By far, the topic that comes up most in our conversations with entrepreneurs and creatives is risk.  We’ve had conversations about risks that worked out and risks that did not. We’ve seen eyes light eye sharing about career-trajectory changing risks as well as folks sigh about the risks they wish they had taken.  Below, we’ve selected and shared some of those thoughtful conversations.

Chanet Mottern | Licensed Esthetician, Makeup Artist, Certified Permanent Makeup Artist

I am a planner, I like to sit down and plan out everything and every detail. It calms me and I feel a since of accomplishment by writing every little thing down. It makes me feel organized and safe! However, nothing great comes from your comfort zone. If you don’t workout muscles that don’t ever get worked out they will stay weak. As much as I love to plan I will sit and pray and then jump with my eyes closed for what I want a plan or not plan. Even when people will say I am crazy or I should think about it more, take more time, build more clients. If my mind is made up I jump. You will never know where you could of been or become if you didn’t try. I feel a lot of people say no to taking risks due to the fear of failing and you can’t fear failing you should welcome it, as it will always be your biggest teacher and you should fear the “what if” you may live with forever! Read more>>

Steph Olshanski | Artist and Ethical Fashion Designer

I see risk as a way to exercise your courage. You can’t wait until you feel no fear about something, otherwise it wouldn’t be a risk and you wouldn’t need courage! I feel as though taking risks has led me to the best places and phases in my life. I quit a nice bank job and traveled Brazil and Colombia for a year by myself about three years ago. When I came back from that, I moved from where I had been living for 8 years in North Carolina to San Diego without any contacts or job prospects. I made the choice to launch my business this year and I feel the uncertainties every day, but it has been worth it. It hasn’t been easy, but taking those risks has enabled me to level up in every area of my life in ways I never thought possible. Read more>>

Christine Klahn | CEO and Chemical Engineer

As a scientist and engineer, I tend to be risk adverse. So, starting my own business was a calculated risk, particularly as a single mom. I waited until my son was 13 and more independent so that I could afford the time to dedicate to a start-up. I also maintained a full-time job, working nights and weekends for several years to get ChemE Queen Bee off the ground. I now have a wide range of services that I can offer my clients and customers, to allow for challenging economic times. I began my business with product development (R&D) and have expanded into small-scale manufacturing, compliance and Quality Management, as well as my own retail and wholesale brand, The Sunflower Queen. Read more>>