Taking Risk is essential, but how much, when and why? Taking risks effectively is as much of an art as it is a science and we’ve asked some of the brightest folks in the community to tell us about how they think about risk taking.

Lila Hawthorne | OWNER/CEO LILY’S LIFE JUICE & OWNER/CEO—LILAMARIE’S FITNESS/ATHLETICS

I believe risk is………. “You Taking A Chance On You!” My entire life is based off of risks. In my career I had to make a decision to choose me. Before starting my business I was working a job for 2 1/2 years and literally going nowhere fast! I was unhappy and unfulfilled. But at the time it was bringing in a steady pay check, but I knew I was worth more. I juggled with the idea of starting my own company for months. I consulted other entrepreneurs, my mentor and even prayed about it. When it was all said and done I realized, I just had to do it…….JUST JUMP! Read more>>

Mariah Bailey | Black American Market App Creator | Life Coach

Risks are opportunities to grow. A lot of people look at risk as something to say no to because there’s this automatic association with the losses and negatives of risks. The truth is, we take risks everyday and not all risks have to be extreme but they do have to be progressive and that’s what risk taking has done for me. The first risk I took was to leave my family and friends at 17 years old and move from Detroit to Kentucky for college. That was scary but necessary. The seven years I spent in Kentucky was crucial to sculpting the women I became there and set the foundations for the women I’m becoming. After that I took risk after risk which some cost me some tears but ultimately I was able to become who I am today. A mommy, army veteran, college graduate, phenomenal woman of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., government contractor, app developer, black community advocate through my app, and so much more! Read more>>

Nicole Ybarra | Hair Stylist

I view risk taking as a must in this industry. With fashion and hair trends always evolving it is necessary to push boundaries and take risk. When I was an ahtlete my coach told me, “Without risk you will never grow to your full potential.” That is something that has always stuck with me. My first year as hair stylist I really struggled with risk taking though. After pushing past that little voice in my head and trying out new techniques, taking classes, practicing on mannequin heads on days off, and stepping out of my comfort zone, it has opened doors I never imagined. There are days where risk taking sounds terrifying and I question myself. However, I have learned when I stop pushing myself I don’t feel fulfilled with my craft. I am an artist. As an artist you grow most in the moments of discomfort and taking risk. Read more>>

King Borris | Media agency owner, Social media personality, Podcaster

I can be very conservative when it comes to taking risks. I have a family now. The risk I take will affect them as well. That being said, I take calculated risks. For example Covid happened. I saw an opportunity to take on my side hustle and turn it into my mail hustle. 1 year latter I have definitely gain traction. I decided to stay out of the work force and try to make it on my own. Thats a huge risk to me. I have been working for someone since the age of 12. This is the first time I am dependent on myself. If I didn’t go all in then I would have never gotten this far along. I could have gone back to work. I could have taken all the stimulus and unemployment money and just sat on the couch and watched tv. I decided not to. Read more>>