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.

Nehal Tenany Mewani | Content Creator & Tech Marketer

Authenticity. When I started my Instagram account, it was a highlight reel of the best moments of my life, like many others do. It’s physically and mentally impossible to only be having “good times”. It wasn’t until I found my voice on TikTok where I started being vulnerable and sharing the hard truths of various aspects of my life. That’s when I started to see people engaging and resonating with my content, resonating with me and my brand. From that moment on, I told myself I would be 100% myself all the time – the good, bad, the ugly to stay true to myself. That’s how I’ve built a community and how I hope to carry my brand forward. Read more>>

Stephanie Deran | Owner & Macaron Aficionado

I never actually imagined having a baking business. Even though I have always loved to bake, I considered it merely a hobby. As we know, life changed suddenly for many people in 2020. Since my career at that time was meeting with people in person, my hours were drastically reduced and I found myself with time on my hands at home. I’m very thankful because even though at first it was just fun, I ended up creating a successfully small home baking business. Honestly, I owe my success mostly to my family and friends. I remember being so surprised, they actually wanted to pay me? If it were not for their encouragement and support, I would’ve never pursued an income through baking. Read more>>

Robert Nieto | Chocolatier, Pastry Chef, Owner of Fleur Sauvage Chocolates

I think the most important factor for Fleur Sauvage Chocolate’s success is attention to detail in both our product and our atmosphere. We work hard to use local quality ingredients and to think out of the box to make every product that we offer an unusual experience of some kind. Whether this is an unusual flavor and beautiful, unexpected presentation and artistically stunning. Read more>>

Diamond Rubi Koblis | Tooth Gem Technician

I would say consistency and staying committed. It’s important to stay consistent with what you do, showing up for yourself and your clients. It also builds trust and credibility in what you offer and I feel that’s so important. Read more>>

Jen Rosen and Florencia Abergel | ShamaMamahS- Medicine Music for the Heart

We have always had the intent to bring in songs that are accessible to every heart. We know music can be a healing force that can calm and soothe the nervous system, uplift the spirit, encourage and empower. Every single one of our songs has a spirit of its own and a very specific medicine that it offers. Together our songs create a body of work that are woven together with this same intent and thread of amplifying love, faith, healing and hope. This category of music with lyrics, melodies and frequencies designed to promote well-being, peace, joy and healing does not fall into the current genre categories. As such, we know we offer something unique for listeners- something of value beyond just entertainment. Read more>>

Dr. Angela Todd | COO, Psychologist, & Novelist

Factors for success can vary from person to person and brand to brand, almost like a fingerprint. The key to my success has been determination. There have been challenges and times when things didn’t look promising, but my determination kept me moving forward. I treated each difficulty as an opportunity to learn and grow, which only strengthened my resolve to succeed. My determination has not only helped me overcome obstacles but also shaped the identity of my brand. Ultimately, it’s the persistence to keep going, regardless of the circumstances, that has led me to where I am today. Read more>>

Steven Busby | Photographer and Videographer

Being a successful shooter in Los Angeles can almost feel like an impossibility, at first. There is no shortage of ultra-talented, madly artistic people across the city. To try to stand out from the pack can be a challenge and it can often leave you with a little bit of Imposter Syndrome. What I’ve found to be the best path, at least for me and my business, is to treat every set as if you are the least talented person on it. (For me, this is easy) Don’t approach your work with an ego. Don’t be precious about your ideas. Be collaborative. Be adaptable. Make your set, whatever it may be, the most comfortable place to work that you can. Read more>>

Unidentified Fem Object | Drag Alien

The most important thing for me to continue to be successful is to never second guess myself. I can be my worst enemy/critic and have to remember to never hold myself back. Read more>>

James Lavrakas | Psychedelic Integration Specialist for Introverts/HSP

I’ve adopted a personal approach that operates at a different speed and toolset than most psychedelic integration models out there. I curtail my work toward introverts and highly sensitive people and work at their speed, using language that will allow them to feel seen and heard in their own unique way. Providing tools, activities, and opportunities to express that cater more specifically to how they engage with the world. Read more>>