Most people say they want success, but when you ask them what success means you get wildly different responses. We recently asked some of the best and brightest in our community to tell us about how they define success and have shared their responses below.

Jenna Loeva | Photographer & Creative

Success is a huge ‘goal’ in most people’s lives. Over the last several years, I’ve found myself more and more restricted creatively because of this looming ideal. Everyone wants to be considered successful – most of us want to feel approved of, accepted, and good enough to others (no matter how much each of us try to avoid these feelings). This never-ending desire to be accepted comes down to basic human psychology – therefore, it’s near impossible to completely rid of. But, the best part is – when you take a step back from these feelings, and determine how you as an individual define success – you open the doors to more success, opportunity, and freedom. Read more>>

Robin Adams | Portrait Photographer & Non-profit Program Advisor

When it comes to my small business as a family photographer, my definition of success is likely unique compared to most entrepreneurs. For Binny Photography, I define success not by reaching financial goals or by how many shoots I schedule throughout the year, but by the delight and excitement that comes from my clients once they see their final images. Read more>>

Hannah Maddox | Freelance Creative Designer and Professional Musician

Everyone reaches that point in their life where they wonder if what they are doing is what they are MEANT to be doing. I’ve reached that point multiple times over the course of my professional career as a freelance designer and musician. The right answer? There isn’t ONE thing we are meant to do. Life changes with every breath and so should your desires, your passions, and your hustle. In my life, I have always decided to move on from something when it no longer brings me any kind of happiness. When I dread the thought of doing the thing that used to make me smile, it’s time to make room in my life for something else that makes me smile again. Read more>>

Tiana Longmire | Singer, Vocal Arranger, Vocal Coach & DJ

In the past couple of years, especially, I’ve come to realize that if I’m still here, I should keep going. I think there’s a difference in giving up or deciding not to pursue something after experimenting and realizing that it’s just not for me. In terms of giving up, however, the thought usually only occurs after I feel discouraged. Read more>>

Grey Grimm | Fine Artist & Freelance Digital Illustrator

Very recently I had a health scare, I have been suffering from prolonged episodes of vertigo for a little over a year now, and while that may sound like just a dizzy spell, how it affects me is entirely debilitating. I stayed in bed for over three days because if I left I ran the risk of blacking out or falling. I went to the ER after a long episode, as the symptoms would not let up. I was worried there could be a greater issue at play, a larger neurological risk like a blockage. Read more>>

Heather Johnson | Landscape Photographer

This question really hits home for me. I first got into photography because I enjoyed being outdoors, and most of the time, I was alone. Capturing images gave me something to focus on, and a new perspective on places I already loved. It quickly became a hobby, and I was hooked. I would take my camera everywhere, it pretty much lived in my car. After a while, I started to feel burnt out, especially after Instagram became popular. Read more>>

Meghan L H Nelson | Professional Photographer, Designer, and College Professor

People are going to tell you that success is measured by how much money you make or how many pictures you’ve sold. They’re going to tell you success comes from becoming the best at something and that’s just not true. A college professor once told me that there will always be someone better than you but that doesn’t mean you’re not good. In trying to find success we often start comparing ourselves to others and their accomplishments. The thing we may miss by doing that is our own growth and development. Read more>>