Are you a risk taker?  Do you think you have a stronger appetite for risk relative to your friends and family?  We asked some folks from the community about their approaches to risk and have shared their thoughts below.

Traci Edwards | Elopement Photographer & Planner

I never look at risk as risk. I always say I am taking a chance. I have always been a chance taker, moving all over the United States for work and then opening my own business. The biggest chance I took was moving into a 1989 van last year on my own. I wanted to live in a van so I could travel easier and cheaper to build a portfolio for my business all over the western part of the United States. I am very close with my aunt and when speaking with her about the choice she said do it! Read more>>

Emily Thibodeau | Photographer

Risk taking is something that’s helped me get to exactly where I am and find what makes me happy. The first thing I think about when thinking of a risk I’ve taken is deciding to go to school for Photography. Doing so, has had a huge and positive impact in my life and in my career. I considered majoring in photography a risk due to the fact that it isn’t a typical or practical career path. Something more like a business major, which is what I started in, would be the right move. Read more>>

Melissa Swader | Named ‘2020 Influncers in Marketing’ by Globe St./Real Estate Forum Magazine

As a young entrepreneur, I don’t believe I would be where I am today if I had not taken extreme measures or big risks in my decision-making. Everything always seem to great on paper but in order to measure the outcome you want, you really have to have a strategic plan in place and do your research how it can be effectively executed. Sometimes you just have to play the cards you’ve been dealt with and outplay your competition. Read more>>

Andrew Mark | Tattoo Artist

I believe in taking risks in life especially if it’s centered around something that you really want to do. The idea of taking a risk is only a thought until you do the unthinkable and take action. The risks I’ve taken has shaped me to who I am today, helped me realize that nothing is impossible, and always be willing to accept positive change. The more you believe in “You” the less fears you have, the more confidence you gain, and you unlock a better version of yourself while promoting positivity. Read more>>

Monique Espinoza | Writer & Teaching Artist

I never used to take risks. I lived comfortably, but always felt like I was supposed to be doing something else to fulfill a greater purpose. A few years ago I started to say yes to things that scared me. The first real risk I took was performing my poetry at an open mic, after the first time I was hooked. It felt like a switch turned on and once I started to put myself out there and take chances more opportunities came knocking at my door. I’ve been published in various online platforms, I’ve been able to do fulfilling community based work, and I don’t plan on stopping. Once I started taking risks in my life I began to see how much power I truly had over my happiness. Read more>>