Webster doesn’t know everything. Some words can’t be defined by a dictionary. Rather they are defined by our values, ethos, and principles. We asked hidden gems from the community about how they define success and have shared their responses below.

Stacie Walker | Digital Marketing Expert, Business Strategist, and Award-Winning Podcast Personality

Defining success is personal and looks different for every human being. For me, I define success as achieving the goals you’ve set for yourself. Success is about unlocking the greatness within by taking intentional time to fully love your mind, body, and soul. Success is about using your unique gifts to create more value in this world. Success is about having an abundance of happiness, financial wealth, and loving relationships. Read more>>

Jenni Nettik | Running Coach & Owner of Mercuria Running

I’ve thought a lot about what success looks like for Mercuria Running, and it’s something I re-evaluate each year and talk about with my coaching partner, Brittany Charboneau. There are three things that define success for Mercuria Running. First, are we building community, confidence, and connection with our athletes? Our number one goal is for our runners to understand — they matter, as people and athletes. Second, as a business owner and coach, am I still enjoying time outside doing what I love? No matter how much Mercuria Running grows, I never want to lose sight of why I started coaching — spending time outside, helping athletes move in a healthy way, achieving their goals. Finally, does my work schedule at Mercuria Running allow time for travel? Seeing the world is a priority in my life, and growing Mercuria Running in away that allows me to work and explore is essential to success! That means Mercuria Running includes in-person and online training. Read more>>

Candi Snead | Model

I believe that being successful is really subjective to what your own narrative is. We all have different road maps and unique life paths. To be successful in life, you must focus on your own growth and ignore those around you. It may look like others are passing you by in life but in reality they are just as lost as you. None of us have the answers. The best way to acknowledge your accomplishments is to reflect on where it all started. Success is defined by resilience. Keep going and pushing forward. Remind yourself that you are already enough and already successful in life. But be fearless in chasing your dreams. Read more>>

Lori Vaughn | Mom, Author, & Home Bakery Owner

At one point in the process, my husband asked me, “So, is this a hobby or a business?” That was a scary question to answer! My hobby and passion for baking has been with me since I was little, and part of the joy I’ve found within baking is sharing it with others. Sharing it for fun with my family and close friends means a lot, but when I realized I could actually share this with such a wider audience – that idea became exciting! It also became terrifying because that’s when you begin the process of labeling yourself as “a business”. What if people don’t like it? What if I don’t make any money? When will I know if I need to call it quits? A hobby is safe – it’s a no pressure, no-fail environment. A business requires risks, decision making, and expectations the world calls “success”. Well, I didn’t want to fail, and I also didn’t want to give up my hobby. But I also knew that I wanted more. Read more>>

Zakiyyah Ali | Business Coach & Programming Director

I believe that success is what you decide it is. What may be considered successful to some, might not be considered the same to others. As long as you are happy and living within your purpose, you are going to find your meaning of success. For years I was the person who was chasing the dream of being an important business woman. I wanted to the big corner office, the company car, the assistant making coffee runs and power. Little did I know that all of those things came with a price. I was working late nights, feeling unappreciated at work, getting calls on weekends, missing important events in my friend’s and family’s lives, and neglecting the creative side of myself that keeps me motivated and inspired. I no longer had time to live out my passions that made me uniquely me (gardening, family time, baking, piano playing, being emotionally available in my relationships, family planning, etc.). Now don’t get me wrong; it is possible to do all of these things. Read more>>