We asked some of the most interesting folks in the community to open up about how they think about taking chances and the role risk has played in their lives and careers. Risk is by far the topic folks talk to us most about and we hope the responses below will help shed light on many different perspectives.

Saba Gyemfi | Food Content Creator

Taking risks in life is absolutely necessary. Often times, opportunities are presented when you take a leap of faith and do something out of your comfort zone. When I think about my brand, Savoring with Saba, it literally started because my sister said I should share my new low-carb lifestyle journey. I’m not a chef, but I’m a foodie who loves to cook, share recipes, and connect with others. I took a chance and purchased recording equipment, built a website, and started my YouTube channel. Read more>>

Candi Shamele | Photographer

I think if you aren’t taking risk, are you really living? No but honestly speaking as an individual who has trouble with stepping out of her comfort zone taking risk is challenge for me but I do them anyway. Taking risk allows me to be exposed to more, make mistakes and become a better problem solver. There are risk that open doors and some get the doors slammed in your face but either way I’m learning from them. Taking risk has taught me to make a move even when I’m scared. Read more>>

Quenden James | Twitch streamer / Future Personal Trainer

I am a firm believer that sometimes in life you’ll have to take a risk to get to where you want to be. You cannot be afraid to fail and play it safe that’s not how life should be lived. Taking risks has played a Big role in my life If I hadn’t I would still be places I didn’t want to be that I felt I had out grown. Read more>>

Beatriz Ogarek | Licensed Pregnancy Massage Therapist

I rather regret having taken a chance than wish I would have. Life is all about making moves. When an opportunity presents itself, its worth you exploring the possibilities, when one door closes, another one may open. Fear to succeed has held me back from going after my dreams of being my own boss. What I mean with that is, I never wanted the “love of money” to make ms loose sight of God and family, and that prevented me from pursuing being self employed. Read more>>

Anita | Artist

I live by “no risk, no reward”. With music and entertainment, it is almost required to take leaps of faith and always bet on yourself. Because if you don’t who will? I used to overthink next steps with my music, rollouts, music videos, and even lyrics. I decided to stop giving myself time to think and act on things before I could even talk myself out of it! I’d rather someone else tell me no, than for ME to tell myself no before even trying. Read more>>

Karen Dade | Preacher, Singer, Author, Comedian, Actress, Health & Wellness Coach & CEO.

No Risk! No reward! I know that it probably sounds like a cliche, but it’s definitely the truth. Nothing in life is a guarantee and it’s all predicated upon taking some form of risk to some degree. For me, the foundation of it is faith. Faith in God and in my capabilities and abilities. So risk has played a major role in my life and career. Of course we know the pandemic changed a lot for a lot of us. I lost my job and I decided well you know what, I’m going to step out and start my own company and see where it takes me. Here I am two years later with a successful business and career. Read more>>

Micah E’Lahna” Jenkins | Sport and Freelance Photographer”

I take risks almost every time I go out for a photoshoot. I’m a young 17 yo black girl working in a very busy city in the United States, but I do it because I love the work I do, the smiles I bring on people’s faces when they get their photos back. I take risks when I challenge authority. It’s hard to get what you need when you’re so young. I feel like sometimes I have to push my way through for people to see me. I take risks when I go out to shoot on the sport fields. You gotta get used to being hit by the ball when your’e a sports photographer, especially when you’re small and hard to see. These risks though, have made me want to work harder. I love a challenge! Read more>>

Casey Zaruba | I am an entrepreneur in multiple areas including helping small businesses have their energy and heart match their brand through @paloma.press as well as educational resources to scale! I also do partnership work with companies and lead a large essential oil wellness community.

I have always lived for a good risk, I moved out of my parent’s house the week before I turned 18 to take my first big risk. It only got better over time as I learned how to leverage risk and make calculated decisions, not ones that would hurt me. I have always seen more inherent risk with not taking the leap than sitting back and watching someone else take it instead of me. Read more>>

Manny Griggs | Social Media Influencer & Comedian

To me that’s what life is all about. Risks are necessary especially when it comes to how you see yourself in the world. Most people I know that play it safe and refuse to roll the dice always look back on what they could’ve done if given the opportunity again. You’d be surprise how far you can go in life if you take a risk on yourself. Like QUAVO says shoot for the stars aim for the moon. Read more>> 

Dominique Benson | STEM Tutoring Agency Owner

I believe risks are required to be successful. If you don’t take a chance, you’ll forever live in your comfort zone. I have had the pleasure to take risks, personally and professionally, over the past decade. Personally, I have not lived in the same state as my family in over ten years which resulted in me building a family of friends that surpasses state lines and international waters. Professionally, I have taken a chance on myself by pursuing business ventures that most don’t understand. Yes, it was terrifying most of the time but it gave me the opportunity to see how taking risks can transform my life and business. Read more>>