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.
Miranda Lee | Women’s Empowerment Community
Risk taking is essential. One of my favorite quotes is “scared money don’t make money.” This doesn’t just pertain to money but life. The more you are willingly to consciously “risk” for good reason the bigger the reward. I’ve taken risks to travel to India for my yoga teacher training and it was an experience I’ll never forget nor want to change. When it comes to ShaktiSpeaks, there’s always risk in being honest and speaking your truth. People interpret things how they’d like & you run the risk of misunderstandings or assumptions of character without opportunity to clarify. Read more>>
Jenna Bailey | CEO & Attorney
Entrepreneurs must have an extremely high tolerance for risk. Starting and growing and business requires taking risks virtually every day. Some people simply are not cut out for that life and will be miserable. True entrepreneurs experience and tolerate risk differently than others. For me, I attribute where I am today to my risk tolerance. In addition to making the decision to start a business at all, I made some big decisions early on in the business that proved to be a difference maker in the success of my business. I can point to specific, very risky decisions that panned out very well and allowed my business to be where it is today. That does not mean every risk turns out how you envision, and that is the tolerance aspect. Of course I have also taken risks that did not go so well. However, as an entrepreneur I understand and appreciate that as part of the game, so to speak. In those instances, I learn everything I can from that experience. Read more>>
Nnenna Eleanya | Actress, Model & Writer
Taking risks is the fiber of my being. I want to make the most out of my life while I can. Going against conventional thinking and doing the unthinkable is what lead me to where I’m at now. Of course I made some mistakes along the way, learned valuable lessons and I live with no regrets! But to be honest, I used to always play it safe. Did “the right things” that made sense to others. Unfortunately, I was never happy and felt stuck. Until one day I just decided I wanted better for myself then started to make a series of changes. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy or even acceptable by family and friends. But I firmly believe taking risks comes with great rewards. Read more>>
Rebecca Braatz | Personal Trainer
I always find myself repeating when faced with the fear of risk… “Nothing great comes from comfort zones”. If it scares you to death, that’s a sure sign to keep going. There’s nothing quite like taking a risk to show you what you’re capable of. Taking risks not only builds character, but also confidence, humility, shrewdness, courage, and a litany of other invaluable traits. They provide clarity, insight, wisdom, and knowledge that are only made accessible through application, execution, and experience. They lessen the power external forces have over your ability to think, problem solve, then act with conviction. In my own experience with business, I’ve brushed cheeks with the gravity of regret when I chose to ignore that voice in my head that urged me to take that leap of faith. I prolonged following my passion of health & fitness for 3+ years because my mind was riddled with questions like, “What happens if I fail?”, “What if I’m not good enough?” To that, I say… “What happens if I don’t try?”, “What’s at risk if I don’t take this opportunity?” Mastering your mindset, thoughts, and perception is key to becoming comfortable with risk-taking. Read more>>
Kelsey Donovan | REALTOR
The thought process behind starting my business began when I was very young. When I was as young as five years old, I used to beg my mom to take me to open houses every Sunday after church. I just loved exploring properties and imagining their potential. By the time I was 8, my favorite TV show was House Hunters and my favorite pastime was building home after home from the ground up on the computer game : Sims. I knew I wanted a career in Real Estate very early on but I just wasn’t sure how to make it happen. I had seen my parents, friends and nearly everyone I know go to college and begin their climb up the corporate ladder. So what did I do? I boxed up my dreams up being a real estate agent, went to college and got a job in finance to start my corporate ladder climb. It didn’t take me long to recognize I wanted more fulfillment and that the dream I had as a child was pushed aside out of fear. I knew I had to get my foot in the door and obtain the knowledge before starting my own business. Read more>>
Yaya Vega | Esthetician/Entrepreneur
Without risk there is no success. Risk for me has come in different forms from decisions to finances and time. I took a risk when I made the decision to leave the 9-5 jobs I had only every known and risk my finances to take a leap and open a business of my own doing what I love. I did not know the outc0me but I trusted that with my hard work and effort this risk would turn out to be the best opportunity to come my way. I have learned to live out of my comfort zone and always keep an open mind. The beauty of this industry for me is that learning never ends and the risks will always be worth it when you work hard and never forget why you started. Read more>>
Kate Amini | Licensed Associate Counselor & Business Owner, K.A. Counseling LLC
I think risk taking can play an important role when it comes to any kind of self growth. We learn how to navigate when we are out of our comfort zone, because we have no other choice. Calculated risks have been a big part of my adult life. I moved across the country in hopes that I would have more opportunities, and in doing so I experienced major ups and downs. I was far from my family and got homesick often. Friendships I thought would be lifelong succumbed to distance and life changes. I’m grateful I met my husband and we adopted our dog Daisy early on, as they made the hard times easier. I felt starting my Master’s program for counseling was a risk in itself. Would it pay off? Was this going to be a waste of time, energy and money? I didn’t know much about the mental health industry at the time, so thinking about my future career felt like looking into a black hole. By the time I reached the internship stage of my program, I was even more disoriented. I had reached out to multiple clinics for internship opportunities and hadn’t heard back from one. Read more>>