We asked the community what factors they felt were responsible for their success and we’ve highlighted some of those responses below.

Tracy Haines, MD | Dermatologist and Professional Artist

The most important factor, in fact the very secret to success in any endeavor, is to approach every goal with single -minded , laser focused determination and a great deal of enthusiasm. Keeping excited and enthusiastic provides the energy needed. By way of example, I was an awful student most of my life. Definitely not the kind of student one imagines would go on to successfully enter and succeed in medical school. In fact I was laughed out of the health professions office in college on my first approach, with a GPA of 2.0 and 60 credit hours weighing me down. Read more>>

Ian Flaws | Studio Owner and Creative Director

Tennacity. I am perhaps almost stubborn when it comes to my business. There have been many times, especially early on, and more recently during COVID that I have thought about shutting it down. But something internal drives me to push through the tough times. Each time I struggle through difficult periods the business has come out stronger on the other side. The tenacity to push forward helps me adapt and get more creative in my efforts to keep our facility thriving. Read more>>

Matea Strong | Licensed Massage Therapist-Owner of The Strong Touch

To me, the most important part of my business is my clients. I believe why I’ve been so successful is the relationships I’ve built and being able to support them on their health journey. My brand represents who I am; honest, trustworthy, and going above and beyond for the people in my life. When a client comes to me, they know I’ll always advise and do what’s best for them. Building my business with that mindset is how I’ve gained the trust of my community and am ever grateful to have done so. Read more>>

Jenny White | DJ & Multipreneur

I love this question so much because the past year has really taught me that even when you’re already “successful” or have found prosperity in your craft/business/sport/passion – there is ALWAYS room for more learning and more growth. When Walt and I decided to create Wander Beats, it was really us putting a brand to the work we were already getting booked for, mostly through referrals and word of mouth. Read more>>

Jaime Schmier | Owner operator

The unquvitable support from my two best friends to bring this product to light. We all came together this summer and decided with the cost of inflation and the cost of good quality food. We decided we wanted to bring something amazing to the food market for affordable cost and great quality food. Read more>>

Evan Reynolds | Climbing Meme Maker

The most important factor behind my success has been following my gut and staying true to my roots. I don’t post what I think others might enjoy. I create content that I find entertaining and when it does well it makes me feel great and when it doesn’t, oh well. Read more>>

Bobbi & Chris Georgeton | Co-Owners, It’s All Greek To Me food truck

The most important factor behind our success are the different strengths we each bring to the business. Chris owned a large restaurant for 28 years in Ohio, and became very experienced in every facet of the business. He took this knowledge, and knew exactly what needed to be done to start a food truck. Bobbi was a teacher for 20 years, and used her organizational and people skills to add value to the business. She loves meeting new people, and also doing detail oriented work. She took on the accounting, payroll, and scheduling duties, while Chris enjoys cooking, purchasing, and every day operations. Read more>>

James Niehues | Ski Map Artist/Cartographer

At the age of 40 I began a new career…ski map art. There were many factors that came into play for my 35 year run producing maps for ski resorts around the world. Timing, work ethic, conceptual ability, artistic rendering and just plain luck. Timing: When I looked up Bill Brown, the previous ski map artist, he was interested in moving in a different direction and delighted that I would carry on the traditional look. Within months, he was contacted by a new ski magazine to produce full page spreads, he directed them to me and I painted this monthly spread in Snow Country Magazine for the next 10 years. Read more>>

John Bruner | Songwriter and band leader

The most important factor behind our success is determination and commitment to keeping the band on track to reach new goals. It’s easy for people in creative fields to get discouraged and give up. Being successful in a creative field such as music takes time and a lot of energy. Very few musicians really get “discovered” anymore and get whisked away to immediate success. It takes time and willingness to make some sort of progress everyday. Read more>>

Kim Malone | Owner and Manager of Enlightened Balance

I believe setting intentions, daily invisioning your success (as if it has already happened), then actively putting in the work to succeed is the key to results. I believe using your mind, intention and hard work is the key to success. Regarding branding, it is very important to keep your brand and logo consistant. Although it can be pricey on the front end what you are striving for is long term recognition of your brand. Every bag, sign, logo,mailer and so on should include your branding info. Read more>>