While it’s inspiring to read high level summaries of success stories, we think it’s just as important to learn about what drove the success and made it possible. We’ve asked some of the brightest folks we know to open up about what they believe was the most important factor behind their success.

Brittni Joy West-ware

The most important factor behind success is believing in humanness. I believe that when I began rediscovering America and relearning Denver, I knew remembering humanity was what mattered. I discovered listening and celebrating each humans unique experiences and perception brought me closer to them as a whole. Humans just want to be respected and giving them that respect has made a huge impact on my success Read More>>

Christine Young

The most important factor behind my success and the success of my brand was making sure that it embodied my ethics, values, and connected with my community. That it was an extension of my own beliefs, culture, and story that was reworked into a creative career to share with others who felt a connection to the story as well. Read More>>

Sam Nicholson

Our little brewery in Lakewood, Colorado, has seen double-digit growth the last 2 years in a row in a time when the brewing industry has seen a lot of decline as a whole. One of our biggest factors to that is how much we engage with our community and find opportunities to be a gathering place for the people who are our neighbors.

We make a point to partner with nonprofits in our area like The Action Center by providing them a beer for their annual fundraising dinner or the Lakewood Symphony as our quarterly partner and raise funds through a portion of our beer sales and collecting donations from customers. Partner that with the active role we’ve played with local organizations like the Lakewood Business Association and Alameda Connects, we have an opportunity to connect with a large portion of our community.  Read More>>

Britni Barnello Maier

I believe that cultivating consistent habits has been pivotal. While many acknowledge the importance of consistency, developing it as a habit can be challenging. For me, setting achievable, incremental goals has been instrumental. Celebrating these milestones not only fosters a sense of accomplishment but also reinforces the habit of consistency. Read More>>

Sandra Spence

I believe the success of my brand can be attributed to a combination of strong client relationships and a deep well of creativity. I take the time to truly listen to the challenges my clients face within their homes, understanding their unique needs and preferences. By doing so, I am able to provide innovative, out-of-the-box solutions that not only address their immediate concerns but also enhance the overall functionality and aesthetic of their space. This personalized approach allows me to build trust and deliver results that exceed expectations, creating lasting connections with my clients. Read More>>

Laura Baukol

I think the key to Sparkling Alchemy’s success has been leading with heart and staying true to my mission: to inspire women to embrace their sparkle and live with joy.

I created Sparkling Alchemy to be more than just jewelry—it’s about celebrating yourself. Life gets busy, and we often forget to pause and treat ourselves. Whether it’s a permanent bracelet shared with a bestie, a bold new piercing, or celestial hair sparkles that catch the light, these aren’t just accessories—they’re moments of confidence, connection, and joy. Read More>>

Cristian Gazmuri

Digging into my creative process and having faith that what I’m producing is going to be well recieved. I know my work isn’t for everyone and that’s the strength of it. It’s niche and when it resonates with someone, it’s a strong connection to the point that people will pay thousands for some of my pieces. I also keep in mind that smaller, affordable items will pay the regular bills and to be practical about striking that balance in my output. I try to stay relevant by staying different. Read More>>