Risk is the most common topic that comes up in our conversations with entrepreneurs and so each week we ask entrepreneurs to talk to us on the record about how they think about risk.

Trezlyn Dunbar | Pastry Chef & Business Owner

I see taking risk as an act of faith. When you’re connected to God and you ask him for his direction, isn’t that taking a risk? When I started this business, I wasn’t sure which direction to even go. I had no business plan, no bank account, no working capital, no supplies and minimal skills. Baking was not my passion and definitely not a career move that even crossed my mind. During my dads illness, I had a lot of down time. Because I wanted to be his caregiver, I couldn’t work and had to create other means of financial support. My dad and I would discuss possible business ideas daily. I knew I wanted to be working with people. My aunt flew in to spend some time with him and I asked her to teach me how to bake a pound cake. I posted that pound cake on Facebook and immediately started getting inquiries about orders. As a previous restaurant owner herself, my aunt (the ram in the bush) encouraged me to pursue the possibility of starting a cake business. But how could I do this with no skills, no money and no plan? I didn’t even know I had this gift. I kept hearing this voice in my head saying, “You’re worried about the wrong things. Just do it.” Every time I questioned a move or decision I made I would hear, “No matter the outcome, build from it.” I’d just say, “Lord, whatever you’re telling me to do I’ll do it.” Resigning from my job to run my business full-time (with NO working capital) has been the greatest risk of my life. Taking that leap of faith has been both rewarding and challenging. My personality can be very rebellious at times. I love to go against the grain. Being a risk taker has definitely channeled in on those traits and keeps giving me the motivation and drive when those challenges arise. That’s both in my career and personal life. I keep pushing forward no matter the setback and looking for more challenges with the rewards. I’m the proud owner is Taztee Treatz, LLC. I absolutely love what I do. We’ve grown from a home based bakery to a mobile dessert shop (food truck). Our menu has recently expanded to offer full service dessert and lite bite catering. I’m able to be a full-time wife and mommy, and enjoy spending those special moments with my family. Without taking those risk, I would still be sitting at a desk wondering what freedom looks like. Risks are what build legacies. I’m so happy I LEAPED! Read more>>

Tony Stark | Owner, My RV Adventure LLC

Reasonable risk taking is appropriate as long as risks are controlled and mitigated. This is something that I have learned from Government Contracting but it is something that I continue to learn to practice in everyday life as well as in the entrepreneurial world. I truly believe that mastering risk management is a skill that opens up so many more opportunities that would otherwise be missed. It was a risk for me to get into the RV rental business, however, it was a risk that made sure that I weighed out the pros and cons and the likelihood of being successful. Read more>>

Jaderah | Musician/Creator

I feel like I’ve always taken risks in my Life, going against the grain and leading my own path. Risk is necessary to discover the unknown and I love to ask questions and find answers. I didn’t come from a background or family that was connected in the entertainment industry so I had to form my own connections and work very hard to show my value as a singer/songwriter and Creator. I moved to N.Y and Nigeria to pursue my career with no fear and continued to take my career to higher heights relentlessly no matter what anyone thought or felt about my desire to never give up. Read more>>

Kaylon Woodson | Boutique / Salon Owner & Hairstylist

Taking a risk in my opinion is a huge role in part of opening and running a business! I take a risk everyday and put in the work in hopes I continue to grow my business. Read more>>