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.

Sarah Christine | Singer-Songwriter

aking the risk of jumping into music full time and going literally “all in” has been life changing. I have had several instances in which have directed me to take that risk – it was almost like the universe said if I wasn’t bold enough to do it myself, it would force me in some way. A few years back, back when I was juggling my corporate career and music, I was on a business trip in Indianapolis. I was walking to work and while mid way through a cross walk, was hit by a Ford truck and was in terrible shape. I had that moment where my life literally flashed before my eyes. Read more>>

Britanie Norris | Hairstylist

Risks bring about the biggest change in one’s life. Giving away control, at least partially, and deciding to do something outside of your comfort zone; forcing about change, uncertainty, and almost always promotes personal growth as a byproduct of these risks. Of course, with taking risks, they should at least be, on a basic level, reasonable or achievable without crossing over any ethical or legal boundary. However, I’ve realized in life there is not always a “right time” where everything will fall into place for me to then be able to take a risk and do it all successfully. Life will pose unforeseen new roadblocks and there will always be consequences to risk. It is best to weigh out the benefits and setbacks of taking a risk and being highly aware of what risks can potentially bring you closer to your goals and ideals in life or career. Read more>>

Brogan Resch | Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Throughout my life, I have been inspired by the risks taken by my parents to grow their business and support their family. I have learned from them to not view risk through a negative lens, as the potential rewards can be positive if you commit 100%. For me, my business journey started because of risk. I attended 7 years of college, and after graduating with my masters degree and working in my field, I took up photography as a hobby and quickly realized my passion for the art. After careful consideration, I made the bold move to start my own business. I invested what little money I had saved towards camera gear, photography education, and eagerly built my portfolio to get established. Read more>>

Jessica Lopez | owner, baker and cake decorator.

I come from a family of risk takers. My parents took the risk of moving my siblings and I from our native Mexico. My parents are my heros who came to this country with nothing and have achieved so much. They are the reason why I take risks everyday, because they sacrificed so much for our family. Read more>>

Shaina Cheema | Entrepreneur, travel, jewelry & fashion design

Being a risk taker is major, I don’t think it is talked about enough. I started taking risks in high school by having my parents change my schools, breaking certain rules, etc. I used to look at risk taking as an irresponsible task, but in fact risks push us to the ultimate next level. My best major business risk story was in 2018, taking the last of my business savings and flying to India so I could purchase custom made gold jewelry. It was truly an idea started in my head but I had 0 experience in gold or even jewelry making. Fast forward to 2021, it was one of the greatest risks I had ever taken. When it is meant for you, source will clear the pathways. Read more>>

Allyssa LeFevre | Hair and Makeup artist

As of recently I have always had what society thought of as a big girl job. Still in the beauty industry I would work at cosmetic stores or salons to have a stable paycheck and do Ally’s beauty bar as a side hustle. With in the past few months that has now changed, Ally’s Beauty Bar has become my full time passion. It was a huge risk to walk away from a salons clientele or biweekly paycheck but my family, my business and I have never been happier. Read more>>

Dani Strobel | Producer & Adventure Travel Blogger

Taking risks has played a pivotal role in both my life and career, without risks I would definitely not be where I am today. The way I think about risk is through a risk management strategy understanding my choices and outcomes as a whole, not focusing on failure but on how I can make my desired outcome happen. Through this, I am identifying, assessing and controlling possible outcomes and preparing for each of them. From early on in my life I had the desire to try what no one else had tried or do what no one was doing, but I also had the drive to succeed which is not always easy when you dont follow the conventional paths in life. Read more>>

Micah Ling | Freelance writer & adventurer

One of my least favorite words is “lucky,” especially when used to describe a situation that someone has worked hard to achieve. I hear, “You’re so lucky,” all the time. And I get it — I live in a picturesque mountain town within walking distance of everything I need. I have incredible trail access less than a mile from my house, and I bike, run, ski, or play in the river pretty much everyday. Adventure is a huge part of my life. But I’m not “lucky” to be here. I took risks — tons of risks — and worked hard to get to where I am now. Risk taking is the only way to truly learn anything. There’s no growth in safety. Read more>>

Sahar Elhallak | Teacher, Chef, Artist, Author, and a Poet.

Nothing grows in a comfort zone. Harsh circumstances and lack of choices can often make one choose to take risks. In 2011 I took a leap of faith and moved across the ocean to live in a foreign country. I left a toxic arranged marriage that lasted twenty-plus years and found myself hopeless and homeless in California. My family disowned me and would not take me in, and those who accepted to care for me did so on their terms. For the first time in my life, I was on my own. I grew up in a conservative, patriarchal, and misogynist family system. I had to work to support myself for the first time in my life. I did so many odd jobs, managed small boutique hotels, translated articles and flyers, and fed all the ex-pat friends Hummus to pay the rent. Read more>>