We asked some brilliant folks from the community to talk to us about how they think about risk and the role risk has played in their lives and careers.

Samantha Owens | Business Owner & Landscape Designer

Thinking back 18 years ago, the idea of opening a brick & mortar business as a 20-something was a huge risk but at the time, it didn’t seem like it. When you consider the size and scale of an acre retail plant nursery along with a landscaping business, it does seem daunting. But I grew up in the agricultural industry and was confident that given that history and the help of my business partner at the time, as well as the people surrounding me — family, friends, employees and customers — that it could work. I don’t want to say that risk-taking comes easy to me but I don’t shy away from it, and I think that that comes down to having a specific mindset, a strong work ethic and sheer stubbornness. Read more>>

Riley McAndrews | Interdisciplinary Artist

I believe taking risks is necessary as an artist and as a lifelong learner. After college, I was unsure about the direction I wanted my career to go, so I decided to spend three months in rural Japan at the Studio Kura Artist Residency Program. No plans for after, no income, just savings and the desire to make art. It paid off, igniting my passion for narrative artworks and giving me the opportunity to make international connections with other amazing artists. Taking a risk gave me direction in my career. In my children’s book 「分かりたい！」(I Want to Understand!), I explore risk-taking when learning a language. I studied Japanese for four years in college, but upon arrival in Japan I realized how far I was from fluent. Read more>>

Liya | Pop Artist & Songwriter

A big part of being an artist and an entrepreneur in general is about not being scared to take risks. They play a big role in my life and career and they excite me. I perceive them as character builders and remind myself that they are inevitable if I want to move forward in my career and in life in general. If it wasn’t for risk-taking I wouldn’t be doing what I am today. Read more>>

Lovari | Billboard Recording Artist & Actor

The most riskiest things that I have done always circles back to standing up for what I believe in, and getting that point across in my product. That is where the inspiration behind the music video for my “Keep It Movin (Cancel “Cancel Culture”) arose form. To think that you can be “cancelled” in the 21st Century for having an opinion that isn’t considered the most popular one! But, sadly, as I have said many times before, history repeats itself – for better or for worse. Read more>>

Tartie | Singer/songwriter

Being in the music industry means you have to take so many risks. Believing in your abilities, believing in your music and what you have to offer the world amongst a sea of artists is a risk in itself. I think of risk as a necessary ingredient to success. Each time I release a song it’s a risk. I’ve had to make friends with the fears that show up along the way so that I can prove to myself that they don’t need to stop me from doing what I love. Read more>>

Parker Slavin | President & CEO of StationeryXpress

I believe that taking risks is very important in order to achieve success, but I do think the risks themselves need to be very well thought out and calculated. If the risks are not well thought out and calculated, it’s essentially gambling, and I don’t believe that is the right or safest path. When my uncle passed away and I had to decide whether I was going to quit my job immediately and try my hand at taking over his business/company, StationeryXpress.com, I had to weigh the pros and cons. Of course, on one hand, I would instantly lose my job and guaranteed salary, putting my livelihood at risk. Read more>>