Risk, Reward & Life

We asked some brilliant folks from the community to talk to us about how they think about risk and the role risk has played in their lives and careers.

Michael James | Actor, writer

I believe that risk is an integral part of any actor’s journey. Without taking risks, we limit our potential for growth and exploration as artists. Personally, I’ve found that some of my most rewarding roles and experiences have come from stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing the unknown. Read more>> 

Kevin Wurm | Photographer

Taking risks are necessary for any career/life advancement. Camille Seaman, an amazing photographer once said, “The cave you fear to enter, holds the treasure you seek.” Not letting fear control our actions allows us to enter the dark and uncertain cave for the treasure in life we seek. I’ve taken quite a few risks in my career. Read more>>

Jamiela Branch | Makeup Artist

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take! Taking risks had lead me to valuable experiences and opportunities that I will forever be thankful for. It is often through stepping outside our comfort zone that we discover new possibilities and achieve personal and professional growth. Read more>>

Tanner Grandstaff | Cinematographer

When it comes to risk, I view it as an essential element in both my personal and professional growth. As a Cinematographer and founder of a creative production company, risk-taking is inherent in every decision I make. Read more>> 

Jacquline O’Brien | Photograher

In the world of photography, the job can be highly demanding, but also a risky business. On the nature of the subject in particular, location and conditions, photographers health and safety are always at risk to catch the perfect shot. That’s exactly why business insurance for photographers exists; to mitigate many of the potential risks, Read more>>

Kiara Santos | Artist/Creative

Oof! Risks are tricky. There is so much evaluation that happens in my brain before making a decision. Seriously, I spend so much energy weighing the pros and cons that, often, I feel paralyzed by it. Ultimately, making no decision at all. I had to shift my thinking from what I could lose to what I might gain. Thus, “The Bunker” was born. A year ago, I took a risk and decided that (although scared) I would have my very first art show. Read more>>

Daniel Sovich | Actor and Musician

The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was pursuing music. I’d been an actor my entire life–been confident that I was on the right path. Things were going decent too; I’d graduated from NYU, had a couple small TV roles and just booked my first Broadway Show (Almost Famous).  Read more>>

Jasmine Montgomery | Dean of Instruction & Baker

When considering the concept of risk within the context of business expansion, I reflect on my own experience. In 2023, I made a significant leap by diversifying my business to include wedding cake orders. Weddings hold a special place in people’s lives, and the wedding cake stands as a crucial element of that momentous day. Read more>> 

Shaqaydra Bryant | Owner of Amber Throne, A Cosmetic Company

I think risk is very important in a business. While the old saying goes, “It takes money to make money,” I think it is more than money. It is about time, effort, revamping and more. I began my business with $1300. This was my last money. Read more>>

Ja’Quoi Griffin | Artist + Author

Risk is often scary, for me at least, because of the unknown. Ideally, I like to be well informed of what I’m getting myself into before taking a “risk”. I’m aware that part of taking a risk is not knowing the full details of what’s to come afterwards.  Read more>>

Violin Girl | Club & Festival Electric Violinist

Without risk, no reward. Taking risks has played a huge role in both my personal life and career. After high school I veered from the traditional path and instead of going to college to pursue a career, I spent a year as a full time street musician busking on the Las Vegas Strip. Read more>> 

JERRY JONES | Musician/Vocalist

There’s several risk I have taken in regards to my music career…. Dropping out of college to pursue my dream took a lot of thought… But the biggest risk I took was taking my band ”Home Grown Funk” and moving to Los Angeles… I left with very little money and had to liv with my sister and take odd jobs to survive…

Chloe Caldwell | Stylist + Educator

Risk taking has played a pivotal role in both my life and career. I think risk is something you will face many times, and how you choose to face it can make or break your success. Without jumping into the unknown and taking that leap of faith, you will never know what could’ve been.  Read more>>

SaDarius Swansey | Hookah Caterer

Taking risks in my life has played a major role in me stepping into my lane of business. The hookah industry is mostly focused around lounge/bar space, so becoming a hookah caterer or a mobile hookah lounge per say, is a risky situation for anyone that decided to enter this “newish” business industry. Read more>>

Mike Zeller | Business Architect, Master of Rewiring the Subconscious Identity

I believe that I will regret the risks that I don’t take more than the risks I do take. However, a delicate balance exists between taking wise, high leverage, high upside risks and minimizing the downside of problems, obstacles, and decisions. I’ve made calculated risks that didn’t go well and cost me a lot of money. Read more>>

Terrell Williams | Rap Artist

It’s a cliché statement but I believe the bigger the risk the bigger the reward…. I took a couple of risks & came out a winner I also took some risks that didn’t go in my favor but I don’t look at thoses risks as failure cause I believe if your heart is in the right place rejection is God protection. Read more>>

Regi Drake | Live Musician/Guitarist

I used to look at risks as bad omens that favored the negative outcome, but then I started looking at them as opportunities to learn, adapt, and grow. Everyone uses the term “No Guts, No Glory” as a way to roll the dice on something they’re after, and I’m no different.  Read more>>

