Hardwork? Luck? Good habits? What would you say is behind your success? We’ve shared some thoughtful responses below.

Arlinda Self | Wellness Center Instructor/Office Leasing Owner/Community Organizer

Love. I absolutely love what I do everyday. Knowing that I can get up everyday to provide for my family, provide for my community and love what I do, is one of the best feelings I could ever ask for. I am determined to create generational wealth. My parents were able to pass down to my siblings and I established businesses and I plan to do the same. My husband and my kids are the #1 factor behind my success – LOVE. Read more>>

Melissa Burns | Farmer raising beef and pork

The success of my business truly is 5 star customer service. My customers aren’t just customers, they are family. I get to know them, their family and invest in building that relationship. We always welcome farm visits as we can our customers to know where their food is coming from. Along with customer service and delivering a great product, we give back to the community! Read more>>

LaKeisa Ealy | Entertainment Conductor, Business Owner, Marketing Director

The most important factor behind the success of my brand is the trust and authenticity people associate with me as an entertainer. It’s the genuine connection and vulnerability I share through my performances that resonate deeply with audiences, providing them with a sense of solace and escape from the challenges of daily life. At the core of my brand is integrity, reflecting my true personality and the purposeful recognition of the gift I’ve been blessed with by God. This foundation of authenticity and integrity is what truly sets my brand apart and drives its success. Read more>>

Charles Nnamdi | Fashion & Brand Photographer / Production Studio Owner

The most important factor behind the success of Nnamdi Media is execution. Our brand appeals to the client looking for a sophisticated, editorial feel behind their marketing. We understand that other productions companies are able to meet the points of a campaign, but we see creative briefs differently. Whether we build a custom set, shoot on the roof of a skyscraper, or rent a penthouse, if we can take a brief and make awe-inspiring content, then we have achieved our objective. Read more>>

Nicole Makeda | Black mother/Corporate Attorney/Real Estate Investor

Tenacity. I think the greatest factor in anyone’s success is their ability to keep going – no matter what. I have always had a plan and set incremental goals in furtherance of it. My mom would say – “If you’re not willing to write down your plan, you’re not serious about it.” So every stage of my life, I have always had a list of goals that kept me focused. Whenever I would get distracted and feel lost – I’d refer back to my doc to get back on track. Read more>>

Lexi Williams | Owner 614 Lash Bar, Esthetician and Instructor

The most important factor bending success for me or for my brand is the impact I make in other peoples lives, specifically women. My goal is to always create an environment of growth and positivity. Whether that’s with my clients or my team. I love connecting with my clients on a daily basis and there is no better feeling than when they leave with a smile on their face, not because their lashes look great but because we had meaningful conversation. When it comes to my team, creating an environment, especially in the beauty industry that feels safe and welcoming is a top priority. I have been in toxic work environments and if my studio creates one less bad experience for beauty professionals, that is success to me. Read more>>