There are so many factors that can play a role in determining our results, performance and ultimately our success, but some factors matter more than others. We asked folks what they felt was the most important factor driving their success.

Alyssa Stills | Full-stack Creative Developer & Artist

A large mental hurdle that I had to overcome when launching my business, RECKLYSS Studios, was the mounting pressure that the success of my business rested solely on me. When I opened myself up to the idea of actually accepting help and realized the many gifts of collaboration, a weight began to lift off of me. I’ve always had a strong network, but I really had to learn to lean into that. Read more>>

Jennifer Orkin Lewis | Artist/teacher/author

Authenticity. I work hard to stay very true to myself and my art. It’s very important to me to make work that is meaningful to me without worrying about what the end goal might be. This has worked well for me in my brand because people come to me for what I have to offer and not what I think they will like. Read more>>

Jackie Daytona | Editor in Chief

The most important factor I hope to deliver from our brand is to create an all-inclusive space for anyone who enjoys any entertainment aspect. It’s crucial to us that our brand and the spaces we create for fans of entertainment remain a place where we celebrate the things we love without bringing down any others for enjoying something. It’s the core of what founded Geek Network as we spent much time on social media in these spaces that tear you down for loving something that others may consider odd or unpopular. Read more>>

Lisa Caroline Jaimes-Toon | Chocolatier, Business Owner

The success in the Carolina’s Chocolate brand is the story. Carolina was truly a wonderful, caring, creative person. Carolina’s Chocolate could not have evolved had it not been for her. I have taken what she taught me and developed a line of chocolate that expresses her flavors, her efforts of providing for her family, her love. Read more>>