Risk is the most common topic that comes up in our conversations with entrepreneurs and so each week we ask entrepreneurs to talk to us on the record about how they think about risk.

Lindsey Bumann | Cosmetologist & Fitness Instructor

I think the saying, “no risk, no reward” is very true. It resonates with me because I know if I hadn’t taken risks in my career, and in my personal life, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. I risked it all to open my first salon at 24 years old, building it from the ground up and sinking a lot of money into it. I didn’t know if I’d be able to find talented, reliable stylists to come work for me. I didn’t know if I’d stay as busy, if my clients would follow me, and if I’d do well as an owner and a boss. Luckily, with persistence and a dream, as cheesy as it sounds, I made something of myself. So much so, in fact, that after moving to a new state, I still maintained a clientele back in Nebraska. My clients didn’t stray from me even when I moved over 400 miles away. Read more>>

Mel Bernstein | Machinist and Historian

I took a big risk moving to Colorado from New York and put all my money into my business. I figured, if I don’t try it, I’ll never know if it will work. I didn’t want to live with regret. Read more>>

Michael Blakey | Songwriter | Entertainer | Voice Actor | Copywriter

With every decision there is risk. Some small, and some very large. For me, risks are exciting. In my opinion, risk taking is something you need in order to grow. I have taken many risks in my life and they all seem to work themselves out one way or another. As long as you stay true to yourself and your heart, you will be fine. Once you stray from you values and what you truly believe in, things can get a little hectic. I moved across the world to a brand new country after visiting it just once. I quit my job and travelled around the US with only a small bit of money to my name. I quit a corporate career and started my own creative business with a client list that totaled zero. The last one was the most risky, but it is working out, and I couldn’t be more proud of myself. Read more>>

Nancy Ferro | Founder of Epic Experience & Wife, Mother and Nana

At 56 years old when alot of people are thinking of retirement and what that might look like, I decided to found a non profit after my oldest son was diagnosed with cancer. I have always been a go for it kind of person. As far as a career early on I felt could do what ever I set out to do. There is an exception to that in my career though. At the age of 21 I left college as a senior. I had a scare with cancer and thought what am I doing? I don’t like school so time to look for something else. Turns out there was no cancer, but it pushed me harder to take chances. I got a job as a inside sales person in a very male dominated field. Read more>>

Jasper Wong | Artist, Designer, Art Director, Curator, and Entrepreneur

Risk comes with the territory when you pursue art as a career. Art can be deeply personal and you have to put yourself on display (both figuratively and literally). People will love you or absolutely hate what you do. In today’s world and social media, they will be sure to let you know…sometimes in very colorful language. Putting yourself out there is key, though. It’s the only way to succeed as an artist. It is a risk that must be taken. On top of that, I also founded and organize a public art festival that operates in over twenty cities around the globe. The financial risk is always difficult to overcome. Raising money for events of this nature is never easy and doing community beautification projects aren’t profit-generating businesses. Read more>>

Mariah Gallegos | Makeup Artist

“High risk high reward” — My whole life I’ve been a risk taker, but not in your typical adrenaline junkie kind of way. I’ve always went after whatever I’ve wanted in any aspect of my life. I go into every situation with the mentality that I have nothing to lose only gain. Every opportunity is a learning lesson, and I am only competing with myself. Taking risks has gotten me every opportunity I’ve been fortunate to experience, it is only going to help me continue to grow. I definitely have had my moments of “Was this the right move/decision?” “Is this going to help me grow or am I stepping backwards”. I always trust my intuition and fully stand behind my decision. Read more>>