Every overnight success we’ve seen has been years in the making. And those overnight successes are rarely because of an amazing idea or a stroke of luck. We asked some of our favorite folks from the community about what characteristics are at the heart of their success story?

Karina Santos | Wedding Photographer

I came to the United States from my home country of Brazil with the dream of becoming a full time wedding photographer. I believe that one of the most important factors behind the success of my business and brand is the 100% belief in myself and my abilities. I stuck by myself (and had some amazing people stick beside me as well) and never once thought I might not be enough. Read more>>

Sandra Suarez | Graphic Designer and Signage and Vehicle Wrap Specialist

My name is Sandra Suarez, I started my career 16 years ago. I studied graphic design at the University of Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico. I arrived in the United States in 2005 and in March 2006, together with my husband, We decided to open SandL to offer graphic design and stationary printing services to the Hispanic Community in North County. We first started the business out of a room in my husband’s condominium. Read more>>

Alex Molina | Rhythm for Revibez

The success of our band mainly relies on dedication to our music as individuals, and as a band. Each band member plays a role in the bigger picture and we must all individually dedicate time and effort to fulfill these roles. Without the dedication of one or the other, there is no success. Read more>>

Wendy Salazar | Balloon Artist & Stylist

Behind my business success, it will always be because of two factors: my family & my clients. My family especially my daughter; she gives me the inspiration to continue with my business even when its not smooth sailing. When it comes to a hard décor, She cheers me on and it gives me that extra push to go out of my comfort zone. Read more>>

Victoria Zorn | Artist and MPH Student

The most important factor behind my success with my brand has been from the art community. Although I create resin art and silicone molds, I receive support from all sorts of other small businesses on social media including Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, etc. Without the art community sharing my posts and boosting my content on social media it would not have attracted as much attention as I’m seeing now. Branching out to meet artists in different mediums is extremely important and I don’t think I would have grown to be the small business I am today without them. Read more>>

Jane Bernard | Founder, WagWorthy Naturals

Deeply value our customers and audience—a commitment to integrity in everything we do. Read more>>

Hot ‘n’ Tedious Films | Film production company, born out of mom’s basement.

For us, it’s easy- making art we are proud of. As a group of young 20 somethings we are just diving into this big world, and while being “rich and famous” would be a perk none of us would turn down, that’s all it would be; a perk. We all have jobs outside of this business, because we know it isn’t easy to “make it” in Hollywood; however, I think we all equally agree that being able to make art we love, with the people we love equates to success in our eyes. Read more>>