Reflecting on the things that made a difference

We asked some of the city’s rising stars to reflect on what made a difference in their journey. We asked them to tell us about what they think the most important factor has been behind their success.

Janelle Joy | Private Photo Editor | Mentor | Educator

Client Focused. It’s a phrase that we hear a lot in the small business community, however that’s for a very good reason. Client focused, or client first, has been why Janelle Joy is so successful. We value and put a lot of our love, hard work, and sweat into each of our photographers we edit for. Our 1-on-1 relationship with them is more than just editing their images, it’s cheering them on, and showing up for them in both good and bad times. We take our relationship and trust they have in us seriously and don’t take it lightly. Read more>>

Kelsa Dickey | Financial Coach

The most important factor behind my success is saying “Yes!” to opportunities and taking what I call “messy action.” Often times I see people waiting to dive in until they have it all figured out. But I’ve learned to trust myself that once I say Yes and dive into something, I’m resourceful, creative and can figure it out! People often make comments to me about how we (our business and our brand) can do so much in the ways we serve people and this is how – by diving in and then figuring it out from there. Read more>>

Bobby Kramer | Beverage Director & Chief Mixologist

There are a lot of factors that can play into success for example, dedication, perseverance, and passion, however, the biggest driving force I can attribute to my success is the team I’ve built. I’ve always found it important to ally yourself with people that have a similar drive and passion. In turn, this has allowed me to research different avenues that I might not have thought of, and even build on ideas together toward a common goal. Read more>>

Eva Savageau | NeuroMuscular Therapist, Chronic Pain Specialist and LMT

I believe that my business has been so successful due to the fact that my patients can see and know without a doubt how passionate I am for what I do and how much I truly care about every single person who walks through my door. Even if it’s a phone call from a potential patient, I will spend as much time as I can in giving them guidance, suggestions and referrals, if it is for something out of my scope of practice. I will always continue to give my time, knowledge, empathy and sincere devotion to as many lives as I am blessed to come across. That truly brings me joy which in turn brings me success. Read more>>

Kimberly Burke | Fashion/Lifestyle Blogger

My creativity and my authenticity. I am unapologetically myself and in an Instagram world where perfection is what you see from most bloggers/brands. I don’t don’t do that. I stick to my own lane and what makes my brand unique. My audience appreciates the honesty and realness. Read more>>

Avina Nguyen | Entrepreneur & Bobarista Master

My success behind Sumo Snow started as a dream. A dream of creating a fun and unique boba store for our community. My husband and I wanted to open a Taiwanese shave snow store and wanted to use Snow in the name indicating cold and refreshing desserts/drinks. We wanted a store name that would stand out from other Asian dessert/boba stores and we wanted to create our drinks in a one of a kind “fat” cups. I was a chubby baby and my mother always called me baby sumo, so we decided to name our store Sumo Snow after combining my childhood nickname and Snow. Read more>>

Jordan Nelson | Corps Director, Phenom Drum & Bugle Corps

Simply put, the performers of Phenom Drum & Bugle Corps are the biggest factor toward any form of success I have achieved up to this point. These young adults work tirelessly day after day to chase excellence and improve themselves through the art of marching music. It is truly humbling and inspiring to be surrounded by such amazing people that will undoubtably go on to change the world around them. Without the dedication of these members, I do not believe I would be as inspired to create this platform for them to grow and flourish. Read more>>

Tonya Saidi | Pie Truck and Pie Shop Owner

Love, I bake because I enjoy feeding people something that stirs up nostalgic memories of loved ones. When people eat pie they almost always have a great story that goes with it. My mission statement “I want to feed and nurture the world one dessert at a time.” Read more>>

Jarrett Patti | Auto Restoration & Detailing

I feel like our most important factors to our success is consistency and always putting our customers first. We always try to grow a relationship with our clients and follow up with them after our services are completed. I think that is a huge factor to us being rated 5 stars on all search engines. Our goal is to have our clients for a lifetime not one time. Read more>>

Salina Higgins | Permanent Makeup Artist

The most important factor behind my success is my passion for what I do! Making women feel beautiful and confident is an amazing job to have! Passion and alot of hard work and hustling! Good things come to people who are honest and hard working! Read more>>

Yvonne Rodriguez | Local Nail Artist

I would have to say my Hustle. Without it I wouldn’t have what I do. It plays such a big role in starting off. It pushes you to do more and want more. I have a saying I believe in very much “The Hustle Never Sleeps” because behind every successful business/brand is a lot of taking work home with you and where ever you go! It’s never ending but is always well worth it. If you have the drive then you have a hustle! From there on, the rest is history! Read more>>

Mike Casten | Owner of Poodini Pet Waste Removal

I would have to attribute our success to being genuine and truly caring about our customers and the community. When it comes down to it, anybody with a bucket could do this job. The difference is that we form a lasting relationship with our customers, go out of our way to help them whenever we can, and always try to give back to the community. Because of this, people realize that we are doing more than just cleaning up their yard and they want to support us. Read more>>

Dominique Wilson | Celebrity Impersonator and Cosplay Actress

The most important factor behind my success is that at the end of the day people are pleased with my efforts. I have always enjoyed entertaining people and when I’ve done what makes people happy, I am satisfied. I always want to leave a lasting impression on everyone I come in contact with. Read more>>

Kathryn Gastelum | Abstract Painter & Silk Scarf Designer

The most important factor behind my success is that I never give up being an Artist. It is truly the hardest thing to constantly put yourself out there with your artwork, which is always a personal reflection, or pursue to new calls to artists or be bold enough to take new opportunities. But then it is SO VERY rewarding when you are selected for a show, or a painting sells or several customers must have one of your hand painted silk scarves! THIS is success to me! Read more>>