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.

Gia Klimes | Celebrity makeup artist. Brand ambassador

In life there’s always risks. If you don’t take risks in your life , you will never grow. Stepping out into the unknown is hard. , but you can’t let your fear paralyze you. I was a single mom I was divorced when my daughter was 4 years old. Before I was married I was a senior makeup artist for Mac. I quit my job to raise my daughter after I was married. I left my marriage. And had a dream. To move to Hollywood. To be a makeup artist for the red carpet. Working for shows. Designers. I had hardly any money and a child also with a dream. . We slept in an apartment with no furniture. When we first moved to California. Read more>>

Kameron Rasmussen | Content Creator, Hair and Make-up Artist

Risk taking is always so exciting wether, your jumping out of a plane or gambling in Vegas. However when it comes to your career, risk taking somehow becomes scarier…but, I think it should be. My philosophy on risk taking is that if it doesn’t scare you, then the risk your taking isn’t worth it. When it comes to my career choices, I’ve always had my had in many pockets. I began acting and modeling at a young age which is a risk in itself seeing as there is not guarantee in this line of work. Then, when social media started taking off I moved into the content creator world which was always a risk. Read more>>

Curran Walia | Philosopher of Conscious Marketing

I take calculated risk. I plan for spontaneity. I spontaneously make months-long and year-long plans. Risk is essential for growth, but I believe it takes the planning to ensure the risk-taking works for you instead of against you. When I tell others my story, it oftens look like a long stream of mistakes led me to present-day. To a certain extent, my life really is a long stream of mistakes. However, I think I learned from an early age that letting my mistakes work for me is the quickest way I can grow and progress. I don’t concern myself with making mistakes. That is inevitable and unavoidable. Why bother stressing out about all of the different ways you can screw up? I would much rather take risks with the confidence in my ability to handle any situation that comes my way. In doing so, I am able to take rational risks that will either be a blessing or a lesson. Regardless – life goes on. Read more>>

Aubrey Monserrate | Professional Pastry Chef & Entrepreneur

I think of risk as something we fear because there’s the loaming of the unknown. Most of the time we stay in the ‘safe lane’ rather then take the ‘risk lane’. I used to be one of those people, and I honestly still am at times. I’ve spent a lot of my life in the ‘safe zone,’ getting small tastes of risk. What held me back was that fear of the unknown, of failure, of disappointment! Until I left the ‘safe lane’ years ago, completely changing career paths, moving across the United States, and starting a brand new life. I entered an industry filled with risk. One where you’re successful one day and bankrupt the next. All these risky maneuvers lead up to the greatest one of all, quitting my unfulfilling job to create my own business in terrible economic times. Read more>>

Shoreigh Williams | Artist and Tatooer

Taking risks is the only way! Fear stems from the unknown. You have to jump. Read more>>

Ms. Flores | Owner, Instructor, Nail Artist

Risk taking played a major role in opening up my nail school. I had just signed the lease right before COVID hit. Everyone told me, “don’t do it, all the schools are being shut down”. Amidst all the confusion and fear, the one thing that helped me take that leap of faith was my Grandma. Right before her passing, she said, “If you ever have a dream, move forward no matter what. Life is change, life is obstacles.” I was afraid, and I had my doubts, but despite everyone’s advice not to take that chance, I took her advice and moved forward with my dream. My school has just passed its one year mark. I have become one of the most successful nail schools here in Arizona. So its true, there can be success regardless of any circumstances. It all starts with taking a risk, or as I call it, a leap of faith. Read more>>

Laurel Roach | CEO

I think the ability to step out into the unknown and take risks is an essential part of a fulfilling life. Too many people live their lives feeling stuck and unsatisfied (with their job, finances, bodies, etc) but are unwilling or afraid to take a risk in order to achieve what they desire or change their situation. Before I owned my business I had a career that loved, but that was incredibly stressful. I was passionate about the people – my team and customers, but not the industry itself. I took a huge risk in leaving that job — a great salary, benefits and guaranteed paycheck — to follow my real passion in the health and fitness industry. Read more>>