We asked some of the city’s hidden gems to tell us about what they feel is the most important factor behind their success.

Jennifer Saint Heard | Content creator & entrepreneur

The most important factor behind my success in my brand is that I am very creative and always thinking about others and making sure that every race of any size has a place to feel welcome! Read more>>

Renée Bhagwandeen

The biggest reason for my success is my faith in God. As a little girl, I would dream endlessly, dressing up and creating stories, praying to God that one day I’d see myself on TV. When that dream began to come true, I was overwhelmed with gratitude, knowing it was His strength that carried me through. The fashion industry is incredibly tough and it can be dark, isolating, and filled with challenges. There were so many moments when I felt like giving up, but God never let me fall. His strength gave me the courage to keep going, to rise above rejection, and to find purpose in every step of my journey. Living my dream feels like a miracle, and it fills me with so much joy that I want to share His love with others. I hope my story can inspire people to hold on to their faith, no matter how hard life gets. After 15 years as a model and actress, I can say with my whole heart that I owe it all to Him. Read more>>

Jay Chevery

The most important factor behind my success has undoubtedly been my ability to build and leverage a strategic network. Let me share a bit of my story. I didn’t grow up with a family that had connections in the industries I’ve thrived in, nor did I have the financial backing to lean on. There were even times when I was far from home, working in cities or countries where I didn’t know anyone. But I didn’t see those circumstances as obstacles—I saw them as opportunities to sharpen my skills in connecting with people. Read more>>