Shoot your shot? Take a chance? Society bombards us with messages, phrases, examples and stories of how taking risk is the key to success, but is anything ever that simple? We asked some of the brightest folks we know to tell us about how they think about risk. We’ve shared their responses below.

Jeanette & Stephen Wear | Owners of Big Bash Rentals

Risks have not always been something that has been easy get past in our life/career. We thought about starting this Big Bash Rentals for years. We always had a picture perfect image of what our success could look like, but we would immediately become so distracted and discouraged on the hypothetical negative results. It took some positive self encouragement to take a leap with a high risk. We have educated ourselves to think about risk as a challenge with a reward. Read more>>

Danielle Balsara | Real Estate Agent and Teacher

I have taken many risks throughout my life both personally and professionally. I wouldn’t be where I am today without taking risks. Without risks, you’d never know what you are capable of. When I was younger someone once told me that I couldn’t keep changing my mind just because I wasn’t happy. As I grew older, I learned that I thrive on change. If I’m not changing, then I’m becoming stuck, and if I’m stuck I’m less likely to take risks. So I thrive on changing and taking risks in order to reach my best potential. If I take a risk and am not successful, I don’t see it as a failure, just a lesson. Read more>>

Ifreke Inyang | Published Model

One of my favorite movies to date just so happens to be Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse, and the biggest reason was its theme. One exchange between Miles and deadbeat Peter Parker keeps reverberating in my head. Miles asks, “When do I know I’m Spider-Man?” and Peter responds “You won’t, that’s all it is Miles, a leap of faith.” It’s not like I never previously understood the importance of taking risks, Read more>>

Rhyane Jiles | The Silkologist & Hair Professional

I am a risk taker , I am very BIG on FAITH and I believe that my faith (taking a risk on God) has carried me to the place I am today . . Taking risk has played a MAJOR roll in my career & life style . If you are afraid to take risk you’re afraid to step out on your faith … and that step very step you’re afraid to take could possibly change your life . Start that business you’ve been wanting , go to school for the very thing you love , follow your dreams Read more>>

Max K | Model, Content Creator, Reality TV Personality

The most successful people I know are risk takers. Growing up I was very reserved and would rarely take risks but as I began observing others who were growing fast, I noticed they all were not afraid of risk. You cannot succeed without failing first, When I finished my Masters in Biochemistry, I had a choice to make. Keep accruing debt, keep going through school and either become a phd researcher or MD doctor; Read more>>

Thierry Tchenko | Chief Communications and Programs Officer

Risks have played a major role in my life/career especially over the last 6 months. My wife and I moved to Houston at the beginning of the year without any jobs in place. While in DC, we decided that we would move to Houston at the end of 2021 with or without employment. It was always a desire of mine to do meaningful work in my home city. I think if you are taking a risk for something you are passionate about then it is actually an opportunity. The opportunity resulted in me joining Rebuilding Together Houston as the Chief Communications and Programs Officer at the beginning of May. Read more>>

D3CADE | Independent Hip Hop Artist & Entrepreneur

I was born with a birth defect called Spina Bifida, so my entire life has been a risk in some ways I would say, I was always told I would never walk or talk or do anything I do now. So I would say I have had to take many forms of risks to get to where I am today in my career and life. Read more>>

Aaron Ko | Hair Scissor Designer & President of Moto Shears

Risk is an opportunity to take a leap of faith. The first risk of my life was to drop out of college and take a one way ticket to New York City and start my life. In my first year of college, I wasn’t happy with myself or the education. I turned to heroin and took on a nasty addiction that led me to the hospital. I almost lost it all. That summer, I got clean and enrolled back into school thinking I had another fresh start. I relapsed again. Read more>>