We asked some of the most interesting folks in the community to open up about how they think about taking chances and the role risk has played in their lives and careers. Risk is by far the topic folks talk to us most about and we hope the responses below will help shed light on many different perspectives.

Chelsie Tamala | Product Designer & Oil Painter

To start a business or create anything it’s all about taking risks. I continually take risks as a fine artist and as a product designer/ entrepreneur. You never know the exact out come of what you are doing is going to end up being like but that is part of the beauty and excitement of creating. It starts with a vision and lots of research. You have to be up for consistent problem solving with reachable daily/weekly goals. Read more>>

Nicholas | Adventure Photographer

Risk in my opinion is what makes life interesting, if something is easy to do it’s not as enjoyable or rewarding, a high risk adventure to take a stunning photo or make an amazing film is worth more than a safe easy trip to take a basic photo. The rush of a good risk, is very rewarding usually, because either you are successful, or you learn a valuable lesson. Read more>>

Richelle Peraza | Daily Dose founder

In life, and from a young age I learned that risk taking is what gets you from point A to point B or simply the difference between wishing on a star for something to come true as opposed to giving it your all. When you’re raised as a risk taker you thrive on the excitement of learning & growing. You learn that there’s always tomorrow & that with a good support system you’re never failing only learning. Read more>>

Jessica Manfre | Published author, senior contributor, licensed social worker and CFO of the Inspire Up Foundation

As human beings we seek comfort, doing things going against this feeling doesn’t sit well with us. But when it comes to having a dream or idea, without leaning into the uncomfortableness — there’s no room for growth and learning. Being a military spouse has taught me all about expecting the unexpected and focussing on solutions. In choosing to pursue self employment and start a nonprofit, both things I’d never done before, I had to choose risk. Though the typical 9-5 yields expected results like secure income and consistency, I would have always wondered “what if”. Read more>>

Rachel Canelo | Licensed Esthetician, Business Owner, Content Creator

I am where I am because I took risks. Leaving Providence, Rhode Island to move across the country and open a business of my own in such a short period of time was absolutely terrifying! However, I understand that you will never reach your true potential by staying in your comfort zone. I have worked countless jobs and I always knew I wanted to escape the corporate 9-5 life; I knew I was meant for more, I had a higher calling. I took a risk and bet on myself and now I am doing what I love, helping and inspiring as many people as possible. Read more>>

Weston Hopkins | Founder of airRyd.com

Risk taking is something that really everyone needs to engage in at some point or another to truly find their own limits. Many times just the idea itself of taking a risk, prevents an individual from realizing their true potential. I have had a natural tendency to take risks from a young age, and seem to almost enjoy the challenge of going out and trying to create something new from scratch. There is something incredibly rewarding about building something out of thin air, and then getting to watch others enjoy & benefit from that thing or service you created. Read more>>

Mary Sherwood | Glass Artist and Interior Designer

Being able to take risks is the only way to grow a business. By opening a small interior design studio in a small rural NC town I took my first risk. That was just one of many over the years. By risk taking the business grew and expanded its space about every five years. Each involved a leap of faith and a financial investment. It’s difficult to take risks that have potential financial consequences. But by not stepping out of your “comfort zone” your business can not survive. Read more>>