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.

Drew Jordan | Stand Up Comedian and Content Creator

As a stand up comedian, risk taking is essential. You can never know how a joke will be received until you perform it on stage in front of an audience. You might have a feeling that it will be funny and illicit a great response but you can’t know for sure until you take that leap. Often times the “safer” more obvious jokes just don’t work. People expect comedians and all artists to push the boundaries of what is possible or acceptable to create great art or entertainment. You never know what is possible until you try. That’s a truth that stretches way beyond jokes or art. The good news is that even if you take a risk and fail, you always learn something valuable that will help guide you to success in the future. Read more>>

Carol Nguyen | Master Lash Artist

Risk is stepping out of your comfort zone, take that leap of faith even though you are unsure and have mixed emotions. Life is about taking risk and being uncomfortable. In my eyes, if you don’t take a risk in whatever you are doing, you are at a standstill especially achieving a goal which requires courage to face the fear of uncertainty. No human beings like being uncertain, unsure, or uncomfortable. Human beings want to know ahead of time, yet life doesn’t work that way. Life is all about the unknown. It’s only so much we can know and control. No matter the outcome, we grow through what we go through in life, and we become more resilient and confident. Read more>>

Tee Lonzo | Artist

Taking risks is what got me to this point in my life. Honestly me just hearing present day hip hop and believing that I could make music that’s just as good or better but ultimately different. I feel like taking risks shows that you believe in yourself. Read more>>

AC | Musician, Fashion Designer,

Taking risks played a big role in every aspect of my life. Whether it’s beneficial or non-beneficial. As I got older I learned how to weigh the risk versus reward, so now most of the risks I take are usually calculated. Unless it’s just instinct to go all in. Read more>>

Angel Cromer | Owner & Skincare Therapist

Risk. That’s a scary word for me. But I once read a quote… “Be scared and do it anyway.” I have always played it safe. I aspire to help those around me but I have, since I was 7 years old, wanted to own my business. I used to play “spa day” with my mom and I would have a set waiting area with hot towels for her. My mom has her masters in business and from an early age, has educated me on the basics of business. It started with how well I was with saving money, since I was young. I didn’t grow up with much and I like to think that contributes to how well I am with managing my savings. Read more>>

Moe Carro | Recording artist, producer, engineer, drummer & CEO of On Dey Necks Music Group LLC

One of the best things I have done was to take a risk on myself. At first, I was scared. I thought I needed to keep a 9-5 in order to make money and provide for myself. But, after making the leap, I knew that this was bigger than me. It’s even bigger than money. I need to make sure I am sharing my gift and leaving something meaningful for the world to enjoy. Read more>>

Rachelle Law | Writer * Author * Blogger

There are times when I can be impulsive, and that can be a bad thing, but on the other hand, taking a chance can be a good thing, and that’s part of my personality-taking risk. I believe in the entrepreneurial principles; it’s important to dream big, to move fast, to learn from reality, be solution-driven, maximize my strengths, and when I get knocked down to bounce back with passion. Taking risk is the fear of not measuring up to what is expected to happen, and this will cause you to overestimate the risk. When I decide to take a risk, it is my willingness to achieve a goal, to have a dream come true. Read more>>

Samantha Toliver | Balloon Artist

When I think of risks before starting a business I would say the first emotion that comes to mind is nervousness. I have not been much of a risk taker in life but having my own business has taught me so much about myself. It has also taught me what I am capable of and how to push myself. Recently my husband and I have taken a huge risk but we truly believe it is worth it. He has left his job of 15 years because it was physically and emotionally draining him and we have gone full force with my business. We believe that his mental health and overall happiness is worth way more plus we believe in our vision for this company. Read more>>

David Sustaita | Mix Engineer, Producer & Cinematographer

I don’t have a high risk tolerance or a low one, I’m pretty much in the middle. I’m very careful when it comes to risk, but that doesn’t mean I’m afraid of it, they key is to be calculative and intentional. There’s the saying of “high risk high reward” which is quite true, but knowing when to take risk and leveraging that timing can take a lower risk situation and give you a higher reward. Read more>>

D’eva Fields | Salon Owner/Hair Instructor

Risk-taking is very important without taking a risk you will live a life of regrets. Risk-taking isn’t just about taking a risk it’s about walking in faith. Faith in yourself your abilities and your brand. If you don’t have faith in what you’re trying to sell you’re doomed to fail. I take risk all the time I believe there’s no such thing as a loss. Life is full of blessings and lessons. Either this was a blessing or a lesson I can learn from either way I am growing as a person as a brand and as a business. Read more>>