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?

Jason Patio | Visual Designer

It goes behind the saying, “If you do what you love you’ll never work a day in your life.” I believe you absolutely have to enjoy the career you are in, in order to find that success we all hope for. For me, that is the main reason behind the accomplishments of my brand; the process of creating something out of a mere idea and watching it blossom into a product is one of the most exciting things I look forward to in my career. Read more>>

Jana (Joanna) Mazurkiewicz Meisarosh | A Yiddish performer, scholar, and activist

I think it is very important to stay creative, flexible and have realistic expectations, especially if one choses to work in the humanities. For instance, at pre-pandemic YAAANA, we had a strong focus in performance. During the pandemic, we had to quickly adapt to the challenging situation, immediately move the existing programming online, and create other types of activities as well.  Read more>>

Ellen Pridgen | Realtor, Fitness Enthusiast & Mother of Three

Real estate can be a difficult field to break into. In 2016, I was pregnant with my first child and navigating the La Jolla real estate market after moving back from being on the East coast for 10 years. I was driven and wanted to get my first deal under my belt, so I was holding open houses regularly for other agents and trying to meet potential clients.  Read more>>

Emma Schermer Tamir | CEO & Co-founder

Leading with value. I firmly believe that all of the opportunities we’ve created have come from a desire to provide value to others, be that in podcasts, webinars, or in one-on-one relationships. By thinking about how we can give, help, and support, we’re able to cultivate meaningful interactions that go beyond the transactional. Read more>>

Kimia Kalbasi | Consultant & Content Creator

I’d have to say my positive outlook and attitude intertwined with my la la land childlike daydreaming nature. For instance, as a child, you’re truly hopeful, hold an unfiltered and unconditional faith in the world around you, an untethered soul who embraces any opportunity or challenge that enters your space. I wholeheartedly believe that whoever you want to become as a little kid is truly indicative of who you want to ultimately be because of this. Read more>>

Glenna Cox | CMT/intuitive advisor, healer, and bodyworker.

Having a true passion for what helps support, uplift, and restore every client that is in alignment with what out team offers. Acknowledging the gratitude of the daily energy that we receive and are gifted. Avila Beach Massage provides heartfelt holistic healing that offers a place to come home to self. Read more>>