We asked some of the city’s rising stars to reflect on what made a difference in their journey. We asked them to tell us about what they think the most important factor has been behind their success.

Eddie Matthews | Musican & Business Owner

The concept of success is a very tricky one mentally for me. I personally shy away from calling myself successful because it seems very much like a destination…what happens when you reach it? I frame success as a business owner as the process of consistently setting and executing on your personal and organizational goals. Read more>>

Jahmilah Tyson | Photographer

The most important factor behind the success of my brand is God. My faith in and relationship in God shapes all areas of my life. Matthew 6:33 says to seek first the Kingdom and His righteousness and all other things will be added unto you. I make sure to keep God first and not lose sight of my purpose in Him. By living that verse, I have been given many opportunities that I wouldn’t ever imagine myself receiving. Read more>>

Jacob Ibarra | Managing Director of Tenfold Coffee Company

Culture Building – We are a young company (20 months old) and I have spent a lot of time in this second year thinking and trying to teach Tenfold’s culture. I believe culture is a consistent and united belief in what the company stands for and which informs our behavior and specifically how we serve our community and customers. I believe our culture is what our community has recognized as different and have enjoyed. Read more>>

Tiara Garcia | Brow & Lash Artist

Consistency. A word that definitely has a lot of meaning behind it. I have learned that my business would not be successful today if it weren’t for me and and my support system always being consistent. It takes a certain mindset to be self disciplined and keep consistent at something that you have set your eye on in order to reach a certain goal. I found that creating a vision board and simply saying “this is my goal and this is what I want my brand to look like” is not enough. Yet, being consistent and actually working hard at getting what you actually want for the rest of your life is what allows big moves to happen. Read more>>

Natalya Hutchinson | Visual Artist | Graphic Designer | Teacher | Athlete

I’d say believing in myself. I’ve always known that I wanted to be an artist since elementary school. Though I had doubts of actually accomplishing this, I knew that no one else could do it for me. After fighting with myself throughout the years, my most successful moments were when I said “Yea, I can do that”, knowing it would be my first time diving into that particular style or medium. The joy and love I’d receive from executing was everything. From then, projects would continue to come through. “I’m a Natural” isn’t just a brand, it’s a mantra that’s helped me to continue to believe in myself. Read more>>

Tania Daniel | Senior Director of Entrepreneurship Initiatives

People, people, people. Early on in my career I realized the power of the “WE”. There is immense strength in collaboration and also in team work. When your team truly believes in the end goal, the higher-arching Mission; when you empower them to assume the role of stakeholders, solution-seekers and decision-makers, success becomes an organic and inevitable process. I am blessed to be able to work with so many incredible alumni leaders, who are the heart and soul of my team. Read more>>