In our experience, most folks, including ourselves don’t have enough of an understanding of risk and the role it plays in our lives and careers and so we have made a concerted effort as a team to have conversations about risk with our interviewees. We’ve shared some highlights below.

Zephaniah Kouakou | Brand Stylist & Content Strategist

Taking risks is a form of trusting god scary of the thought not knowing what may happen but brave enough to do it. so when I think about taking risk and the role it played within my career it holds a huge part and I also feel Its a continuation of taking risks because I always have to jump outside the box with my business there is always a risk I have to take when it comes to my brand that can be investing into my craft etc I’m always willing to take that risk in order for my business even if that means the results maybe positive or negative I still have to see it through. Read more>>

Eddy Moukoumbi | Digital Creator

It has allowed me to dive in the unknown knowing that my inner child would have like to see or experience the future me if that makes sense the more risk I take when it comes to personal life or challenge in the creative world with myself even tho it scares me sometimes helped me and it’s still helping me grow as a person and I always feel extremely proud that I tried no matter what. Read more>>

Ryan Seunsom | Electronics Technician & Photographer

I think Risks are a way to bounce out of feeling a sense of regret and remorse as much as causing them. Ultimately when it comes down to it, the sense of knowing that you tried something and pushed yourself out of your comfort zone will give you a sense of reward that outweighs how you would feel if you never tried. If you have one long life it’s better with as litte regret as possible. I haven’t taken enough risks and I am finding new ways to apply myself. Read more>>

Tommy Chanthavong | Food Content Creator

During the pandemic, it was hard to create content as a food content creator. I had to re-strategize my brand and what can help grow my page during times like this. I started to entertain the idea of expanding my brand to an overseas market and see if it was possible. My target country was Thailand because there were many Thai restaurant in Houston and I can repurpose my content (how I did it: tagging Thailand based pages, changing my hashtags to focus in Thailand and engage with their local content creators). A few weeks into that, I received multiple collaboration opportunities to review products, visit their restaurants and even have products shipped to the USA. Once I saw the results of me consistent, I started planning my visit to Bangkok. Unfortunately, there were travel restrictions during the pandemic so I had to wait a bit longer before I could finally travel. Fast forward to the year 2023, I decided to take that leap of faith and buy my ticket to the Land of Smiles. From that moment on, everything fell into place. I am very grateful for all of the wonderful people and opportunities I received during my visits and I can call Thailand my second home. Read more>>

Andrea Armstrong | Personal Chef & Owner of Brunch Me Please Food Truck

Risks have played MAJOR role in my career and honestly, they still are today. I’d rather go to bed knowing that I choose to bet on myself every single day than to live in the fear of not trying or the what ifs. I took the risk to leave the comfort of my hometown because I knew more was out there for me. I took the risk to quit my job in 2021 and start my own business. I took the risk to move my successful business to another state to expand my brand. It takes fearlessness to be first. If you’re not willing to bet on yourself, others will be reluctant to as well. Read more>>