By far, the topic that comes up most in our conversations with entrepreneurs and creatives is risk. We’ve had conversations about risks that worked out and risks that did not. We’ve seen eyes light eye sharing about career-trajectory changing risks as well as folks sigh about the risks they wish they had taken. Below, we’ve selected and shared some of those thoughtful conversations.

Amy Rivas | Real Estate Agent/ Realtor

Let’s talk about risk taking! It’s hard not to be a risk taker considering where I came from. That is all I have ever known; I was born into taking risks due to my upbringing. Both of my parents immigrated to this country at a very young age with not much more than the clothes on their backs. Despite the challenges they knew they would inevitably face; they made the journey to this country in pursuit of the American Dream. Ever since I can remember they have been taking risks in order to establish themselves in this country and provide the opportunity for a better future for my siblings and myself. Read more>>

Mahesh Sriram | Entrepreneur/International Model & Actor

As an entrepreneur, risk taking has played an important role in my life and my growth and has become an integral way of how I approach a new opportunity! As a risk taker, I think out of the box, and continue to persist even in the light of failure as I have realized that to achieve great success I must fail to succeed. If I never took risks I would never have been able to achieve what I have to date. Taking a risk means stepping out of my comfort zone to explore a new way of thinking. Being innovative is a primary reason why I have been successful and have found the energy to fuel the work I do and the dreams I have had to do the things I believe in. Read more>>

Sunni Ewing | Fitness Entrepreneur/Show Promoter/Motivational Speaker & Author

To jump is to suspend or be suspended in mid air. To jump is a risk I know all to well. Leaving an abusive marriage to live and understand my singleness to heal,, to leave San Antonio for Houston, to leave a safe career of teaching to become an entrepreneur were all risks. Some were calculated risks and some were not, however amazing growth happened. Making the mistakes along the way helped me realize the greatness I have inside that keeps on giving. Tools are discovered when you do not have a fall back, you only have a fall foreward. Betting on myself allowed the fortitude to alter the course of my life. I believe in calculated risks. You are a calculated risk. Betting on yourself is the greatest risk there is. Read more>>

Jaqui Torres | Permanent Makeup and Beauty Expert

I believe that taking risks in life is not always a bad thing, there is always that 50/50 chance of a good or bad outcome but i think taking risks is good for growth whether personal or in your career. Had I not taken the risk and going out on my own then I would not have my business today and it would probably still just be a lost dream or idea in my head. Making the decision to quit my job at the time and start from scratch on my own with very little money was a huge risk not only to my career and pocket but also to my self confidence in my work and experience. Read more>>

M. Campbell | Author

As a creative that has a full-time job, I often think about risk vs. responsibility a lot. It’s important to me to give myself the freedom to be open and honest when I write and create content. However, I have a full-time job that is unrelated to my business so I have to walk a delicate line when sharing material. I take risks with the words I write and art I create, but I also feel like I have a responsibility to take those risks. I truly believe that writing with truth and transparency leads to transformation and to create art that is honest and real is a risk worth taking. Read more>>

Ashley Andruss | Artist

I believe every business-minded individual needs a certain tolerance level for risk. Similar to investing, the more you increase your risk level, the higher the pay-off potentially is. That being said, I don’t believe you should always operate at high levels of risk. Train yourself to be prepared for the moments you do need to take more risks. I’ve made many decisions in my life that had risks attached to them. Most of them worked out for the best, propelling me forward to an operating level I couldn’t have obtained before. You just have to have the guts to do it and enough backbone of belief in yourself. Read more>>

Justin Bertrand-Pitts | Executive Director, Certified Anger Management Resolution Therapist

I often talk about me moving to Houston as one of the biggest risks that I have taken in my life. I moved some 800 miles away from family and friends, away from the safety net that seemed to have always been in place to follow my heart. Moving to a new city for a semi-new relationship that I did not know much about. The saying is true “You don’t really know someone until you live with them”. But That risk over 12 years ago turned out to be one of the best risks and choices that I have ever made for myself. That risk enabled me to continue to build a solid and strong friendship and relationship with my (now) husband – Desmond- and pushed me to learn ways to care and support myself and him. Read more>>

Sarai Rumph | Real Estate Consultant

I moved to New York when I was 18 with about $22 to my name. I was determined to get to NYC and see what all I could achieve! If I never took that risk I who knows where I would be today. I also encourage people I know to take risk for whatever dream they wish to come to fruition. There were so many times where I was nervous to put out a photoshoot or to talk to a random stranger and whether the outcome was positive or negative I always was so proud of myself for not letting insecurities or self doubt stop me from taking a risk and just going for it! Read more>>

Sarai Rumph | Real Estate Consultant

I think highly about risks, and that has taken a significant role in my life and career. One of my most significant risks and most rewarding has been marrying someone from a different culture and leaving behind my country and everything I know. I got married seven years ago and have also been in Houston for seven years. It was a scary and exciting situation all at the same time, but I was happy and confident about taking the risk, and If I could do it again, I definitely would. It defines my path, and it also allowed me to meet great connections along the way. The second biggest risk was the time I decided to pursue real estate full time. The move was risky, but I was ready for the adventure. Read more>>

Sydnie Williams | Custom Cake Decorator & Baker

For me risk taking has been a key component to my success. The single idea of owning your own business is a risk in itself…but it’s all necessary. Risk taking removes you from your comfort zone. It allows you to grow. Learn things about yourself. Find out just exactly what you are made of. Now by no means does that mean to say that you will succeed each time but it will never be a loss, just something to learn from. A new lesson to apply to the next venture. Starting my business took me stepping out on faith. Relying on myself and God. It’s scary with zero certainty. But that uncertainty is exactly what I needed. It has forced me to work harder than I ever thought I could.and from that I am able to see the fruits of my labor. Read more>>

Shelina Hawkins-Sajwani, MBA | Commercial Insurance Advisor

My corporate career started in Private Equity. That’s a life of high risk and high reward and it’s how I’ve lived my life. However, most people like to play things safe. That why I am in the business of insurance. By definition, insurance is the transfer of risk from an individual or company to an insurance company. Some people do not realize that until I say it. You are technically paying a monthly or yearly price for “the chance” something bad could happen, and if it does you will not be liable to pay for those damages. Insurance gives peace of mind. There’s something about stability that most people need. Read more>>