Every overnight success we’ve seen has been years in the making. And those overnight successes are rarely because of an amazing idea or a stroke of luck. We asked some of our favorite folks from the community about what characteristics are at the heart of their success story?

Sarah Dooley | Wedding Photographer

The biggest factor that played into my success as a wedding photographer was simply never giving up, and following where my heart led me. I am constantly asking myself what the next step forward is. There is always something to work on, to improve on, or learn more about. Challenging yourself, getting out of your comfort zone, and trying new things (even if its a little scary) plays a big role into how far you will make it. I am also not ashamed to admit that I had the drive to succeed in this business partly just to spite the people who didn’t believe in me. Read more>>

Dana Salsbury | Wedding Videographer

We have great clients and bad clients. It’s vital that we keep enthusiasm for what we do, as it’s very personal. When we get bad clients we have to forgive. If we harden to our clients, the excellence turns into good-enough, and it’s a downward spiral from there. We’ve always prayed together for our clients to avoid that spiral. In total we’ve been doing this for 25 years and there’s literally nothing I would rather be doing…well, unless I was talented at something else. Read more>>

Brian Cano Sr. | Tiesonomo Media Group, LLC – Managing Member & Tysonomo Multimedia – Multimedia Journalist

The most important factor behind my success is my willingness to adapt to uncomfortable feelings of change. I embrace my interpersonal growth by exploring optional avenues of expression. Frankly speaking, self discipline, intuitiveness, prognostication, and luck, all play a part in our overall success. Read more>>

Leah Dates | Owner, baker & Decorator

I believe the most important factor to my business’ success is passion and discipline. As a business owner you are completely in control of how much you can make and how successful you can be. It all depends on the work you’re willing to put in. It’s not a 9-5 job it’s a 24/7 job. It’s easy to want to slack off when “you’re the boss” but if you slack so does the business. That’s why discipline is so important. My passion for baking and discipline with keeping up with ALL aspects of the business are the biggest part of my success. Read more>>

Terry Yetter | Realtor

The most important factor behind my success is my wife. If not for the encouragement and support of her I would not have been comfortable in pursuing a career in Real Estate so late in life. She is the one who pushed me to pursue my dreams and turn them into a reality. She inspires me daily to challenge myself to be better than yesterday. Read more>>

Erica Toatley | Owner/Operator

The most important factor behind the success of Tiny Blessings is that we consistently deliver on our promise. When our clients book a birthday party, request a service, or order one of our products, they have certain expectations. They want to be sure they receive the promised services and benefits. It is our responsibility to deliver 100% of the time. Our team is trained to EXCEED CLIENT EXPECTATIONS in every interaction. Read more>>

Colleen Conlon | Kettlebell Specialist + Entrepreneur

The most important factor behind the success of my brand is taking messy action. My brand came about in 2020 due to Covid 19. I was furloughed from my job, I decided this would be my opportunity to change my life, I invested in a group business coaching program, and my life was forever changed! I went from starting my day at 4am to commute into NYC to run around anywhere between 4-7 locations a day, living out of a back pack to come home by 8pm earning 30k per year to moving to Phoenix, working from the comfort of my home, creating more impact and earning 6 figures! Read more>>

Yuval Yakoby | Owner of AZVA

The most important factor behind the success of AZVA has been perseverance. Having your own business is difficult and takes a lot of patience and hard work. Having faith in what the brand represents and believing in the hard work put in behind the scenes is key. Anything good in life takes time so enjoying what I do allows me to not give up when sales are slow or the creative juices aren’t flowing. I truly do love everything about this brand which makes everything I do seamless. Read more>>

Nadya Ramos | Content Creator & Content Marketing Strategist

The most important factor behind the success of my brand is growth–both personal and professional. I strive to walk into every opportunity with the attitude of a student–prepared to learn and improve. That is how I have managed to secure over 15 clients in my first year in business as a marketing consultant and service provider. There is always something to learn from a client or new project. This approach helps me challenge myself and those I collaborate with to show up and do good work no matter the size of the budget or task at hand. Read more>>

Spiro Galanopoulos | Realtor

If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together. The grass is only greener where you water it so, remember who helped you get to where you are today and cherish those who always lift you up. Surround yourself with people who light up when they see you. If you’re the most successful person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. Success comes with accomplishments, and knowing you’ve done your best, enjoyed doing it and gained everything from it. Know who you are, and do it on purpose. Read more>>

Monique Hayward | Co-Founder & CEO, DRISCOLL Cuisine & Cocktail Concepts

DRISCOLL Cuisine & Cocktail Concepts is relentless when it comes to hospitality. Co-Founder & President Brian Driscoll is trained in the Japanese hospitality tradition of “omotenashi,” which places a unique emphasis on anticipating guests’ needs and being selfless in service delivery. That has been the key to our success for our personal chef company as have set out to redefine in-home dining as classy, contemporary, and creative affairs with highly personalized, memorable, and engaging experiences. Read more>>

Yogii Locco | Hip Hop Artist

The most important factor behind my music would definitely be my desire to be great at my craft and improve myself as a artist out here in Arizona also my Producer Gooodluuk is the Main one Making it Possible for me to Create this music and get it out to My Fans Read more>>