We asked rising stars from the community one of our favorite questions: other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?

Dasha K | Daughter of the one true King.

In early 2018, Ari Candles began from a desire to create not just a candle but something that will purify and benefit the atmosphere and air quality of your home. This desire came after burning a candle that was gifted to us and seeing black residue in our kids noses after burning the candle. That’s when we said “Never Again!”  Read more>>

Danny Valdes | Actor, producer, and writer.

With all the influencers and coaches out there these days, I’m not sure we understand the word success. Old men who remain faithful to their wives and families.  Read more>>

Chetelvia Thompson | Chef

I would have to say deciding to live for myself. When I say this, I mean as in not allowing other people’s perception of life to influence mine. It is natural for the people that love you to have reservations on what you should do in life. Read more>>

Maggie Burns | Owner, Ad Astra Events

After making the decision to work for myself, the most valuable decision I’ve made for the company was to hire a team. Having a team working for the brand has allowed the company to grow into something more than what I could have imagined. Read more>> 

Kristi Mayrand | Owner & Lead Designer

I decided from the start to make sure they know we only use top quality products, take into account their vision and use that for our creative designs. Subpar products to save money and cut corners is not the way to have repeat customers or get the best advertising we can-word of mouth. Read more>> 

Madaline Spinks | Reiki Master, Meditation Coach & Holistic Healer

Many years ago, I went for a run and wound up in the ER in sudden cardiac arrest. My heart stopped, I had a near-death experience, and weeks later, I was diagnosed with a rare, degenerative heart disease. Doctors implanted an ICD and told me that my days as a triathlete and runner were over. Read more>>