Shoot your shot? Take a chance? Society bombards us with messages, phrases, examples and stories of how taking risk is the key to success, but is anything ever that simple? We asked some of the brightest folks we know to tell us about how they think about risk. We’ve shared their responses below.

Yvonne Byers

Risk taking has always been something that intrigues me. The enticing factor of doing something scary, or that has the potential to lead to something “bad” offers me the challenge to try and create something beautiful and wonderful out of a rocky situation. Throughout my life I’ve learned that living in fear has done me no good. This fear, I believe, is within all of us. But we can choose to let it grow or keep it at bay by reassuring ourselves that we can do whatever we put our minds to no matter how cheesy that sounds. Our minds are powerful tools and can help us immensely or keep us from living, all due to fear. Taking risks has proven again and again that any fear I have isn’t as positively powerful as the outcome that happens when I take risks, whether it be quitting a 9-5 and focusing on art, or bombing a hill on a skateboard. Read more>>

Jessica Montgomery

Risk is essential, you don’t know what you’re capable of until you try. When I first started my cookie business, I had no idea where it would lead me, let alone if I would be successful or not. My first custom cookie order was for a friend’s bridal shower, and after a few more orders, friends and family began to encourage me, seeing potential for something more. I created an Instagram page to share my work, and the positive response and incoming orders confirmed that there was a market for what I was doing. That’s when I made the decision to officially invest in the business. Taking that initial risk was crucial, it allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone and pursue something that started out as a fun pandemic outlet. Since then, I’ve taken more risks, whether it’s experimenting with new designs, selling at local markets, and a full rebrand. Read more>>

Ashley Pineiro

Risk is something I’ve come to see as both a challenge and an opportunity—a necessary ingredient in growth. It’s never easy, but it’s essential to creating a life I’m proud of. Taking risks has shaped my career, my creativity, and even the way I approach relationships. Read more>>

Michael Lisa Kavanagh

I was recently faced with huge risk, I had 3 months left on my lease, my landlord raised our rent 81%. I had to decide if I wanted to take the risk of investing the money and time into finding a new space and doing a full build out, there was no guarantee my stylists will follow, it typically gives most stylists the opportunity to leave. All of my stylists came with me, I was able to add chairs to our salon and grow our team to most amazing group of hard-working, supportive women. As we approach our 1-year anniversary of our new location its incredible to see how this risk has paid off. Read more>>

Mariam John

I love risk. If you don’t take many risks, you’re stuck at square one. The biggest risk I’ve taken is traveling alone. i found it frustrating whenever I had to plan trips around other people. I remember booking a solo trip to Europe alone, and it was a one way ticket two weeks before I decided to leave. I traveled 6 countries out there using public transportation including the metro, bus, plane, and train. Of course I was scared at times, but what helps is planning an escape route no matter where I am, in case things go south. I’ve also traveled to other states within the US without others. Doing all of this, has opened my eyes to the world. I’ve sat back and people watched, experiencing different ways of communicating and body language. All these experiences have shaped my personality and I into the person I am today. Read more>>

Mondo Salazar Aguayo

In 2022, I had the fortunate opportunity to take over a tattoo shop in Fullerton. At the time, I was comfortable. I had been tattooing for over 10 years and had years of experience in tattoo shops and was currently enjoying my time at a private studio.

I could have stayed in a private studio for the rest of my life and been more than happy. However, there was a part of me that knew if I did not take the chance at owning my own shop I would eventually regret it. So, in a way, it was an easy decision to make. Read more>>

Dita Martinsone

Taking risks has always been nerve-wracking for me – there’s that constant fear of the unknown. But I’ve learned that growth only happens outside of your comfort zone. My mantra, “fear it, but do it anyway,” guided me through 15 years in strategic brand marketing, where calculated risks led to some of my proudest achievements. Read more>>

Jessica Rosas

When it comes to risk, I see it as essential for growth and breaking past limits. For me, taking risks has been about trusting my creative instincts and seizing opportunities that align with my values. Building Jessica Rosas Events was a bold step I ventured into florals and event decor to create unforgettable experiences in an industry that’s both challenging and fast-paced. Taking risks has helped me stand out and establish a unique presence, where every event tells a story and brings people together in meaningful ways. Read more>>

Nicole Lyn

When I think of risks, I automatically jump into this idea of fear and the idea of being judged. I’m naturally introverted and my biggest fear is taking risks, putting myself out there and doing things that are out of my comfort zone. I have learned, however, over time it’s ok to take those risks and it’s important for self-growth. Read more>>

Maria Hall

Risk taking is an unavoidable aspect of building up your own business. It is impossible to start something without risks being involved. The best way to handle the stresses of taking on those inevitable risks is having enough confidence in your idea and paying attention to your intuition; knowing what needs to happen when. Being able to execute regardless of whether you feel you do not have the means, and you really do not know if it will work. You have to forgive yourself immediately when ideas do not pan out and not allow mistakes to make you feel unsure of yourself. Learn from every experience and turn all negatives into positives. If you do this, then nothing you risk your time, money, and energy on is a waste. Read more>> 

Pearl Yang

Risk-taking has been a huge part to my journey, both personally and in my career. Early on, I had a secure career in finance, everything was mapped out, and I’d put in the hard work to get there. But I realized I wasn’t truly happy or able to be myself in a corporate job. So, I took a big risk and quit without a backup plan. Read more>>