TV, Movies, and culture in general sometimes paints a narrow, specific image of what success is, but we know from our conversations with some of the best and brightest that success can mean vastly different things to different people.

Kerry Parker Micheaels | Elopement Photographer

When I started out, I was pretty clear in my goal that if a client hired me to take their photos, I wanted it to be because they wanted ME specifically, and not just any photographer. I have worked really hard to bring a specific style and type of client experience that I hope sets me apart. I think it is important in art to recognize that not everyone is going to want what you do. But for the people that it speaks to, you are their ideal person. Working with me is a very personal experience, and I have worked hard to emphasize that to prospective clients. Now, usually by the time people reach out to me, most people say something along the lines of, I absolutely love your style, or we already know we really want you to be our wedding photographer. For me, it’s been a factor of getting really personal and intentional with my brand. Read more>>

Shahe Koulloukian | Truth Advocator

This is a wonderful question. Generally, most business success is based on many factors, such as talent, hard work, fresh ideas and sales. These are important factors, no doubt, but when your business is in service, you have to remember to understand the emotional factor. Cars are a huge part of our lives, when we are not at home, we are in your cars. It’s the subconscious safe place to be when you’re not at home. I have been very blessed to understand that my service responsibility is to impact all my customers to think sensibly and not emotionally, my bottom line is secondary. From the moment a consumer makes the decision to go out and purchase a vehicle, it’s all based on emotional satisfaction. The color, the power, the sunroof, the 4×4 the leather, the shiny wheels and all the bells and whistles that go along with it. Read more>>

Sky Black | Artist

Hard work and heading the advice of other professionals in my field. Read more>>

Ray Bennett II | President & Co-Founder

The most important factor behind our success is dependability. Anyone who knows us will tell you that if we say we will be there, they know no matter what, we will show up. Read more>>

Christopher McKenna | Founder of The Valley of the Fun

Being willing to put yourself out there and try new things. I started this project with the intent of sharing the awesome things that the Valley has to offer because they are so numerous, but often times they are overshadowed. Picking and choosing which brands, businesses, and events to share is not an easy one so it required a lot of deep diving at first. As this project has grown, more and more brands are wanting to work with us to hype up their offerings, making it more important than ever to make sure we are working with the right people while also being open to trying new and exciting offerings. Read more>>

Jason Barr | Dermatologist, Mohs surgeon, and Residency program director

Besides the obvious, providing excellent compassionate medical care, I have always treated each patient as I would like to be treated. I strive to treat each patient as I were treating a family member or close friend, with the same empathy and consideration. Read more>>