How do you think about risk? What role has taking risks played in your life/career? Check out responses from hidden gems from our community below.

Jason Swarr | Co-Owner of Terror Trader

Starting Terror Trader was a MAJOR step in our lives, especially in an untested market. Being the only horror themed marketplace in Arizona was a gamble, but it definitely paid off. My wife Gina and I have always been entrepreneurs, but this was the first time we stepped outside the mainstream world and into a super niche market. We have never been afraid to “try”. Mistakes are going to happen and it’s how we learn and grow. We knew this would be a challenge, but with the right team around us, we have made it a success! Read more>>

michael wardian | International Ship Broker and Professional Marathon and Ultra Marathon Runner and Endurance Athlete

I think that risk is in all parts of life and it has really impacted my life and career as I want to take risks and I enjoy taking risks but I am always cautious to have a back up plan and make sure that I minimize the risks as best I can. Read more>>

Justin Slater | Content Creator

I think risk is present in any career choice but especially within the industry I am apart of. The risks we take as content creators might seem fairly light and as though there’s not too much thought put into it. However, the backside of social media is all risk. I’ve been actively doing content creation for going on 8 years and I am still learning new things daily that help me progress when it comes to editing, connecting with my audience, algorithm changes and so much more. The risks that I take come into play when we look at types of content and brands to work with. In my life, risks are a common occurrence. I’ve told myself from the beginning “no struggle, no progress” because from the start I struggled with a lot of aspects in life financially, mentally and physically. Early on in my career, I decided to take the risk to leave home, couch surf, sleep in my car, not know where my next meal or water is coming from, in hopes to find success not only within my career but in my life. This was my rock bottom. But I have always told myself that you have to hit rock bottom, because the only place to go is up from there. Read more>>

Chris Busone | Chef, Hot Sauce + Spice Creator

Risk for me is more about facing the risks that you internally struggle with. Taking a risk does not always have to equate to finances, or jumping out of an airplane. It’s not about adrenaline, quite the opposite actually. It’s the quiet subtle things that I think torture us the most. Mine has always been imposter syndrome. Putting yourself in a categorical jail, convincing yourself that branching out is not who you really are. You ask yourself things like “What the hell does anyone care what I have to say?” or “I’m not REALLY doing this, there are others that are more experienced than me.” Read more>>

Lisa Heatherly-Contreras | Furniture Artist that spills into Home Decor too:)

I think taking risks as ‘challenge accepted’…teehee That is what life is all about. Making those decisions that might go against the grain…putting yourself out there. Sometimes that is a scary thing but it is how we grow both professionally and personally. So I say get out there and do what makes you…You. Read more>>

Ryan Nager | Realtor | Team Lead

I strongly believe, as the old saying goes, ‘without risk there is little reward’. Honestly I think that plays into every single aspect of someone’s life. Heading into a career like Real Estate in 2009-2010 was undoubtably a huge risk. The industry just went through the worst financial collapse and thousands of agents were leaving the business. I had no sales experience prior to this nor had any friends or relatives in the field. Read more>>