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?

Karen Sanabria Russo | Self-taught pastry chef

Be faithful to my tastes and the vision I have for each product, and for my brand in general. I have received opinions questioning whether the level of detail and standards that I have established are necessary, and although they make me have second thoughts, I have always decided to move forward, slowly building the quality and image that I want to project with my small business, and my clients respond to that, and they value it. Read more>>

Nick Ro | Owner Chef

I don’t consider myself successful yet but I know I am working hard towards becoming successful. Deciding to work for myself was challenging enough but the most important decision that I made was moving to Tennessee. Leaving NYC where I spent most of my life was not easy as well as for my partner Yun. Read more>>

David & Jahnna Cravens | Husband Wife Hope Dealers

Was to make a life change in every aspect, starting with our health and fitness first. It has been a life changing process. Read more>>

Sondra King | Entrepreneur & Author

Great question. Overcoming fear, determination, and the death of my Father. It was an urgency to move forward from the failure of not knowing what was next. Faith was another key factor. Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith, even when you don’t see or feel it. Read more>>