We asked some brilliant folks from the community to talk to us about how they think about risk and the role risk has played in their lives and careers.

Ellery Clark | Music Journalist & Concert Photographer

I think of risk as an opportunity. It’s something that I have always chased, whether that be in my personal life or in my career. I’m very lucky, because a lot of my growth as a photographer has been because taking risks paid off – I started as an independent photographer, with no connections, and it took several cold emails and big steps outside of my comfort zone to find myself in a place that would actually teach me how to grow. Read more>>

Sinserea Williams | Marketing Consultant & Financial Représentative

As a serial entrepreneur, I’ve always loved being risky. I do unconventional things in my every day life because I love being a risk taker, and that’s kind of why I started my business. Being a business owner means that you really have a strong mindset because you’re in sales, selling your business/product/self to every client. I think that risk is a wonderful thing, because without risk there would not be reward. For me, this role of taking risks has played such an enourmous amount in my life and career because it’s what motivates me to keep going. Read more>>

Gabriel Eyamba | Art Director & Stylist | Boutique Owner

I think about risk in a positive way. Risk is what creates reward. Without risk there wouldn’t be any drive as one wouldn’t be pushed to step out of their comfort zone. I believe risk allows me to grow and progress forward in my career. High risk, high reward. Read more>>

Kristina George | Bachelorette Event planner

I think risks are important in your career, especially when you’re young. Also, when I take chances but don’t succeed the way I had hoped, I acquire lessons that prove to be beneficial in the long run. In any case, there is no failure. Risks have a huge role in my life and career. Ive taken the biggest risk when I began Krissycreations & Krissysbachconnect . The risks I took to jump start my business has moved me into the woman I am today . I always look back proud that I started this. Risk was the best thing I could have taken. Read more>>

Jake Eff | Recording Artist

I feel like life is a risk in general. I believe every single thing we do has an effect on the next thing, and everything after. I might as well make sure the risks that I’m voluntarily taking are for the right reasons to my story. I feel like anyone who has ever made a mark on the world has had to roll the dice on themselves time and time again. When I look back at the end of it all, as long as I was working towards something that matters to me, I feel like all of the risks I’ve taken and will have to take will have been worth it all, regardless of the outcome. Read more>>

Dora Herrera | Restaurateur and Community Builder

I was seven when I threw a lifesaver into the deep end of the pool and jumped in after it. Not because of a dare, or because I was brave. I jumped in because my sister was going under for the third time and the adults at the other end of the pool thought she was waving. I didn’t stop to think because my sister needed me. My reward? Action from the adults who saw me jump in because, “Dora can’t swim!” Read more>>