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

Benjamin Rader | Director of Photography

Starting my own business was the next progression in moving into the life I wanted. Early in my career, I was working for a local production company, performing some video production tasks with more and more operational tasks. Read more>>

Angela Bergfeld | Photographer

For me, ab303 photography allows me the opportunity to become the storyteller for my clients through each season of their life. I am deeply passionate about connecting personally with the families I work with. In doing so, I am able to showcase their uniqueness in a way that is authentic and memorable. It is important that the images and experience I create go beyond simply “taking pictures” and bring to life the personalities, relationships, and milestones of my clients. Read more>>

Moulika Bollinadi | Indian Classical Dancer, Choreographer and Performer

Growing up in Hyderabad, Telangana, I was immersed in a cultural environment where Kuchipudi was more than just an art form—it was a way of life. From the age of five, I embarked on my journey in this classical dance under the tutelage of renowned guru Sri Pasumarthy Venkateswara Sarma. My childhood days resonated with the rhythms of mridangams, the intricate footwork, and the expressive abhinaya that are the soul of Kuchipudi. Read more>>

Kathleen Branthover | Tech marketer & lifestyle curator

Finding my vision, aesthetic, and niche has been a huge factor behind my success. I think I bring a unique, moody approach to the way that I shoot and create content that allows my brand to stand out and inspire others to follow along. I would also say that consistency is key to any brand’s success, and I like to stick to the same style through and through which I firmly believe has aided in my growth as a brand! Read more>>

Tammi Hoerner | Broker Associate, Realtor®, PSA, SRS

My core values are honesty, integrity, transparency, and communication. I believe whole heartedly in these principles and act with them in mind at all times.
In Real Estate, there’s a lot of manipulation and sometimes the cards presented are unfair or they are very difficult to navigate – emotionally and financially.
Guiding my clients from this angle of values gives them transparency and trust in the process. This is the largest asset most people have, the greatest investment, and often the most difficult transaction they’ll make in their lifetime. Read more>>

Reid Cowperthwaite | Videographer, Photographer, Editor, Audio Engineer, Lighting Engineer, Producer, Drummer

The most important factor behind my success has been a few different things all put together. These include my time management, my music background, and my genuine love for the job and my work. Since I’m a drummer, audio engineer, lighting engineer, and producer, I’m able to use my musical knowledge of timing in songs to mixing and master my videos. Along with this, I started videography as a passion which turned into a job. And to this day that passion remains strong as ever. I strive to make my client’s videos better and better every time, while at the same time getting their products to them in a matter of hours some time. Read more>>

Anthony Cozza | Composer

People.
Having the right people in the right places is the key to success in any endeavor. All three of us come from different backgrounds and creative influences, but we each have skills and ideas that when combined create the sound and band of Author of Your Downfall.
Kru, our bassist, is not only a master at his instrument but also an extremely talented graphic designer and our bands logos, cover art, and over all visual appearance is thanks to him. Read more>>

Rhonda Shanahan | Custom Upholsterer/Upholstery instructor

It’s important to me that the quality of my upholstery work is excellent. My customer service is equally important. When you have a small business repeat clients, and referrals are essential. Often the pieces I’m working on are heirlooms with a family history. I am honored to be trusted with these pieces. Read more>>