Michael Ray | Blue Flame Ministry

We take risks every single time we walk up to an unhoused person, or into a homeless camp. The payoff to the risks, has been the lives that have been changed.  Read more>>

Laurel Sabadosh | Singer-Songwriter/Country Artist

Taking risks can be extremely scary, especially when your efforts are going towards an uncertain path. The biggest risk I have taken is pursuing a career as a singer-songwriter due to the uncertainties, especially in a city like Nashville, where there are thousands of aspiring musicians. Read more>>

Kaylen, Kelsey and Kristen Kassab | Founders of the K3 Sisters Band

Kaylen: If there is one overarching constant leading to our current successes over the last 14 years since we decided to form the K3 Sisters Band on a flight home to Texas from Disneyworld it is our penchant for taking risks both great and small along the way.  Read more>>

Cailin Manning | Dance Filmmaker & Creative Director

Taking a risk entails the unknown, and the unknown is scary. But fear of the unknown keeps us on our toes and asks us to stay vigilant in curating an artistic practice that continues to evolve with an ever-changing world. Read more>> 

Delandus White | Actor

I Feel Like Taking Risks Are Apart Of Life No Matter if It’s A Life Changing Risk Or Not If I Benefits You I Say Why Not Give It A Try . I Took A Risk Starting My Acting Career And It Has Taken Me Far With A lot Of Relationships & Networks. Read more>>

Katie James | Singer-songwriter

I think that risk taking is truly any action that causes fear for whatever reason. That being said, I personally don’t think that risk has to be associated with irresponsible actions. For me, risk is stepping outside of my comfort zone. I remember when I moved to Nashville and was gearing up to play my first writers round. I was anxious. Read more>> 

Louise Whitfield | Braids By Louise (kid braid specialist)

Risk taking – taking a risk to me is making the toughest decision not knowing the results or consequences and standing out on faith!  Taking risks has taken a huge role in why and who I am today! In 2019- I took the biggest risk in my life. Read more>>

Lindsey Champagne | Goat Rancher, Business Owner, Yoga Instructor

Risk taking is a day to day routine for me as a livestock rancher and business owner. Starting out, it was the risk of investing money into goats- a living thing which at anytime could thrive or fail.  Read more>>

Courtney Cox | Knitwear Designer + Pattern Writer and Hand Embroidery Artist

I’m definitely a big risk taker. While I wouldn’t describe myself as reckless, I am not afraid to put myself out there and fail. When I was a very young adult, someone said to me, “There is someone out there who is less intelligent than you, and in possession of fewer resources, who is already doing what you want to do.” Read more>>

Dakira Lowe | Photographer

For me, I believe risk is something people see as a potential for loss. I try to view it as a potential for success and growth. It is important to assess and manage risks to minimize potential negative outcomes. Risks are a daily part of my business, whether it’s putting myself out there to brand my business or accepting new opportunities with clients. Read more>>

Haley Ponthieux | Creative

I think no risk no gain! Sometimes it’s scary but honestly living a “safe” life seemed more risky for my life’s purpose than taking creative risks. Everything I have done has worked only because it was a “risk” so I’ll say risks are just a part of my life now! Read more>>

Christian Allana | Fashion Designer

I used to be afraid to take risk and put myself out there. I’ve learned that when it comes to having a business that you never know what will work unless you try or test new ideas and thoughts. This year, as we move into 2024 my goal was to take risks at it comes to my business. Read more>>

Braydon Butler | Artist (Lil Crestfallen)

Taking risks is all part of the game. When you make a business or brand, especially as an artist, you only get as much back as you put into it, so if you don’t take the risks necessary to succeed then you won’t. It’s plain and simple. Yes, you will be broke most times, and you will risk embarrassment at times, people will make fun of you for pursuing your dreams. Read more>>

Clarence Robinson | Owner, Executive Chef & Comedian

In the beginning of my career I actually had the opportunity to speak with a famous Chef who I looked up to. I will keep him anonymous. I followed this guy and also reached out to him for advice. Eventually a month or two later he called me. I shared my vision with him of Cooking With Comedy and my resume. Read more>>

Joel Jorgensen | CEO Treestone Productions LLC

Everybody knows that being a musician on any level is risky business. I’ve spent the better part of 25 years in the music industry and I would be lying if I said it was easy. I’ve had some amazing experiences while touring writing songs but have also had to sacrifice many many times.  Read more>>

Grace Lauren | Drummer

Thats been the biggest thing for me. I don’t mean this in a negative way but I feel like I can say this because my dad isn’t around anymore. I watched my dad miss out on every opportunity because he was scared of taking the risk and possibly failing. It was sad to see because he had so much to give but let everything slip away because a risk was involved.  Read more>>

Joseph Pieper | Lead Singer & Guitarist of The Relics

Our goal is as big as you could make it. There’s a saying I live by with this band and it’s “if somethings worth doing it’s worth overdoing.” The goal is to get signed to a major record label, and to tour with major artists like The Black Keys, Greta Van Fleet, or Green Day. I want us to become a household name in the world of rock n roll.  Read more>>