Risk is the most common topic that comes up in our conversations with entrepreneurs and so each week we ask entrepreneurs to talk to us on the record about how they think about risk.

Brett Scott | Business Owner

I think risk is an inherent element to success in any undertaking. I’ve been successful in my education, sports, and career. None of that would have happened without taking some kind of gamble. I had to leave my job to get my master’s degree and start my business. Short term it cost me some cash, but long term it gave me ample opportunity to seize the advantages that presented themselves along the way. I also learned by having a different perspective and taking the road less traveled. A lot of my family, friends, and associates were unable to provide me with much advice because a lot of the situations I encountered were unique. That makes everything that has happened thus far more meaningful though, as it makes each little success more magnified and important. To say the least, risk comes along with reward, but the important thing is to measure your own tolerance to the swings along the way. Read more>>

Alexandria Mattingly | Cosplayer & Prop Maker

I’ve always been a big risk taker. So to me that was one of the things that really pushed me to start my own business. There is a lot to learn about prop making and costume design and diving into a new project is just as much of a risk. You never know exactly how a project will be executed, but that feeling of the final product and getting it right can’t be beat. To anyone who’s worried about taking that risk don’t, that’s only stumping your progress. If you put your mind to it, you will surprise yourself. Read more>>

Eric Edward Schell | Photographer, Activist, Public Speaker, President & Founder

Risk has played a huge role in my life and career. I came out at a very young age. I chose a career in musical theatre, I Founded my own non profit. I started my own photography business. I came out as non binary. Almost everything I do now, in my personal and professional life is LGBTQIA+ related. Unfortunately this is risky since we live in a cisgender, heterosexual dominated world. Everything that I have achieved, took humongous risk. That being said, I wouldn’t have it any other way. To change the world by creating a better place for ourselves and those who will come after us, requires risk. Risk isn’t a scary word to me, it’s empowering. Read more>>