Every overnight success we’ve seen has been years in the making. And those overnight successes are rarely because of an amazing idea or a stroke of luck. We asked some of our favorite folks from the community about what characteristics are at the heart of their success story?

Anna Meriano | Author

My success as a writer absolutely depends on the support of the communities I’m part of. Writing books is an extremely collaborative process, and sometimes that fact gets lost since readers only really see the author’s name on the spine. Besides all the editors, designers, my agent, artists, publicists, and others who put in work to make each of my books the best it can be, I also rely on my friends and fellow writers to help me navigate the world of publishing. I’ve been very lucky to connect with Cake Literary, the packaging company that started me on the road to writing my middle grade series, Las Musas Books, a collective of debut and sophomore Latinx kidlit authors, and other groups (both formal and informal) of writers on social media and in person. And of course, I also get so much support from the bloggers, librarians, and teachers who get the books into the hands of readers. Read more>>

Sa’Dreaka Cavone | Fashion Designer

The most important factor behind my success is that I don’t quit. Quitting is not an option. You will never fail if you don’t give up. Eventually, I was going to get to where I need to be if I kept going. God doesn’t put a dream in your heart and not give you the tools to fulfill the dream. Read more>>

Marie Nguyen | Owner

I believe the most important factor behind my success is my team. Without them I would not be able to be where I am today. Read more>>

Raylynne Perez | Assistant Director of Promotions and Marketing & Houston Film Fanatics Entertainment Reporter

For me, the main factors of success with anything I do are hard work. So many people forget that almost all successful people, projects, business, etc.. all started with an idea that led to hard work, long hours, blood, sweat, and tears that went into making that idea a reality. I have worked a lot of long days and nights throughout my career because I know that the product that I put out is a reflection of me and who I am and I want it to be represented the best way possible. With working for iHeart Radio I have been given so many opportunities that have helped me grow not only myself as a person but also Houston Film Fanatics as a brand and I could not be more thankful to them for that. So for me, one way to say thank you is to keep showing up and putting in the work.. In the end, It has always been worth it. Even in the times that certain ideas have not panned out like we thought they would, the experience teaches you something that you can usually use for the next idea or project, even if it is just learning what not to do. Read more>>

Andrew To | Optometrist

Truly believing that we will always provide the best possible care for our patients. Read more>>

Eric Malak | President

For me, the most important factor behind the success of my brand was “presentation”. I was able to stand out from my competitors by presenting my brand differently than them. There were several factors that took a role towards my presentation but the most important one was branding, such as my business name, my logo, my color scheme, my inventory, and transparency in pricing, Also, I always reinvested all my profits back in the business to help improve my branding. My goal was to have a corporate look and feel that built trust with my customers. Read more>>

Bill Heuer | Owner & Founder

We really focus on the customer experience. Anyone can build casino tables and bring them up to your home or office and call themselves a casino party hosting company but the details in those tables can make all the difference in the world. From the cupholders where you place your drink, to the feel of the chips, and the type of accessories used each table can make all the difference in the world to make your experience one that will be unforgettable for the right reasons. Training your staff to deliver the experience that you want your customers to have to ensure that your company will be talked about for years to come can make or break any company. In short, having the right people and the right product can make your customers experience one that they will share with friends, family, and business associates which will intern result in a successful business and a successful brand. Read more>>

Seth Turner | Entrepreneur

The most important factor behind my success is bringing happiness to pet lovers and inspiration to those who are watching me. Read more>>

Peggy Fuller | Founder, Owner & Principal Interior Designer

By Design Interiors has been in business for over 31 years! My goal from the beginning was to build a design firm that is high-end, authentic and team driven. We have evolved from a spare bedroom office to a 3800 sq. ft studio with a staff of 12 women, equipped to handle any project. I believe there are many factors that play into our growth and success. Foremost, is my amazing design staff. They are so talented, hardworking, and fully supportive of each other. It is important for us to share our inspirations, resources, experiences, and achievements throughout the firm. All working together for the betterment of each other’s success and By Design’s as a whole. This was my vision from the start – creating a luxury design firm that is full of talented, compassionate, and hard-working women. I’m very proud of what By Design Interiors has become today. Read more>>

WavesOnBrand | WavesOnBrand – Dj Candlestick; Dj Motivation; Dj Skrechy Skrach

WavesOnBrand’s growing success is attributed to the talent and realness of the DJ’s (Candlestick, Motivation, Skrechy Skrach) and their followers. By staying genuine to their roots and craft, their recognized WavesOnWednesday’s at Houston’s Avant Garden has created platforms for hippie’s, hype beasts, rap artists, sexy ladies, and free spirits to vibe out and party together. Candlestick, Motivation, and Skrechy Skrach create a frequency and momentum by working together that can be experienced through their djing, livestreams, clothing apparel, and unique musical projects. WavesOn looks to continue working with the industry’s best such as Dreamville, OVO, Chopstars, etc., and push to greater heights. Read more>>

Kedra Isadore | Modest Maven

My most important factor is representation. Representing my culture, my values and my faith. I believe these factors are what set me as an entrepreneur apart from the crowds, those things along with my products are what I think others will remember the most. Read more>>