There is a wealth of academic research that suggests that differences in risk appetite are at the heart of differences in career and business trajectories. We wanted to go beyond the theory and ask real people from the community about their perspectives and experiences with risk and risk taking.

Oksana Petrushchak | Digital Background Artist

The risk has changed my professional life. My first serious work wasn’t focused on what I dreamed of, and I spend four years of my life there. The best decision of my life was to leave it and focus all my strength during a year to improve my art and get a change in what I always wanted, digital art for entertainment. Read more>>

Asia Quentin | Entrepreneur | Model | Dancer

I consider myself as someone who takes calculated risks. However, starting my business was probably the least calculated risk I’ve ever taken as I felt it was something I NEEDED to do. My business was born out of personal necessity. I say necessity because prior to starting it, I worked in multiple aspects of the grooming industry—always for someone else. I eventually became terribly unhappy everywhere I went, largely due to rampant labor exploitation. Read more>>

Misty Lehmann | Salon Owner/Stylist- Beautique Memorial

For me Risk taking is very crucial in my life. When I think of the word Risk it sounds scary, but in reality we are constantly taking risks in life with out even knowing. At times the risk doesn’t reap the reward but there is a lesson in failed ventures. Whether that is in My business or Personal life. I tackle the word risk By calling it growth. I am growing my company and its always trial and error. I like Growth in all aspects of my life, I truly believe anyone can constantly evolve into the best Versions of themselves and Build their Dream business. Read more>>

Ilse Torp | Alchemist of Energetic and Physical Healing (Trapeze Yoga Instructor, Breath Coach, Reiki Master, Crystal Healer, Curandera)

Risk taking has and IS the “Motto” of my Life. Coming from a family Who left Mexico in the late Early 80’s that’s all I have known. I have had to take plenty of risks in my Lifetime . Having my parents arrange a marriage, so my family could keep there Home. That was a HUGE risk for me!!. I risked my Youth ( I was 16-17) , I became a step mother at the same time as well. Do I regret IT ??….. ABSOLUTELY NOT!!. it blessed me with 3 amazing Kiddos!.. Read more>>

Camille Ware – Blouin (Lady Cam) | Rapper | Model | Actress | Motivational Speaker | Videographer | Entrepreneur

Risk taking is very important in life/career. If I had not taken risk I would still be unknown or probably given up a long time ago. There is a quote “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” this is so true. I am a risk taker by sign “Leo” and that’s just my personality, sometimes I don’t even have to think twice about it I just go. I remember starting out my career in music I was taking risk all the time and didn’t notice it. It wasn’t until I got older and tried to “play it safe”. Read more>>

Jackie Anderson | Dollhouse Dreamer & Mini Adventurer

I am a horrible risk taker. I have avoided risk most of my life for the sake of security. For the last 3 years, I have kept my miniatures business small for fear of what would happen if I expanded too much. Luckily for me, I have a husband who encourages risk taking and supports my dreams. I have never been able to find that “just right” dollhouse that fits everything I want while still being modern and affordable. Read more>>

Heather Savonne | Singer/Songwriter, Aspiring Author, Faith Blogger

Most people won’t take risks in life because of the unknown but what is a risk without the unknown? I used to put myself in this category of not being a risk taker, not being a very spontaneous person. As I look back on my life (I’m only 27), I can see where I did take risks, where there were unknowns. I took the risk/chance of going to a university I didn’t even visit. I moved to a town all on my own 2 times; first Plainview, TX (for school at Wayland Baptist University where I played NAIA volleyball) then Lubbock, TX (for church/missions). Those were huge “leaps of faith” “risks” that brought me to where I am today. Read more>>

Niecee Smith | Wig Creator & Instructor

I’ve learned with being an entrepreneur with no risk there’s no reward so sometimes the toughest things or what you may feel like are the toughest things for you to do in certain cases just have the best outcome that you couldn’t even initially expect to be as amazing as it will be. Therefore I’m all for taking risk because you never know what could have been if you never take that chance and bet on yourself. I live by “faith without works is dead” meaning that after I do take that risk and bet on myself, I have it in my head that what I’m expecting is already done – I’ve already succeeded so there’s absolutely no need to worry or stress. Its done. Read more>>

Will Walton | Founder & Lead Designer for Endless Edge

When I think about risk taking, i draw thoughts of necessity if you want to grow it life. I also think some people are born with a fearless mindset which makes taking risk effortless, it’s apart of our dna. Taking risk and naturally being fearless is what caused me to leave Chicago and move to Cleveland on my own. That moved was significant to my life and career as an owner of a fashion brand. That risk opened my eyes to a different scenario of style and fashion outside of what I was accustomed to see in Chicago. Taking risk is just something I’ve always done even when I decided to leave corporate America and begin to build my own company and brand. Read more>>

Tanny Williams | Owner

J. Prince said,” There are 2 things you get everyday, a chance and a choice.”” The chance he gets after making his choice, that’s on him he have to live with that.” I’m an extremist, I’m either all in or all out in the decisions I make in Life. Some call it Tunnel Vision, I say it’s “Destiny”–My Child!! The biggest risk was making the decision to put my money into an idea and water and nurture it into something physical and is now another stream of income as well as an asset I can pass down/duplicate 10x over. Read more>>

Antonio Albright | Entrepreneur & Actor

“You can measure opportunity with the same yardstick that measures the risk involved. They go together.”- Earl Nightingale, an American radio speaker and author, wrote these words in “How to Completely Change Your Life in 30 Seconds.” Every day that God allows us to wake up and get out the bed is a risk. Walking out the house, driving our vehicles to work is all a risk we take to better our lives by doing something in this world. Im Antonio Albright, owner of Exclusive Talk Media. Read more>>

Sharde Hawkins | Choreographer, Creative Director, & Entrepreneur

If it wasn’t for risk taking, I wouldn’t even be as close as successful as I am now. To take risk is having faith in the unknown, in the universe, hell, in yourself! Taking those necessary and calculated risk has granted me so much in my career. It helped me eliminate fear and keep the courage to keep pushing forward, no matter what happens. Even when things don’t work out in my favor, it still works out in my favor because I am still granted with a lesson and I always know something better is on it’s way to me. If you’re reading this, this is your sign to take that risk! Don’t be the one to stop your life first because you’re afraid. Read more>>