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.

León Dragón | Lifestyle Brand Dedicated to Art, Decor, & Fashion

The first thing that comes to mind is a verse from one of our favorite poems by William Arthur called “Only those who risks are free”: The greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing, does nothing,
 has nothing is nothing. They may avoid suffering and sorrow,
but they cannot learn, feel, change,
grow, love, live. Read more>>

Daniel Glover | From Seed to Smoke Creator & Cultivator

What does risk mean to me? It all boils down to faith! Do you BELIEVE in yourself? Do you BELIEVE in your purpose? I ask myself these questions and WIN or lose, at least I took my shot! Michael Jordan says a winner is just a loser that never gave up! I apply this philosophy to my life and opportunities are continuously born. I implore you to take the leap of faith! Let your intuition guide you. In 2017, I moved to California with $300 and a suitcase. You don’t know how strong you truly are until your tested. From almost being homeless to running my own cultivation company. Read more>>

Steph Brown | Business Owner, Designer, + Educator

Love this question! I’ve always called myself a “calculated risk taker”. I believe that some of the best things come when getting outside your comfort zone, which can feel hard when it’s happening. Keeping the reward in mind always helps, but knowing you can always pivot or reverse a decision makes it feel less scary for me! Read more>>

Sarah Horowitz | Digital Marketer & Lifestyle Blogger

I really love the quote “fortune favors the brave” and I think it definitely relates to my philosophy on life. I feel very strongly that playing it safe will only get you so far and making bold moves can change the entire trajectory of your life. Our time on earth is entirely too short to have any “what ifs” leftover at the end. My advice to anyone who holds back from taking risks is to stop being afraid of making the wrong choice and realize that most of time, there is no “wrong” choice. There is no shortage of opportunities in life so no real reason to play it safe. Read more>>

Lauren Turton | Public Speaker, Podcast Host, Co-Owner of Ciao Ciao Piadina, NFT Artist

Starting a business is a risk and throughout your entrepreneurial journey you will always be taking risks which is uncomfortable. So, as an entrepreneur you must be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Read more>>

Miranda Renée | Allergy Bitch, Sustainable Living Creative & Marketing Specialist

I feel that risk is a part of life. There are some people who find risk uncomfortable…but for me, well, I thrive in the uncomfortable. I believe that when it comes to being a creator, being a writer, you are constantly bearing your whole self to the world. It is your art. It is a part of YOU. And that’s risky. It can be that heart-pounding, frog-in-your-throat, head-spinning, almost scary feeling when it comes to risk. Before triumph, it is only normal to fear. But what if they love it? What if the people you previously feared judgment from absolutely adore what you’ve unleashed into the world? It is that moment of triumph that drives me. If my words resonate with even one single person, I’ve done something right. Read more>>

J Kontos | Postpartum Coach

Before I embarked on my career with supporting parents right after the birth of their child, I had dreams of many business/products I wished to launch. I’m a visionary, so I see ways to improve businesses and fill the gaps with needed products/services. BUT fear was paralyzing me towards embarking on my visions. It was fear that was preventing me from moving forward. It was fear that was keeping me away from actualizing my dreams of being a business owner. OR maybe it was helping me wait until the perfect timing and moment, who knows :). Read more>>

Guadalupe and Fernando Beltran | Poet and Artist

Although we are not afraid of taking risks. I mean, you can’t run a successful business if you are not willing to make mistakes or if you are afraid uncertainty. However, we make sure to calculate the expense and value of each risk. In other words, we have a defined line that we cannot cross regarding our business decisions. For us, we cannot take a risk that will jeopardize our family’s security. Read more>>

Amber Shell | Suite & Sea Events Coordinator

I believe it was Albert Einstein, who once said, “A ship is safe in harbor, but that is not what a ship was built for”. I grew up in a small country town, where life moves at a slower pace. No matter how nice it would be to be home for every holiday, not have to travel hours and hours to see friends and family, I wanted more than what my hometown could offer. I wanted to see new things, and explore my options. If I hadn’t made the leap to leave, I would not be the same human being I am today. Read more>>