We asked some brilliant folks from the community to talk to us about how they think about risk and the role risk has played in their lives and careers.

Natalie Espino | Wire Sculptor, Artist, Poet

Risk taking has been a terrifying part of my journey as an artist/small business owner. But, even more than that, it’s been crucial. I would not have had the success that I’ve had without taking them. Knowing that you have to put your all into the thing you’re chasing lights a bit of a fire under your ass! If I’m going to make it, I am the one who decides whether or not it happens. Read more>>

Monica Ortega | Emcee, Speaker, Author, & Travel Show Host

Being in the entertainment industry for over 20 years, everything is about risk. You’re constantly putting yourself out there hoping eventually you’ll hear a yes. But I’ve always loved it so much that it was worth the risk of rejection. Read more>>

Alisha Martin | Owner of Alisha’s Leashes

About risk: If you never try, then you’ll never know! Before starting Alisha’s Leashes, I had been working for the same corporation for 14 years. I was good at my job, had worked my way up in the company, and was making enough money to live the lifestyle that I was accustomed to. I knew exactly what I was doing day in and day out. Some might call that “security”, but inwardly I was bored, restless, and uninspired. I kept having this nagging thought: “what else is out there for me? There has to be more!” So one day, without warning, I put in my 2-weeks-notice. I had no real savings, no fall back plan, and no other jobs waiting in the wings. All that I knew was that kicking myself to the curb was the ONLY way that I was ever going to make a real change in my own life! It was, by far, the scariest thing I have ever done and I had no idea what was in store for me at the time, but taking that risk quite literally propelled my life in the direction it needed to go to to get me to where I am today. Read more>>

Rebecca Adams and Macy Pryor | Artists and Entrepreneurs

Risk is a core part of the way I operate, specifically with regards to business. I believe its extremely important to believe in yourself and therefore be willing to invest in yourself above all else. Read more>>

Yvette Arellano | Founder | Director

Every day, community members face risks from toxics in the air to the potential of unexpected disasters in the form of flares, explosions, and leaks. The level of risk I have taken so far has varied, some risks layer on others. As a person of color who is non-binary in an alt-right-embracing state, Texas. As an advocate, I work toward elevating the understanding of what is happening on the fenceline during everyday conditions and emergency events. My team and I document chemical disasters amid toxic fumes and fires while also needing to know the long-term impact, but acknowledging there is an inherent risk. What I don’t accept is a trespass of unknown toxics, symptoms, and effects from nearby petrochemical facilities and refineries onto our bodies without our consent and their active advocacy against transparency under confidential business information or trade secrets. I accept the volatility I already face and will face from local, and state officials, industry groups, and everyday people who profit from the suffering in our communities. Read more>>

Justin Youngk | Songwriter and Truck Driver

Regarding the things I’m passionate about risk taking, or lack thereof, has always told me if I’ve done right by myself or fell short. Read more>>

Jenine Camins | Life Coach & Mindfulness Trainer

When it comes to risk, I wouldn’t call myself a daredevil. You won’t find me on black diamond slopes or skydiving! I prefer to have my feet firmly on the ground. But, when it comes to life and career, I understand the importance of taking risks to make a positive impact on myself and others. Read more>>

Isabelle Amigues | MD, MS, Rheumatologist, Founder and CEO of UnabridgedMD

I never thought I would leave my employed position as a rheumatologist on the faculty at National Jewish Health. I had a great job, wonderful colleagues, and loved the research I was involved in. Read more>>

Brandi Woolf | Ritual Tattooist, Weaver of Magic, Mama to Wild Things

I think that I have been taking risks the majority of my life, though I’m not sure I’ve ever called it that specifically. It’s felt more like following a god thread, and taking a chance on something bigger than myself. Like planting a seed in a field of hope, and going through the motions of nurturing that seed one step at a time. I realize that, though I may not have labeled these ‘risks’, they definitely were. The latin root of risk is danger, after all, and with any step into the unknown, there is a possibility of loss or failure. With every jump off the cliff, like the Fool in the Tarot, there is an amount of fear that jumps with you.

I think that I have been taking risks the majority of my life, though I’m not sure I’ve ever called it that specifically. It’s felt more like following a god thread, and taking a chance on something bigger than myself. Like planting a seed in a field of hope, and going through the motions of nurturing that seed one step at a time. I realize that, though I may not have labeled these ‘risks’, they definitely were. The latin root of risk is danger, after all, and with any step into the unknown, there is a possibility of loss or failure. With every jump off the cliff, like the Fool in the Tarot, there is an amount of fear that jumps with you.Read more>>

Melody & Elmer Slaubaugh | Owners of Amity Coffee Roasters & Cafe

We bought Amity in the spring of 2020 so risk has been a major player in our story since the beginning! We were a newly married couple who spend our entire savings on a coffee shop at the beginning of a global pandemic, but honestly, we didn’t experience a moment of doubt. We new in our guts/hearts that this was the right move for us and even if it didn’t make sense financially, we believed so strongly in the mission of Amity that we were willing to put some serious cash on the line to see that vision continue in our small town. That being said, we both retained our day jobs, haha! Elmer went full time with the business in 2021 and I went full time in 2022. Letting go of our other means of income (for Elmer, farming and for me, teaching) felt like a bigger leap of faith than our initial purchase of Amity and we did have some moments of doubt over those decisions. Ultimately, we decided that it was worth the risk to go all in on our business. We knew that until we took that risk and fully committed our time to Amity, the shop wouldn’t be able to grow that way we hoped it would. We were faced with another risk in November of 2023 when we had our first child–I decided to go part-time with the business in order to spend my days with our baby. We believe in taking risks to make our lives align more closely with our values and so far those risks have paid off! Read more>>

Kyle Woodward | Owner/Pitmaster

It’s simple. No risk, no reward! Starting Woody’s Q Shack was a major risk as Colorado isn’t known for BBQ. It took several years for people to realize that they can get world class BBQ in Colorado! Read more>>