Through our work we have been constantly amazed at the incredible things people in every neighborhood are working on. What’s even more exciting is that they all have different stories, backgrounds, strengths and weaknesses. That there isn’t a single formula for success means that everyone can take their unique set of strengths and characteristics and turn it into a success story. We recently reached out to some folks we admire and asked them what characteristics they feel are responsible for their success.

Margot Steffensen | Jewelry Designer

I think I have been successful in my business because I know my target audience and listen to what they like. I live in a very outdoor and active community and the women want to look good while having fun. I make my earrings light (almost weightless) and fun to help my customers feel and look beautiful without compromising their active lives. I am very lucky to have a very loyal client base that has supported my business throughout the years. I like to make new earrings and necklaces frequently to keep people coming back for more. It’s fun to constantly be changing my designs to stay current with trends. Read more>>

Bruce Battoe | Video Director

Although providing quality work and affordable rates are two essential factors in retaining clients and receiving referrals, an irreplaceably important factor is to always give more than you receive. We always make a point of giving something extra to the client. Whether it be discounts for additional services, help with referring them customers, or simply extra attention to detail to make sure they are happy with the videos we produce for them, giving something extra is always appreciated and shows that we value going the extra mile for our clients. Read more>>

Sage Aubrey Loman | CEO, Creative Director & Founder

Oh my gosh, MY ICONIC #SAGESQUAD without the women in this community embracing SAGE AUBREY there would be no success. I owe so much to the women who go hard for the brand. I came into the luxury industry out of no where, and started to see the lack of ethics in the way they treated and intimidated women in purchasing. I became appalled by the industry. I had a choice to either be apart of the problem or take a HUGE risk and pull out of my large luxury retail partnerships– and find a way to be a part of the solution. So 2 years ago I did just that and did the complete opposite of what the fashion industry and luxury industry advises you to do as a designer. I got in front of my customers, started to tell the truth about the industry, and took the mystery out of the equation. That HUGE risk of bucking the trend and following my instincts is what has made SAGE AUBREY a success. Read more>>

Dominika Gaines | Visionary & Master Teacher

The integrity and heart with which I and my staff work. I truly believe its important to lead by example. I’ve always led my team with great passion and commitment. They’ve seen me work hard, juggling numerous responsibilities, but always with great love and curiosity. Even when things have been tough, they know they can count on me to do the right thing; I pride myself on fairness. As a team, we truly invest ourselves in our teaching, and stay very current in our own education. Read more>>

Erin Vetnar | Owner

It’s strange to think of my shop as a success because to me it’s a fun place that I get to go every day. It’s not a job. It’s my happy place that I get to go and create and make things at. I think people feel that when they walk in. I think our brand is successful because people know we treat everyone with respect and kindness. That we will help them with their projects or give advice about their space and how to use objects they already have. I think we are successful because we take an honest interest in helping our customers. Read more>>

Lauren Romero Patrick | Social Media Director

Honestly the most important factor behind my success is to always find time for myself. As a business owner in the creative world it’s so easy to get caught up and work 24-7, it’s so important to take time for yourself so you don’t hit a rut. Being a creative, you always have to be up to date and coming up with new content, the best way for me to do that is when I take my me time. Wether it’s a quick work out or a bubble bath, I always find my me time. Once my me time break is over I find myself being even more focused and ready to work and let my creative juices flow! Read more>>

Melissa Howard | Financial Wizard

I have found that the driving factor behind any successful brand is passion. Creating your own brand is demanding in terms of time, emotional strength, and thought power. I haven’t met a single business owner who found success by going in halfway. You have to be passionate about what you do, why you’re doing it, and who you’re doing it for. After facing a handful of challenges, I created my brand based on a passion for helping others build their financial strength, which often times starts with organized bookkeeping. Read more>>

Brekyn Johnson | Local Meal Prep Owner

I would say the most important factor behind my success is the fact that I stay true to who I am as a person. I make decisions based on my values and morals, even if they aren’t always the popular decisions. I make sure to stay in line with my values when it comes to hiring employees, how I treat my employees, and how I handle my customer service, to name a few things. Read more>>