We asked some of the most interesting folks in the community to open up about how they think about taking chances and the role risk has played in their lives and careers. Risk is by far the topic folks talk to us most about and we hope the responses below will help shed light on many different perspectives.

Savannah Conley | Portrait Photographer

I think the only way to achieve anything worthwhile in life is to take risks. My motto for the past few years has been “do it scared”. The only path towards our dreams and goals requires stepping out of our comfort zone. There were several big risks I took that led to the success of my business, one being moving away from my home state. I left behind family and friends to pursue a lifestyle that really spoke to me. I took a lot of leaps of faith during that time of my life, and I am a huge believer in following the signs and synchronicities. Read more>>

Tiffany Green | Founder & CEO of Uprooted Academy

Taking risks has been an integral part of my journey, a skill and muscle I unwittingly developed from an early age. Whether it was signing up for things and doing it alone or joining the ski club without prior experience, my curiosity led me to embrace the unknown. I came to realize that risk-taking need not be synonymous with fear; instead, it could signify an opportunity for growth. Read more>>

Nicole Pineda | Founder: House Of Petalis- Floral Designer, Creative Human

I call myself a wanderer, others will say risk taker (wink wink). I see it more like a curiosity of the unknown with the knowledge of my own foundation to know my strengths and weakness as I adventure into whatever “it” may be. I will asterisk that statement by saying there is still tons to learn. These adventurous wanderings have all added value to my life and career. You cannot have a lush garden without the sun AND the rain. Read more>>

Jon Lugbill | Non-profit Executive Director

In my personal life I’m not that much of a risk taker except when it comes to outdoor adventure sports. As a whitewater paddler, I used to drop off waterfalls and paddle very difficult whitewater rivers throughout the world. My confidence was extremely high in part due to being in great shape physically, but also because of all of my training to be precise in whitewater. In a way, the risk taking was partly a showcase for my paddling abilities to myself. Read more>>

Corrie Frank | Watercolor Artist & Teacher

Honestly, all decisions involve a bit of risk, but I think the biggest one is NOT stepping out and pursuing your calling and dreams because you risk missing out on being who you’re meant to be and living a life of purpose. I don’t think of myself as a brave person, but God gave me the courage to step out and take the risk, and now I can embrace both the challenges and triumphs of being a full-time artist. So, when it comes to risk, the question becomes—will you take it or won’t you? I decided to take it, and I’m so glad I did. Read more>>

Mary Bell | Business Owner, Wedding Planner

Before starting Mary Bell Events, I was working a dead end nine to five job and making $13 an hour. Based on the cost of living in this area, I was barely able to make ends meet and I knew something had to give. I was part of a wedding floral design company and had some experience with the wedding industry. It was always easy to tell the weddings that had a quality wedding planner compared those that didn’t. Read more>>

Michelle Simpson | Ecological Horticulturalist & co founder of Otherwolds Seed CO

I recall an interview with Dolly Parton where she said something along the lines of : If you don’t have anything to start with risk isnt so scary. I enjoy thoughtful risk. And we are living in a very risky age. Read more>>