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?

gio Drasconi | Actor / Producer

What is the most important factor behind your success / the success of your brand? Read more>>

Meesha Sharma | Desi De-colonial Yoga Educator, Community Organizer, Disruptor

Staying authentic to what my creative intuition is sparking within me, staying true to the values that I built the business on, and creating real meaningful connections with the folks who engage with my work. Community building and organizing is one of the beautiful things that can come of small business. Read more>>

Isela Arredondo | Author

My bounce back ability is equally valuable as my propel forward ability. These help me understand that the current place i find myself in, is not where I can end up if I don’t give up every time I miss the mark or fail, and I don’t give in and get comfortable every time I take a step forward. For both giving up and complacency are a lack of movement. Watching your movement is important for it means life to your work and efforts, lack of movement means the opposite. Read more>>

Sly Tha Deuce | Creative Genius

Outlandish optimism. The belief that everything works out in the end, so if it isn’t working out then it isn’t the end. Read more>>

Jill Rumley | President and Artist Member of the Longmont Artists’ Guild

When I became the president of the Longmont Artists’ Guild in 2022, I inherited an organization with a long legacy of supporting artists in Longmont. Read more>>

Nate Nadeau | Professional Photographer and Breathwork Facilitator

I love this question! Honestly, I believe the most important factor behind my success is my desire to truly connect deeply and genuinely serve my client. The most frequent that comes up in my head is “how can i provide more value or make this more valuable to them”. Read more>>

Cherrie Haugh | Owner

I believe the most important factor behind Tango is the reputation it already had in the small community of Gunnison and the ability I had in keeping it whole with the locals, second home owners and visitors who shop there year after year. It was a staple on Main Street and upon acquiring the boutique I had absolutely no retail experience. My experience was in administration and Human Resources. Read more>>

Erika Nicole | Founder/CEO

This is a tough one. As a Black woman, I believe there’s a duty I must uphold as a founder for my community. The full success of my brand is determined by the impact its message holds – “making life beautiful and worth the shot”. But even before that, sourcing quality, cruelty-free, and sustainable products is just as necessary. I am creating a brand that is designed to serve the community. Read more>>

Lindsey Hartnett | Wholistic Witch / Funky Bitch

I am an adventurist in every sense of the word and for better or worse – not only do I seem to find adventure, but it finds me. In my experience, shedding expectations and approaching with curiosity keeps things exciting and alleviates any pressure I might put on myself. I’m speaking both about my approach to running my business as well as life in general. Read more>>

Donna Cooner | writer

Learning to embrace failure. I’ve worked out with a personal trainer for quite some time now. It’s definitely a love/hate relationship. Part of the “love part” is I feel stronger and healthier. Part of the “hate part” is the failure. Read more>>

Orin Abrams | Consulting Expert Specializing In Hotel & Golf Course Food & Beverage Services

It took me some time to develop the most important factor behind my success, and as I became more aware of that factor, I became more intentional about consciously allowing and focusing on it. I’ve come to learn that it all begins and ends with INTEGRITY. Read more>>