Every overnight success we’ve seen has been years in the making. And those overnight successes are rarely because of an amazing idea or a stroke of luck. We asked some of our favorite folks from the community about what characteristics are at the heart of their success story?

EC Michaels | Executive Director, Cat Care Society

Failing. I wish there was a better word to capture the art of failing, learning and getting back up even when you think you can’t. I’ve been let go from organizations and truly thought that maybe this world wasn’t the right place for me. I was lucky enough to recognize that though those roles may have not worked out, the people and pets of those organizations recognized that it was about the match, and not about my future as an animal welfare professional. It sounds sappy, but those tumbles and what I learned from them brought me to CCS and the exciting place we are in. Read more>>

J. P. Greene | American Author + Poet

I think it all comes down to authenticity. In terms of my novels and poetry, I try to write things that are as true and life-like as possible, and that means tapping into my own lived experience and my understanding of how people work. Telling a story is all about connecting with human emotion and conveying experiences that are believable, heartfelt, and moving. Read more>>

Mackenzie Palladino | Independent Metalsmith

All of my art work is easily identifiable. I’ve created my own aesthetic to the point of clear recognition. So many details I put into my pieces are very much my own style and that has served me so well over the years. Read more>>

Joana Pitanga | Visual Artist

I believe the most crucial factor behind the success of my career is my curiosity and persistence. The seamless fusion of creativity, meaningful storytelling, and dedication to addressing contemporary themes that concern me. My work transcends conventional boundaries, inviting viewers to engage in an immersive and thought-provoking artistic experience. This ability to connect on a deeper level, coupled with collaborations and a distinctive visual language, has been fundamental. Read more>>

Lisa & Steven Huron & Schillaci | Owner’s

As a mobile coffee owner, the most important factor behind the success of our brand is undoubtedly the quality of our coffee. We work closely with our roaster, The Coffee Ride, who sources high-quality beans, roasts them to perfection, and we craft delicious beverages that consistently delight our customers. Read more>>

Aspen Furubotten | Licensed Esthetican & Business Owner

I am still very new to entrepreneurship, and the esthetics industry, but I believe that continuing education is (and will be) a major factor to my success. While those words of wisdom may be cliché, I truly believe that investing time & money into continuing education keeps your business lucrative & provides your clients with the most cutting edge services and information on the market. Read more>>

Kataryna Beatty | Photographer & Creative

The most important factor behind the success of my brand is ensuring that my clients are able to relive a moment through the pictures that I take. Whether its remembering the tiny nose and fingers of their newborn or reliving the moment they walked down the aisle at their wedding, I make certain that my photos have feeling within them. Read more>>

Caryn Hartman | Children’s Book author and teacher

The most important factor behind my children’s book being a success is that I led with my heart. Toni Morrison said, “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it,” When I noticed as an elementary school teacher that there were not many books about Tibet for kids I knew I had to write one. Because my degree was in Tibetan Studies and I love to write I used my passions to motivate my work. I would say that if your heart isn’t in something that your doing that is going to come across on some level to the people receiving your work. Being fueled by a passion is the key. Read more>>

Niccie Kliegl | Christian Life & Business Coach, Elevating others into their Sweetspot

I’m a faith-based Life and Business coach. I help others understand the call that God has on their life and work… and how to tap into all the support, protection, impact, and abundance that comes from doing life & business with the Lord. Read more>>