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?

Ryan Sanders | Music Producer A.K.A. Rydawg Beatz

Being consistent is extremely important to getting your work out to the world. For me I’m making sure I upload beats to my YouTube/BeatStars accounts on a regular basis. Too many producers just sit on a pile of beats that aren’t going to get placed. They over-think it to much and end up becoming stuck and can’t grow and bigger. The more you upload the more your work sees more people. It’s really as simple as that. Networking is crazy important too. You have to hit up artists to work together or even just to get to know them. The music industry is all about knowing as many people as you can. Its so easy nowadays too with social media. I wouldn’t know 90% of the artists I do now if it wasn’t for just hitting people up to work together. In all reality I wouldn’t even be doing this interview if it wasn’t for networking online. Read more>>

Kim and Greg Kolanowski | Kolanowsk Studio, A Couple of Photographers

The most important factor behind the success of our business is that we are consistently told that we are easy and fun to work with, dependable and talented photographers. We are very fortunate to have many loyal, long time clients who appreciate our dependability. When a project is scheduled, we’ll be there ready to do the job on time, efficiently and professionally. We love that our clients have such trust in our ability to get the job done well. Read more>>

Ryan Cooper | Wine Guy

Hands down, humility is the most important factor behind our success. People with my credentials in the wine industry tend to be focused on Michelin star restaurants and multi-million dollar inventories. I come from a working class family. My mom loves wine but will never spend more than $15 on a bottle, and she represents the majority of drinkers in the U.S. So we wanted to offer wine education and personalized retail services for people like her. In order to get people like my mom to trust us, we can’t have an agenda. Humility is not a trait associated with my profession, but it’s our ultimate core value. We named our company Uplifting Wines, because we want to validate preferences before making unbiased suggestions for your budget. Our wine tastings are designed to give casual drinkers practical information that will raise their comfort levels while shopping retail shelves or wine lists. It’s easy to take yourself too seriously in this industry. Read more>>

Axel Brave | Grill Master & Entrepreneur

Many aspects can be attributed to our brand’s success. Our genuine story, our diverse heritage, the love and passion for food, our constant commitment to provide the best ingredients for your meals, and many other factors. And although I understand we need to continually grow these pillars of success, our most important factor for success is simply that our premium Argentinian-style condiments are delicious. With great tasting condiments consumers can take an easy avenue try something new and delicious, as well as giving them more versatility around the grill. Read more>>

Howard Smith | Fashion Designer & Wardrobe Stylist

There’s 3 things that play apart in the success of my brand & that’s Hard work , Talent & Gods Favor. The most important factor is HARD WORK!!!!!! You have to go hard! Because when the dust settles it’ll be all about who wanted it the most, not who’s most talented. Read more>>

Regina Toliver | CEO/ Founder

I would say that hard work and determination have been a very important factor behind my success and my brand. I set a realistic goal then I put my plan into motion and I am glad I did! I had to remind myself that ambition leads to greatness and should always start with a positive thought. We should always feel like life is limitless! We all should walk in our purpose. It may not be easy at first and they will be some challenges, but most importantly never give up. Perseverance is the key to success. Plant your seed and watch it grow. Read more>>

Michael McQurren | DJ

It’s too maky factors to name but to choose 1 I would say the family/friends who I’ve done events for. They refer me to others which creates more opportunities for me to expand the brand. Read more>>

Jennifer Kahn | Founder & CEO of Scenery Bags

For me, it was adding a give back component. Finding a non-profit that I am truly passionate about supporting and knowing that my success is shared with them, makes me work so much harder. TDF (Theatre Development Fund) is a dream non-profit partner. The work they do in accessibility for the arts, and arts education in schools is incredible, and I am so honored that Scenery Bags get to support them. Read more>>

DeAnnah Stinson Reese | Career Strategist For Minorities and Global DEI Corporate Strategist

The most important factor(s) behind my success (aside from the God’s grace and favor) is discipline, strong work ethic, and a willingness to try strategies that was unfamiliar/pivot. My discipline and work ethic goes hand in hand. I literally would wake extra early and drop my kids off early at daycare and school in order to get to work early so I can take client calls and work on my business before I needed to clock in. I would sit in my car after work until the absolute latest time for picking up my kids, taking calls and working on strategies for my business growth such as networking and creating content for LinkedIn that positioned me as the expert and thought leader that I am. I would pick up my kids and take my daughter to evening softball and basketball practices and games and work while watching her games. I would come home at like 8 or 9pm whip up dinner with the kids while helping my daughter with whatever little homework she needed help with and just talking to them about their day, get them in bed by 10pm. I would work some more until about midnight, then wake up again at 5:30am to do it all over again. Read more>>