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

Yael Pachino | Wedding & Portrait Photographer

I would say a combination of personal branding and consistency. Personal branding is so vital for a small business like my own. People want to see the person behind the work, they want to get to know you, relate to you and trust you. Now more than ever before, it is so important to go above and beyond. It’s essential to showcase more than just what you are selling, but who you are and what you stand for. It’s funny, I’m not the kind of person who loves to be the center of attention. I didn’t have Facebook or Instagram until I started my business and it took me way too long to full comprehend the idea that if I want to stand out, if I want to make a difference in people’s lives, then I need to step out of my comfort zone and show people who I really am. Read more>>

Lorie Boughton | Boudoir Photographer

There are several things combined together that I attribute to the success of my company and my brand. The first, and most important is getting the right team in place. With the right people, in the right positions, I have been able to grow my business exponentially over last year. I employee several wonderful ladies! I have a makeup artist, a studio manager, an assistant editor, an office assistant (my mom! :)) as well as an entire marketing team behind the scenes. I am in the process of training an associate photographer too! So, definitely coming to the realization that it takes an entire team to be successful. And knowing that it is okay to reach out, ask for help, and utilize your resources. The next super important factor behind my success is hiring a mentor. They say imitation is the best form of flattery. Read more>>

Amin Safari | Professional Musician/Writer/Recording Artist

I believe my love of music and live performance has been the key to my success. The enjoyment I see from my audience is another factor to my success because it encourages me to create new music and be able to perform them live. Read more>>

Connie Espinas | Artist

The most important factor behind my success is the passion behind my work. I believe everyone can see, or at least sense your genuinity, especially though art. If you put your heart into something, its intriguing and draws people closer. If it’s real, it keeps them coming back. Read more>>

Judy Adams | Ceramic Artist and Pottery Teacher

Customer Service and listening to the needs of our clients. This is true for the ceramic work I display in our gallery and how we run our pottery classes. Since starting this business in 1979 John Foelber, my husband, and I have always strived to showcase unique, contemporary ceramics by local artisans. When we teach we do so in a very hands-on, relaxed way. People know they are getting the real deal when they walk into our establishment. We stay true to our values and the balance of being creative artists and teachers. Throughout the years we have learned that we can never water-down our personal design aesthetic or jump on the gimmick of the year just to have sales. Read more>>

Sara Ramirez | Photographer & Event Host

I think the most important factor behind my success is the support that I have always had. Like most creatives I can be very insecure about my work to the point where I question if photography is even something I should be pursuing. Without the support of my family, my boyfriend, and my best friends, I know I might have given up this career a while back. Each of them has taught me that the only validation I will ever need is from myself. If my art makes me happy then it doesn’t matter what any one else thinks about it. Read more>>

Jacqueline Andrade | Pet Photographer

Communication has to be the most important factor to having a successful session. During our initial consultation I ask my clients questions that will help me better understand what they are wanting to get out of the time spent with me. It’s my job to hear them out so that when it comes to the photo session I know exactly what to shoot for and we don’t have any surprises. I want to make sure everyone is treated equally but that everyone has a custom image or video to fit their personalities and needs. Read more>>

Asia Blanton | Personal Chef| Event Planner

My support system has definitely been everything for me. My family, my friends, and my fiancè have really spent countless hours brainstorming with me, listening to me vent about my frustrations and sharing in my successes. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have had the courage to even get started let alone keep going. But it isn’t just the support from the people I know either. It’s clients that I don’t know that are reaching out and wanting to get the full Còcaire Milan experience. It’s truly been amazing and I’m so grateful. Read more>>