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

Chelsea Stratso | Adventurous Elopement, Couples Photographer & Business Coach

As a photographer in Hawaii, I’m in an extremely saturated industry. It is the place to be as a wedding photographer. I used to try to blend in, do what everyone else was doing, or emulate what I saw successful photographers doing. Then I learned that I was doing myself and my clients a disservice, and I started being myself. I started putting my personality on my Instagram and on my website, and I marketed what made me different instead of trying to hide it. As a business coach for photographers, I always tell my clients: You are the only one who can do what you can do, and your dream clients are out there searching for you. Anyone can shoot at the same locations or edit with the same preset, but only you can provide your personality and personal touch. It is the number 1 way to stand out, and eliminate any competition! This idea is also the foundation of my coaching program called The Game Changer Academy. I teach photographers how to dive deep into who they are, what makes them different, and how they can use that to connect and market to their dream clients. Read more>>

Claire and Myline | French Wink Owners

There are multiple factors behind French Wink’s success but the most important one is our duo. We are business partners and close friends. We take every decision together, we send drafts to each others before sending any email. We brainstorm, discuss, weight risks before taking any decision that we both agree on. We are then co responsible of all actions and strategies and this make us and our business stronger. We each have our strength and weakness but being two following the same mindset makes our power complementary and strong. Read more>>

Ali Everhard and Melissa Rouswell | Co Founders & Entrepreneurs

We strive to be inclusive to all women with no industry seats, affordable so that even those who are just starting out can participate and open to new ideas so that we are always trying new and fun ways to connect with each other. We feel like our group has a different feel than most networking or entrepreneur groups because it is so inclusive. We try to think about our small business owners, their daily struggles and what they might need in their business and create workshops and content to help them be successful. WCE and www.ShopaSmallBusiness are ways for women to combine forces help each other, promote each other and lift each other up so that we are all more successful. When women collaborate, exciting things get done and we see that so often in our group. Read more>>