Getting to do what you love? Providing for your loved ones? What does success mean to you? Below you’ll find perspectives from some of the city’s best and brightest.

Jill K | Photographer & Data Analyst

If you asked me 10 years ago how I defined success, I would tell you money. I’m not talking ‘money’ money either, I’m talking a modest middle class wage. This may seem a small and odd definition but I grew up poor, at times my family of four lacked a proper roof over our heads. I have gone from sleeping quite literally on cement of abandond buildings, with only a shopping bag full of belongings to a ‘successful’ young woman. I am the first of my family to have finished college, an education in which helped me achieve a high salary right off the stage. I believe that my life paints the picture of the perfect rags to riches American Dream. While I am living the 9 to 5, corperate America version of success that I had set for myself I have discovered something insane — Read more>>

Keya Rogers | Entrepreneur & Business Owner

Success to me is setting a goal and over coming all the obstacles to make sure you meet that goal. I prayed and planned for this. I beat all the odds set against me to make it where I am today. Everything that could’ve went wrong did, and I’m still here, I’m still standing and my business is thriving. That’s success to me. Read more>>

Joe Johnson | Songwriter, Touring and recording artist

define my success as a musician based on a few simple factors – Am I making the kinds of music I want to make and in the way I want to make it, does it make me happy, and am I able to enjoy a life that is satisfactory for me and my family. Most musicians base their view of success on things like money, crowd sizes, or recording deals. All of those things are nice but bring with them various levels of control that can be stifling to an artist. I enjoy my place as an independent or “cult” artist because it allows me the freedom to express myself in any way I choose, which brings great satisfaction to my life and my career. Read more>>