Legend holds that Cornelius Vanderbilt had built a massive fortune in the steamboat shipping industry, but then realized the railroads were the way of the future and invested almost his entire net worth into railroads. The gamble paid off and made Vanderbilt one of the wealthiest entrepreneurs ever. But risks are inherently…risky. How do you think about risk and how has it affected your life and career? Some of our community favorites share their perspective below.

Lindsay Smith | Photographer & Videographer

I’m not usually a big risk taker. I like routine and knowing exactly what to expect. I have also found that sometimes risk is necessary, especially when you’re feeling stuck in life. In starting Untamed Terrain, I took a huge risk financially and career-wise. I quit teaching after nearly a decade. I had a small amount of photography equipment for my personal use, but needed to expand into having the equipment to film and photograph adventures. Read more>>

Jimmy Fike | Photographer and Art Professor

I think all artists, and especially art majors, have taken a real leap of faith in our society when they dedicate their lives to art. You have to have a real belief in your inner-calling and know that you may need to forge a unique path and risk privations. I’m not necessarily unique in this regard, it is a risk all artists take. I’m fortunate in that I’ve navigated this risky path fairly successfully. Read more>>

Daniel and Noelle Martinez | Bakers/Owners

Honestly my wife and I are not risk-taking individuals. Quitting a job without having another lined up to ensure steady income is a preposterous notion, same as taking a family vacation without planning your stops and excursions is a recipe for disaster. One of the biggest risks we ever took, individually or as a couple, was going into business for ourselves. Read more>>

Arlette Pender | Hairstylist &business owners

I’m definitely a risk taker. Taking risks to me is necessary. I was raised in Brooklyn Ny. To two hard working parents there wasn’t lots of money however I always had lots of drive to become an independent person. I love doing things the way I wanted and had my own way. Although, taking risks without having a financial support system or a stash of $$$ somewhere I definitely had to rely on my work ethic (my grind) to get things done also ending with raising 3 children. I struggled and I believe that it (the struggle builds character) it did in me and Read more>>

Marcus Thompson | Photographer & Videographer & Editor

I think taking risks is extremely important and can be incredibly beneficial for anyone. There’s a saying that everyone knows, “high-risk high reward”. And that saying plays into challenging yourself with harder tasks that you may be unsure of. At the end of the day, you always take risks when you challenge yourself. I 100% agree with taking risks if you are confident that good can come out of it. Read more>>