We asked some of the city’s rising stars to reflect on what made a difference in their journey. We asked them to tell us about what they think the most important factor has been behind their success.

Ishita Bhama | Psychic, Medium, & Energy Healer

The most important factor behind my success is trust, faith, and absolute surrender. In my line of work as a psychic and energy healer, there has to be a lot of of trust, faith, and surrender from my side and my client’s side. I need to be in trust, faith, and surrender that by putting myself out there and offering my healing and intuitive services, people who are ready to invest in themselves and heal their lives will come to work with me. Read more>>

Kolette Morehead | Content Creator / Photographer / Podcast Host / Social Media Manager

The most important thing behind Hot Koko is authenticity. I strive for my social media content and brand to be an unfiltered platform that’s refreshing for my viewers. Being venerable and open within my brand creates a safe space for my followers to do the same for themselves. Read more>>

MARLA DEL ROSARIO | PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER

I think one of the most important factor behind my success is the passion I developed for photography and videography. People say “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life” I’ve never understood this until today. Before I formed my business, I just enjoyed taking photos and videos of friends and family and our memories. Read more>>

Evan Spencer | Professional Piercer/Business Manager

Consistency, quality of work and products I am using, and treating my clients as if they’re family. I’m grateful for every single person that wants to have a piercing done by me, and I don’t take their trust lightly. Read more>>

Alli Stelling | Lifestyle Photographer

I believe the most important factor behind any successful business or brand is your “why.” I have been doing photography since I was about 17 years old, so almost 18 years now but only really decided to turn it into a full-time business 5 years ago. This is when my first son was born and began my journey of finding out my “why.” Read more>>

Mercedes Brennan and Karen Campbell | Principal Interior Designers at Campbell Brennan Design/1 Chic Retreat

Because we specialize in the design of vacation rental properties, we think the most important factor behind our success and the success of our brand is making our clients happy. By clients, we mean both our primary clients, the property owner, and our secondary clients, who are the guests who stay there. Read more>>

Audrey Penninckx | Client Experience Dubsado CRM Strategist

It is important for me to have a deep understanding and hands-on experience with the tool that I am offering services with to my clients. This is because, by using the tool in my own business, I am able to identify and address any issues or glitches that may arise, and make necessary improvements to ensure that it is functioning at its best. Read more>>

Dominic Beecham | International Foodie & Yelp Community Manager

When it comes to striving for success, I truly believe that one of the most important factors is being true to who are and your beliefs. My career puts me in a position where I have the pleasure and opportunity of connecting with and promoting local businesses as well as engaging a diverse community of people. Read more>>

Allison Amini | Travel Advisor

Authenticity. I have a genuine love for travel – exploring destinations, investigating cultures, organizing logistics – and I enjoy sharing this love with others. So, when I help my clients discover their ideal travel styles and check items off their bucket lists, I think that enthusiasm shines through. Anyone can book their vacation on the internet. But I’m more than a soulless booking engine. I actually care about my clients’ needs and desires. Read more>>

Chris Grosso | Author, Public Speaker, Integral Addiction Counselor

I believe honesty, integrity, transparency, empathy, and compassion are the foundation upon which any success I experience with my offerings is built. Being an author, public speaker, and integral addiction counselor (amongst other things) is directly intertwined with my personal life, so in a sort of weird way, I am my brand. Read more>>

Ricardo Lona | Chef/Co Creator

We feel like our ability to provide people with a great dining experience, while taking full responsibility for the quality of ingredients we source, is the backbone to our success. We are well aware of how polluted our food systems are at the moment, so we do our part by providing a cleaner option. Read more>>