We asked some of the city’s rising stars about why they think they have been so successful and we’ve shared their responses below.

Annie Brooks | Painter, Designer, Calligrapher, & Business Owner

Practicing Play, Imagination, and Audacity, and putting those things together in a big, triple shot habit-cocktail has been my door to delight. More than anything, I want my work to function as little pockets of delight that people can have for themselves, so inviting delight into my own life is imperative for making the work that I want to make. Making Play a habit is, hands down, the most important ingredient in my business. Play is tactile. It’s sensual. It is participation. Read more>>

David Armenta | Photographer Videographer

By definition “habit” a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up, strikes many cords with myself in my day to day business practice from client inquires, to the delivery of product. Being organized is my number one stress to anyone who wants to start a business, learn photography or videography. I overly stress organization of money for my accountant and book keeper, files from my photo and video shoots, gear and charging of the batteries we all so heavy rely on every day all the way down to keeping a clean workspace. Read more>>

Lo Mitchell | Creative Director, Manna Church – Colorado Springs

Developing successful habits comes easier when you learn to develop and embrace good systems. I never really liked systems until I became a Creative Director. I used to look at them as stifling or holding me back, but when I became a Creative Director, I discovered systems make my job so much easier. Systems also help me to communicate with others exactly what I need and how to get things done. When I realized that systems don’t mean that I have to compromise my ideas or creative voice, it opened up more possibility, and allowed me more time to focus on other projects or ideas I couldn’t make time for before. Read more>>

Jae Jarratt | Photographer

Consistency. I am constantly staying active learning photography. This is what I love doing. Whenever I have free time, I’m studying, shooting, or learning new techniques in photography or editing. Read more>>

Christian Barnes | President & Founder

Reliability. In most any long term businesses honesty is a key component to retaining and growing customers however, I think reliability out weights honesty. Being there for your customers, making sure they can trust and believe in the face you as the creator and leader of the business will be there to support them with simple to complex solutions to their problems and needs. Read more>>