By far, the topic that comes up most in our conversations with entrepreneurs and creatives is risk. We’ve had conversations about risks that worked out and risks that did not. We’ve seen eyes light eye sharing about career-trajectory changing risks as well as folks sigh about the risks they wish they had taken. Below, we’ve selected and shared some of those thoughtful conversations.

Jill Hoefs | Physical therapist and owner of Body Align Physical Therapy

While I’m often risk adverse when it comes to down hill skiing and cliff jumping, taking risks professionally has paid off. I loved the security of a paycheck and benefits as a full-time employee, but I was soon ready to branch out on my own. I hoped my patients would follow me and they did. Read more>>

Alexander Dixon | Filmmaker & Co-Founder

Risk taking has always been the key component toward separating Originator’s Media from our competitors and standing out in my personal life as well. In this modern day and age, technology and information are moving so quickly that it’s important to realize that we can’t keep doing the same things to get to the same results that everyone wants to see. Read more>>

Joe Vandenberg | Herbalist & Tea Merchant

The way I see it, “risk” has a very particular relationship to faith. When one is in tune with the rhythm and flow of life, there isn’t much place for risk because faith quickly supersedes it. Many people might use the word “trust” instead of “faith” because of the often dogmatic and religious use of the word faith. Read more>>

Kaylee Tellez | Soap Maker & Model & Aspiring Herbalist

I think risk taking is fun. I think people should do it more often. They might find themselves somewhere new, or challenging, and isn’t fun to see what you’ll do next? I’ve taken a few risks in my life, some good and some not so good, but the important thing for me was that I wasn’t staying still. I am more afraid of being the same person I was yesterday than I am of failing or trying something new. Read more>>

Vanessa Young | Licensed Advanced Facialist & Acne Specialist

“A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there”. I heard this quote roughly five years ago that changed my perspective when it came to making changes through any aspects of my life. Although any change in life can be ultimately terrifying, without it, we can not grow and learn as individuals. Read more>>