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.

Christie Cuthbert | Author

Authenticity and purpose. As a former journalist, storytelling has always been my passion and made for an exciting career for many years. As I settled into motherhood, and the unique hand of cards I was dealt, (four boys including triplets within four years), I realized I could write about my own life story to make a difference in the lives of others. In my first book, “Mom! I Farted in Church” I share with other moms of littles how I managed through the chaos of those tough, early years, while being a Type-A person and a control freak. I mentioned many ah-ha moments and how I learned to laugh more and stress less. Through the book I started doing guest speaking with mom groups and it’s been transformative. The feedback I get, and the moms who come up afterward and say, “I needed to hear this today” gives me immense purpose and teaches that sharing your vulnerability can be a positive thing. In the last year I’ve branched into a children’s’ book series called “The Mischief Makers.” Read more>>

Everett Jolivet IV | Personal Trainer & Bodybuilder

The most important lesson my business/ career has taught me is to be consistent. Without consistency, you will lack fulfilling your full potential. For example, my transition from obesity to losing weight and becoming a personal trainer/bodybuilder. I learned that consistently maintaining healthy eating habits and daily exercise helped change my physical appearance, and best of all, I became more physically active/motivated. Due to this consistency, I obtained more clientele, motivating them to lose weight and even encouraged some to participate in their first-ever bodybuilding show. Being consistent is a challenge within itself due to various daily temptations around you, especially when deciding what foods to eat. I always remind my clients of two things: 1- “consistency wins the day,” and 2 – “you’re eating for a look, not a taste.” Read more>>

Joan Lopez | Owner & Head Hippie Baker

If I am going to be honest, there are a few important factors involved in the success of The Hippie Cakery thus far. The first two have been my faith and perseverance. Anyone who has started a business knows the hard work, long hours, and dedication it takes to see a dream through to fruition. There are many days when it takes a great morning prayer and a good cup of coffee to get through the business building process. I think the third factor to my current success is always remembering people matter. This means a few things, It means I may give away more baked goods this week than I sell because there is a need in the community. It means I strive for not just clean, well-executed cake designs but the best tasting baked goods I can possibly make. It also means, I price fairly, especially during this current times we live in. Lastly, I have a great support system between my marketing agent, my social media content producer, my project manager and my community outreach director(my daughter, my son, my husband and my best friend), These key people help keep my cup full, my mind focused and my spirit happy. Read more>>

Emerson Geter | Entertainment Manager & Executive

In my opinion, it is always difficult to pinpoint one important attribute as the most important factor. I believe it is a combination of networking, relationships, and marketing. Anyone in the entertainment business understands the importance of the relationships and the ability to obtain them by networking. Sometimes in this business, it is not about who you are and what you could do, it is about who you know. Read more>>

Amanda Sharee | Singer/ Songwriter/ Recording Artist

The most important factor for my success is talent and being very personable, followed by work ethic. Read more>>

Sahib Easley | Gaming Coach

Putting people first and profits second. We firmly believe that if you take care of the people then the business will come. We always want to do right for our employees and people. If we take care of our neighbors then they will take care of us. Read more>>

Dr. Jazmine Highsmith | Founder of Female Athletes Rock & HR Professional

The most important factor behind my success is my work ethic. I’m not a stranger to hard work, and I don’t mind putting my head down and doing the work. People think that they can reach success overnight and it’s a process and that process requires hard work and people don’t want to work hard. They want shortcuts and they want handouts but I don’t mind getting dirty in order to accomplish a goal. I’ve always been told that there is no shortcut to the top, while the road is long the reward is greater. Read more>>

John & Sarah Westphal | Craftsman & Business Owners of Olive & Oak Designs

We prioritize the quality of our products. We want the best for our customers and take pride in knowing that we are delivering the best possible quality. Read more>>

CEO Kyngbaby | Musician

I’m just trying to make it I love music so the biggest success would be getting our music out here so the world can know who we really are our brand is on the rise as we keep pushing it. Read more>>

Nastassja Sassau | Braids By Nastassja & RN

Customer service is the most important factor behind my success. I believe the way you treat a person goes a long way and not only skill, but your customer service sets you apart from others. Read more>>