We asked some of the city’s rising stars to reflect on what made a difference in their journey. We asked them to tell us about what they think the most important factor has been behind their success.

Justin Carter

Being truly invested in peoples growth. Read More>>

Courtney Nicholson-Paine

Well I think people really like the photographs I take, so that’s a good start 
But honestly, I’d have to say that one of the things that makes me really successful as a photographer is that I truly enjoy getting to know people. I have so many returning clients tell me that they’re choosing to work with me again because I make them feel at ease and it feels more like we’re hanging out and chatting than doing a professional photo shoot. I like that. I love knowing that I make people feel comfortable in their skin. Read More>>

Rakesh Venugopal

The most important factors behind my success are passion and perseverance, deeply rooted in my journey through Indian cinema.

Starting with humble beginnings in modeling and short films like UNDO—which earned international acclaim at festivals such as the London Independent Film Awards—I built a foundation of on-camera experience. This early phase taught me resilience, as I navigated the challenges of transitioning from engineering to acting, often facing uncertainty but never wavering in my commitment. Read More>>

Pradyut Bansal

Staying true to my roots. We make Indian street food classics with the intention of invoking nostalgia and joy. We are intentional about the food we serve and how we go about making it. At the end of the day the food is the highest priority and we don’t take shortcuts when it comes down to it. This attention to detail and consistency to me are reasons why we’ve done well. Read More>>

Paul Aitken

Success starts with one thing self-awareness. Your business will only grow as much as you do. The most successful pilots are the ones willing to look in the mirror, identify where they can improve, and take action. That means learning to build strong teams, adopt efficient systems, implement structure, leverage data, back-test strategies, and—most importantly—learn from failure. Mistakes aren’t setbacks; they’re stepping stones—if you’re willing to use them to level up. Read More>>

Emily Warnock

Staying true to myself. Authenticity has been the most important factor for longevity and success in my work. I have found that if I focus on my values and creating what feels important to me, the right community, clients, and opportunities follow. Read More>>

Clare Sucre

We believe one of the reasons we’ve found success is that we have leaned into authenticity and approachability from the very beginning. We have worked very hard to honor the core of Venezuelan cuisine and the spirit of the country through our design, music and service. We focused on how we could position a cuisine and a culture that Americans are unfamiliar with in a way that would make it feel very accessible and something they could come to love quickly. Each decision – from the brand, to the furniture, to the names of the items on the menu – has been deeply intentional.  Read More>>

Erik Torgeson

At its core, Roughing It In Style succeeds because we don’t just sell furniture. We help people tell the story of their lives through their homes.

The most important factor behind our success has been staying true to that idea while still evolving with the times. We’ve never tried to be everything to everyone. We focus on warmth, character, craftsmanship, and a sense of place. Those things feel increasingly rare in a world chasing trends and algorithms. Read More>>

Janielle Holloway

The most important factor behind the success of Something Dainty has been my commitment to creating intentional, beautiful experiences through unique design and genuine connection. I truly believe the magic is in the details — whether it’s a custom bar menu that reflects a couple’s personality (or even their pets!) or a seating chart that sparks conversation.

But more than anything, it’s about trust. I make sure my clients feel comfortable with me and know I’m not just here to plan and design their wedding — I’m also a listening ear when they’re feeling overwhelmed or need help organizing their thoughts. I’m here to help them translate their vision into something tangible, making the process feel as effortless as the end result looks. Read More>>