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.

Sandi Williams | Entrepreneur/Creative

If I didn’t take risk, I wouldn’t be here today. I’m still navigating how I approach risk taking, because I still haven’t taken all the risk that I can or should. I do believe betting on yourself is easier said than done, however it has a great return. I’m all about calculated risk, so if makes sense, the only thing in the way is fake fear. Read more>>

Amanda Vant Hul | Founder Polish On Pearl

I have always marched to the beat of my own drum. There have certainly been instances in my life when others have viewed my choices as risky, but what does that truly mean? If we are following the inner fire that tells us there is more to life, is that even a risk? By listening to this whisper even in failure, we gain invaluable lessons and experience growth. I refuse to let fear dictate my life. Read more>>

Brooks Luby | Slow Fashion Designer/Maker

Currently I am taking a risk by totally changing my focus of my art, my aesthetic stays the same: elegant, playful and always with a touch of whimsy. After 45+ years of creating garments for very specific occasions, I have broadened my fundamental principle to follow my heart first and make lifestyle clothes where the client chooses how and where to wear them. Read more>>

Justin Johnson | Founder & Creative Director

I believe in the power of taking risks. How else can you truly test your limits? It’s intimidating to pursue something big you’ve been eyeing for a while, but it’s about seizing that opportunity. If it’s something you’re passionate about, it’s worth taking that leap. Yes, there’ll be obstacles, but each one teaches you valuable lessons. Seeing your dreams come to life—it’s incredibly rewarding. Read more>>

Karina V Frausto | Immigration Attorney

Life is about taking risks, whether personal or career-related. One thing I’ve learned on my journey is that you’ll never feel completely ready for the next big step. You just have to take the leap, do your best, and trust the process. Life has its ups and downs; some doors may close, but better opportunities are always around the corner. Read more>>

Trevin “Kitchen Sink” Kmiec-Grenier | Thru-hiker & controls technician

Risk is inherent in hiking and life, I set out on these thruhikes knowing it’s some of the most difficult hiking you can do. That’s the thrill though. In life, you don’t get that reward, without the risk of failure. You kinda have to find the line and ride it, ya know? Read more>>

Benton Crane | Musician

As intimidating as risk taking can be, I think it is crucial to a successful career. Once I realized that I can’t please everyone with my music, I feel as though I have been able to embody more of who I am as an artist and own my unique sound and vision as an artist. Read more>>

Rachel LeBar | Owner, Colorado Luxe Picnics

Being a small business owner is 100% the definition of taking a risk. Whether you are full time in your business or part time, whether you started from scratch or created something new out of something existing, it’s a risk to put YOURSELF out there to create something that you own entirely- but there’s some serious magic in that too. Read more>>

Reagan Zubiate | Artist & Wood Worker

Risk has a variety of forms, but I believe all of them can be important to our growth as artists, designers, or simply as people. Sometimes they are an active, planned approach, and sometimes they are more spur-of-the-moment. Read more>>