Through our work we have been constantly amazed at the incredible things people in every neighborhood are working on. What’s even more exciting is that they all have different stories, backgrounds, strengths and weaknesses. That there isn’t a single formula for success means that everyone can take their unique set of strengths and characteristics and turn it into a success story. We recently reached out to some folks we admire and asked them what characteristics they feel are responsible for their success.

Jenna Duncan | Entrepreneur

I think the most important factor behind the success of our brand is just consistency! We’ve been successful, yes, but I would not by any means consider us an “overnight success”. It’s taken us several years to get to where we are, and I think consistently working on our brand in the beginning was crucial to our business. There were months where we didn’t see the benefits of our hard work, and often it felt like the hours we put into it were all for nothing. But we stayed steady-and it paid off! And I think so many other businesses could be successful if they could just hang in there a little longer and push through those difficult beginning phases. Read more>>

Jordan Teegardin | San Diego Photographer & Friend

Success is subjective and the way that you define success within your business shapes the way your business thrives. Early into my photography business, my definition of success was largely revolved around income and followers on Instagram. As I stumbled from failure to failure within these parameters, I quickly needed to shift my perspective of success in order to protect my wellness and the way I viewed myself as a business owner and artist. It wasn’t the income or the followers that defined my work and the impact it has, it was my ability to genuinely connect with my clients. Read more>>

Jorge Sevilla III | Tattoo artist / Artist

Doing what I love and enjoy most has allowed me to pursue a career filled with passion. Passion has been behind my all of my success. Read more>>

Camplife Customs | Van Conversion Company

Relentlessness. We don’t give up in what we had set out to build from day one. Through thick and thin we never stop believing in our team or our builds. We are relentless in helping our clientele achieve their dreams of a customized van, we are relentless in pushing ourselves and our team to produce high quality builds, we are relentless in showing up day in and day out to accomplish what we want to offer the public. A common saying we have around the shop is, “Don’t be afraid to commit because with that small hint of desperation you’re bound to pull it off.” As long as we think in that manner we have always managed to have everything work out. Read more>>

Ana Fleming | Wedding + Lifestyle Photographer

The most important factor behind my success with my brand is the Client experience that I have created for my business. My drive towards starting my photography business was after I had my first professional maternity session with an amazing local photographer, I felt so amazing and empowered during my photography session and it was all because the photographer helped me feel confident and beautiful during my full session. Read more>>

Natalie Blooms | Event Stylist and Florist

The most important factor for the success of your brand is believing in myself and my dream. I make sure to not let the challenges of life weigh down on my passion for the next project. I always look at each day as an opportunity for lessons and growth. Read more>>

Daniela Joy Santana DeJesus | Athlete, Fine Artist, and United States Navy Sailor

The number one most important factor behind my success is my health. And by health, I mean both mental and physical. Just this July, I’ve started seeing a therapist who really helped give me the tools I didn’t think I needed to navigate life. We meet twice a month and I’ve noticed such an incredibly positive change in my mood, productivity, and relationships. In regards to physical, I’m very passionate about taking care of my body. I play for three volleyball teams which takes up about five nights a week. I run regularly, I’m actually training for a 5k and eventually my first marathon. I shop at Whole Foods and Trader Joes and am quite picky about what goes into my body and on my skin. I floss and brush twice a day. Fun fact, I’m 30 years old and have never had a cavity. Read more>>