We asked some of the city’s hidden gems to tell us about what they feel is the most important factor behind their success.

Anna Peters (threeway Pattycake) | Threeway Pattycake is my artist identity and my social media handle.

The most important factor behind my success is the support that I have given and received throughout my life when it comes to my art. Showing up for my peers and aspiring artists, regardless of their medium, has always been second nature to me. Never did I think about the possibility of it allowing me to be a part of something bigger until my dear friend Lala allowed me to show at her and her father Santi’s gallery called D3 Arts in Westwood. So most of all I just want to say thank you to her and my community for seeing the world through my eyes and believing in me. The sense of belonging it has instilled in me is indescribable and motivates me to make art as a career. Read more>>

Jennifer Majeske | Insurance Agency Owner

The most important factor behind the success of my agency is the personal journey and experience I went through with the passing of my husband this past April. After spending years working remotely and on the corporate side of insurance, my husband becoming fatally ill was a turning point that inspired me to open this agency. Not only did I want to help protect my clients and their families, but one of the main reasons for opening the office was to have the flexibility to be a caretaker for my family. Little did I know that my husband would pass away only a few weeks after signing the lease for our new location. He was never able to see the office open. Read more>>

Garrett Taylor | Entrepreneur

I truly believe that the factor behind our success is a people first mentality. We couldn’t do what we do without the team we’ve assembled, and continue to build upon. I know companies say this all the time. Heck, I’ve been told this at every company I’ve worked for, but I was always taught that actions speak louder than words. We truly live and breathe this concept throughout all of our companies. We have an “either we all succeed or none of us succeed” mindset and that to me is what attracts the people we partner with and has led to our success. Read more>>

PenniJo Brenke

For me the most important factor to my success would be my photography skills and representing my animals to the best of my ability to how they look in person. I also think having a very active roll throughout social media has helped with my success as well. Read more>>

Shasta Nelson

For me, the most important factor behind my success has been the conviction that I could bring more connection to a world that often feels disconnected. That might sound trite but I didn’t start with business know-how, empire-building habits, or even a clear plan. In fact, I wasn’t even always convinced I could make a living. All I had was a deep belief that people were suffering from loneliness, craving deeper relationships—and no one was talking about it. There was so much shame and silence around loneliness when I first started, but I felt called to name it, to bring it into the light. Read more>>