Shoot your shot? Take a chance? Society bombards us with messages, phrases, examples and stories of how taking risk is the key to success, but is anything ever that simple? We asked some of the brightest folks we know to tell us about how they think about risk. We’ve shared their responses below.

Krystle & Harrison Richardson | Professional Artist, Owner & CEO at The Omnipotent Workshop, LLC.

[Krystle] My life had quite the chaotic start. I endured many things young children should never have to face. My first core memory is a mere one year old me standing up on a cold medical bed to step into a padded diaper. I was bitten by a brown recluse, the bite left untreated for ten days. My family was torn apart and placed into various orphanages due to the related neglect. We then went on to actually become orphaned; all before reaching puberty. Read more>>

Sydney Busker | FACE FOUNDRIÉ Franchisee Owner & Dr. of Occupational Therapy

Risk was a concept hovering in the back of my mind throughout the decision to become a local owner of a new business, FACE FOUNDRIÉ, in a new market. At the age of 26, without significant capital or experience behind me, I was reminded frequently about risk by people in my life in the initial decision stages. Rightfully so, however, I wasn’t daunted to the point that it consumed me. I was unwavering in my belief in the concept of FACE FOUNDRIÉ, and knowledge gained from my Occupational Therapy training that if I didn’t have the answer to all questions, I knew how to find an answer. Read more>>

Gabriel Patterson | Author & Emcee

Every conscious decision I make moves me forward. When I wrote Reminding Me of Mo, some may have seen it as a risk but I knew I had to write it. My spirit needed to write it, and so for the first time in a long time, I followed that calling. The great thing now is that I can see others that are writing their books. I don’t see it as them taking risks, I see it as them doing what they must. Read more>>

Julia Coffey | Co-owner of Seeds Trust, High Altitude Gardens

I think I have a relatively high risk profile for life experiences, for trying new things, and basically just going for it. This is the one life we have. On the other hand, for financial matters, I have a much lower risk profile. These two tendencies of mine came together perfectly when I decided to buy Seeds Trust from my mentor, Bill McDorman, in 2011. I had such a passion and a purpose with seeds and at the same time, Read more>>

Robin Chambon Kerr | Real Estate Advisor | Realtor

Risk taking was the launch of my career. I was a stay at home mom for 20 years before I got my real estate license. Homemaking and caring for my family and community were my focus for many years. I found myself in a major season of change and was faced with the decision to take a risk on myself and start my own business in real estate. The transition turned out to be a perfect career move! Turns out as a career homemaker, I am really well equipped to help others find and make homes for themselves. Read more>>

Moriah Granados | Cannabis Activist & Cannabis Business Student

I believe risk taking can open up various doors in your life. Taking a risk in my life wounded me up in Denver, Colorado. I left my biggest most loyal support team back in my hometown Murfreesboro, TN to take a risk at pursuing my dreams in the Cannabis Industry. If I would have not gone through with my decision, I wouldn’t have come across as many grateful opportunities that I have set up now. Read more>>

Camie Rigirozzi | Artist Discovering Humanity

I think taking risks is important if you want to change where you are. In my art, I take a daily risk of making something from my most authentic self, something new that has never been made, and then showing that product to people who will judge it. It can be really scary to lay bare what is going on inside of me, that a lot of people keep hidden away. As I do more sharing, however, I find that others have the same feelings and struggles that I do. I use this knowledge to feel more comfortable to take bigger risks. Read more>>