We asked some of the city’s rising stars about why they think they have been so successful and we’ve shared their responses below.

Jessica Fields | Licensed Esthetician, Spa Owner, Beauty Business Coach

This is a tough question. I feel the answer changes depending on the point of my life. For example, I use to think the most important factor behind the success of my business was to help someone achieve their skin goals. Now that I am a little more experienced in life, this is not the most important factor of success behind my brand. In fact, I want to break it down into two parts. My vision of success is still helping people through my spa and with my luxury skincare products to achieve their skin goals but it is also helping other beauty business owners and aspiring beauty business owners build their own empire through product creation. I understand that as a beauty professional we can only see so many clients a day, a week and a month. I want to show other beauty professionals and aspiring beauty professionals how to create their own product lines so their reach is expanded. I also want to build a legacy to leave for my children and my children’s children. I want to show my children and their future children that we can achieve anything we want at any time. Read more>>

Taylor Pointer | Ministry Through Makeup

I think the key to success is knowing that it’s obtainable only through yourself, because it is measured based on your own vision. It’s not just about making money, or having fame. Success is accomplishing what you set out to do pertaining to your vision. So for me the most important factor behind my success is knowing that I define it, and no one else. If I am fulfilled with the achievements of Makeup by Ur Majesty, then I am Successful. Read more>>

Jared D. Howard | Performing Artist

Simply put, my work ethic. My high school band director taught me very early on that working hard is most essential, and that has stuck with me throughout my entire career. From music, to stage, to film, if I did not have the desire to be greater than I already am, I would have given up a long time ago. But understanding that nothing worth having comes easy, especially in the creative field, has slightly lessened the mental strain. I believe in myself and am confident enough in my abilities that I know without a doubt, the harder I work, the greater my reward will be in the end. Read more>>

Lolita Rodriguez | Owner and Operator

The most important factor behind my success would be staying relatable to my customers and audience. It helps me stay ahead of the curve and know what my customers enjoy and dislike about my products. Community is everything when it comes to my business being successful. Without them I would be nothing. The success of my brand has been to establish what my brand is and how it stands apart from similar businesses. Read more>>

Balloon Josh | Balloon Artist & TikToker

I believe the most important factor behind my success is my desire to help others. I do balloon art to make other people happy. In over 29 years of doing balloons, I have a flawless record of customer satisfaction. This is because I put the customer first. I want to make their life better. Because of this, to my knowledge, I’ve never had a dissatisfied customer in over 29 years of business. Read more>>

Justin Garcia | Artist, Author, and Speaker

Definitly being curious and vulnerable. Questioning the world around me and the willingness to explore what I find down these journeys of questioning. And, as an artist, doing my best to master a language that can reveal and translate what I find. In most cases this inevitably begins and ends with self exploration and the relation to the world around. To share that with others means having to be open and vulnerable. I find the success I’ve had is when I lead with those things. Read more>>

Matt Stevens | Entertainment Consultant

Staying focused on what I do, entertainment. My job is to connect the perfect professional speaker, entertainer, or develop an event that will be a success for the host of the event, either a non-profit organization or a for-profit or individual. Read more>>

Sandra Sutherland | Coach & Owner

Listening! Taking time to listen and then respond and create an atmosphere where the athletes felt SAFE to ask, share, and create a trust. Everyone is different! Schedules, lifestyles, physical, and economical all effect the athlete. Creating a SAFE rapport to educate and set an example has been the base to our business and to how we train up the athlete to develop the skills and the confidence to race. Read more>>