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.

Margaret Rothe | MA HESA Student Affairs, Educational Planning Consultant, Founder CounselMore College Planning Software

The success of CounselMore as a B2B brand is rooted in its user-centric design; we support education service providers; AKA college counselors, test-prep companies, the auxiliary services adjacent to schools. This niche market hasn’t had technology built specifically for them before, that’s why we fit their needs so well. Read more>>

Pavanjeet | Kundalini Yoga Teacher, Sound Healer and Western Astrologer

Integrity is the most important factor behind my success. My offerings are rooted in my own personal experience of yoga. What I teach is the wellspring of the vitality and peace that comes from my own daily practice. We are inundated with information these days. When someone lives and embodies the teachings people can feel it and want to be close to it. Read more>>

Cory Clarke | Co-Owner

At Love Letter Film Co., it’s all about the connections. We’re big on getting to know our clients and vendors because it’s the relationships that make our wedding films special. It’s not just about capturing the day; it’s about telling a love story that’s as unique as the couple themselves. Our laid-back approach to building genuine bonds has helped us create a community where clients and vendors rave about their experiences with us. Read more>>

Json Martin | Photographer/ Musical Artist

I honestly have to say one of the biggest keys to my success in gaining opportunities has come from what I learned serving in church. Having a heart of servant leadership, and having the mindset of being available to aid help in other capacities has been key. The willingness to be able to take on what some may even seem as menial task makes the biggest of an impact to people, brands and companies alike. Some of my biggest opportunities have come to me from just being willing to go above and beyond and serve in multiple areas. Read more>>

Nancy Murphy | CEO and Owner

Pets are family. And we wouldn’t want it any other way. We are honored to be entrusted with the care of your fur babies, and we care for them in your absence just like we do our own pets! Read more>>

Nancy Hassel | President and Founder, American Pet Professionals

I think the success behind my business, American Pet Professionals, is consistency, providing value to our members and the industry, and being innovative with what we have offered since day one. Staying ahead of the curve and trends, paying attention to what is going on in the pet industry and outside of it to bring up-to-date education, how to’s, and information to our members. We also align with other pet companies, organizations, and find the best experts to bring, and actionable information to our members. I also personally vet every single person or company that wants to ‘sell’ something to our members, i.e. their service, platforms, and expertise. Being in business for so long I can spot a red flag from a mile away (or in an email), and am always protective of anyone we bring in to educate our members. Our members often tell me how much they appreciate that – as we are here to help pet businesses be successful, so making sure anything we present is going to add value to our membership so that they can prosper. Read more>>

Kara Pearson Gwinn | Photographer

I’ve always put myself in the shoes of the client. What do they want? Need? After I got married, I knew how to better serve my wedding clients and then after having kids, I understood better how to help parents with the family portrait process and make the entire experience easier and more memorable. Read more>>

Jamie Carr | Artistic Director of Authentic: Grooves

Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be a member of a professional dance company and thought that I would have choreographers dictate to me the steps and how to perform them. I never saw myself as a choreographer or director of a company. About 10 years ago, I was taking a load of courses in college bound to get on a professional company when I heard this quote for the first time. This quote struck me to my core and I realized had something to say beyond the steps. Read more>>

Elisa Malangone PhD | Transformational Specialist and Medium

It’s all about the relationships for me. I always take it to heart that people do not hire you for what you do, they hire you for “WHY” you do what you do. My “WHY” has always been my compass as I stay dedicated to creating a community around what is truly needed. My brand was built from a compassionate place with a mission statement that says it best. “THE MATTERS OF YOUR HEART TRULY MATTER TO MY HEART.” One of my clients shared with me one time that they know when I speak that statement, that I mean it deeply, and for me, that kind of feedback is what keeps me heart-based and focused as I continue to move forward into a future that’s centered around connection and inspiring others. Read more>>

Hayley Taylor | Chiropractor

At the heart of my practice’s success lies my commitment of forming genuine connections and empowering individuals to recognize their innate capacity for healing. By prioritizing authentic relationships, it creates a nurturing and supportive environment, fosters a sense of trust, understanding, and mutual respect. Since everyone has a unique story to tell, creating a supportive space allows them to feel seen and appreciated throughout the whole process. Read more>>

Elizabeth Knights | Artistic Director and Bookings Manager

I want to sort of challenge the idea of “success” as being this grand binary thing, something you have achieved or you haven’t. If I were to say “my business is successful now”, it almost implies that there was this one date where it shifted over and everything before that was what exactly? Abject failure? (I jest, but you know). For me, it’s more helpful to talk about “successes”, achievements along the way, big and small. If I just think of my business as “successful now”, I might rest on my laurels or not examine the things that need improvement. There are plenty of things that I’m not as successful at in general, and that can either be an area for growth, collaboration or just acceptance. The other risk of thinking about “success” as binary is that I might forget to celebrate new successes. Each new challenge that comes along (figuring out how to fulfill a very bizarre costume request, conquering Quickbooks confusion, etc.) is an opportunity for success. Read more>>