By far, the topic that comes up most in our conversations with entrepreneurs and creatives is risk. We’ve had conversations about risks that worked out and risks that did not. We’ve seen eyes light eye sharing about career-trajectory changing risks as well as folks sigh about the risks they wish they had taken. Below, we’ve selected and shared some of those thoughtful conversations.

Aja Toro | Artist

Risk is opportunity. The only thing holding us back from opportunities is simply not taking the risk to get there. I am not much of a risk taker; as a mother I think about the future before taking a risk. Last year, an opportunity fell into my lap when a small space opened around the corner from my home. My sister urged me to go look at it, and as we sat on the floor imagining all of the things we could do there; we knew the risk was worth taking. We opened an art studio, utilizing it as a shop to provide a community to other handmade businesses like ourselves. While it has had its challenges, I would still say the risk was worth every bit of it. 2023, was the best year I have had as an artist. It has opened so many doors for me connecting me to creatives within my city I would have never met without taking the risk to get here. Read more>>

Zach Pardes | Zach Pardes / Chief Marketing Officer / Blk Vlly Co-Founder

Everything you do in life is a risk. Any belief to the contrary is illusory. Whether we’re talking about approaching someone at a bar to ask for a first date or capital investment in a business, there is absolutely nothing in life that doesn’t involve a degree of risk. Once you wrap your head around that, you quickly realize that it’s far more efficient to embrace risk than to try and avoid it. It simply can’t be avoided, and trying to do so is a fool’s errand. Read more>>

Keira Chatman | Serial Entrepreneur and Community Advocate

In my earlier years, I often embraced risk, driven by my eagerness to accomplish goals. However, as I’ve matured, I’ve come to understand the importance of thorough planning in decision-making. Timing is crucial, but so is evaluating the potential outcomes of each move as an entrepreneur. It’s about weighing the pros and cons meticulously and being prepared to adapt within the risks undertaken. This means not only being prepared for unforeseen challenges, but also willing to adjust our strategies in response to changing circumstances. Taking calculated risks is what has provided me with the most success. Read more>>