancer, actress and vocalist

I think that risks are an integral and necessary part of life in all areas. Without risks you will never know your limits and what you’re truly capable of. Risks have played a huge role in my life more specifically my career. I took a risk and moved to Los Angeles when I was 23 to peruse a career as a professional dancer despite not having secure income and stable/consistent work. It was during that time that I broke down barriers and limitations that I once believed I possessed. Read more>>

Jeana Rushton | Jeweler

Risk taking: how do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life/career? My dad is the one who taught me to be a risk-taker in life and business. He was a pilot for many years (now retired) and an entrepreneur for most of his life. From a very young age, he taught me the value in risk and reward that comes from the successes and failures that inevitably follow. Read more>>

Michelle Vanessa Madison | TV Host, Spokeswomen, Food & Travel Critic

I feel like a lot of people are scared of taking a risk because they think that may succeed at it. I personally think even if you do, it’s always a lesson in it all and you never know who you may meet in the processs to put you in a better postition than that particular risk in itself. In the past I didn’t think I had enough experience with certain opportunities, but I said let me take this ” risk” and let me step out of my comfort zone and because of that , it has put me in a position for future opportunities. So I say go for it ! Read more>>

Rainel Garcia | Adventure Guide

Id say, when it comes to your dreams… take the risk. Its ok to take a risk and try your best to accomplish your dreams. Even if you fail. Most people don’t even try. Don’t look at it as a fail. Look at it as a learning experience. As growth. Your next attempt will be better than your last. Read more>>