Through our work we have been constantly amazed at the incredible things people in every neighborhood are working on. What’s even more exciting is that they all have different stories, backgrounds, strengths and weaknesses. That there isn’t a single formula for success means that everyone can take their unique set of strengths and characteristics and turn it into a success story. We recently reached out to some folks we admire and asked them what characteristics they feel are responsible for their success.

Desarae Marhofer

The most important factor behind the success of my brand has been a deep, unwavering belief in transformation—both personal and professional. As a domestic abuse survivor turned 7-figure beauty school owner, I built Beautiful You Skincare Academy on the foundation that anyone, regardless of their past, can rise, reclaim their worth, and thrive. I didn’t just create a school; I created a movement—one that empowers aspiring estheticians to become confident & resilent entrepreneurs.  Read More>>

Jess Cain

The most important factor behind the success of my brand has been staying completely authentic—true to who I am, no matter what. That means showing up for my clients with honesty, empathy, and a genuine love for what I do. At the core of Three Little Birds Aesthetics is a space where everyone is welcomed, celebrated, and treated like family. Read More>>

Beth Jauquet

The most important factor behind my success and the success of my brand, Primalized, is authenticity. I am genuinely interested in the happiness of my clients and it shows in my work. A phrase that I believe is, “people don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care”. Primalized was created out of the expression of my authentic self, which is a person who values community and the total wellness of its members. Read More>>

Nic Edon

The most important factor behind my success and the success of our brand is the specific product that we offer. From day 1, I wanted to build a gym that was a serious, no nonsense, old school weightlifting gym. We market ourselves as a “hardcore” gym which essentially just means that we provide a serious environment for people that are serious about their fitness goals. We are here specifically for the people that cannot stand waiting in lines for equipment, having a buzzer go off if they make a loud noise, being surrounded by teenagers on their phones, or generally hate the sterile dulled down corporate gym franchises that cater more toward beginners. We play loud music here.  Read More>>

Halie Anthony

Authenticity.

When I created RISE, I was at the lowest point of my life. I had just gone through a divorce, and while everything looked successful on paper, I was a board certified and credentialed coach, I felt completely unanchored inside. I didn’t know who I was anymore. Read More>>

Shaw Morris & Kelly Warren

We work really hard to make sure every lesson or event is not just educational, but truly enjoyable. Mahjong can feel intimidating at first, especially with National Mah Jongg League rules—but we break it down in a way that’s approachable, easy to learn, and always fun.

People leave our sessions smiling, feeling accomplished, and excited to come back. Many book another lesson or tell a friend, and that word-of-mouth has helped our business grow naturally and authentically. Along the way, we’ve built a wonderful community and made so many lasting friendships. Read More>>

Jenny James

I think the most important factor of my success, is the fact that I’m lucky enough to be doing things I truly care about. It’s easy to settle for a job that provides securities such as health insurance or 401Ks, but those things are too commonly driving forces behind where people end up career wise. Life is far too short to commit to a career for literal decades of our lives, that we aren’t truly infatuated with. Read More>>

Vince Lucich

Just show up! Every instance of my success that I can think of, whether as an engineer, entrepreneur, or venture capitalist, I can attribute to a specific moment. It’s like they say: “luck is a product of circumstance and preparation” or something like that. You can prepare all you want but at the end of the day you just need to be at the right place, at the right time. So put yourself out there! Try something new! Have an open mind that’s ready to learn! Read More>>

Danny Winters

I believe that authenticity is the most important factor. It’s being real with who I am and how I interact with the world—not sanding away the edges for some theoretical version of perfect that doesn’t exist. I like drawing cute, bubbly cat things just as much as I like writing edgy, dark stories. My brand, in a way, is me. And I’ve rarely found more success than when I’m being 100% me. Read More>>