We asked some of the most interesting folks in the community to open up about how they think about taking chances and the role risk has played in their lives and careers. Risk is by far the topic folks talk to us most about and we hope the responses below will help shed light on many different perspectives.

Rachel Hastreiter | Tennis Photographer

If I believe that I am meant to do something, then I know that taking a risk is the only way. I would rather take a risk and fail a thousand times, than not take one and regret not knowing what my life could have been.
There have been many moments in my life where I have taken risks, but there are a couple within the last two years that stand out to me. I am fairly certain I would not be anywhere near where I am now, if at all, had I not taken these steps. Read more>>

Jody Luke | Wife, Mom & Non Profit Executive Director

I’ve never been a huge risk taker in the ways most people think of the term. I’ve never gone skydiving. I avoid running trails off the beaten path and I don’t eat salads in most of the foreign countries where our non-profit has schools and resource centers. That said, taking risks with my time and energy in the face of uncertain outcomes, especially when propelled by deep conviction, has always proven worth-while. I’ve always championed kids both personally and professionally if it was an ocean away or in my own backyard. Read more>>

Nia Rowland | Wedding & Portrait Photographer

I believe in taking risks! Without taking the leap, you will never know what the outcome will be. There are two options, success or failure. I recently moved to full time photo in June 2024. I had so much fear in running a full business on my own. I have been working and taking care of myself since I was 18 years old. I was working in restaurants and breweries to take care of bills. Failure was not an option for me. Read more>>