Through our work we have been constantly amazed at the incredible things people in every neighborhood are working on. What’s even more exciting is that they all have different stories, backgrounds, strengths and weaknesses. That there isn’t a single formula for success means that everyone can take their unique set of strengths and characteristics and turn it into a success story. We recently reached out to some folks we admire and asked them what characteristics they feel are responsible for their success.

Tracie Hitz | Brand Strategist

I spent my entire career working for someone else, so after 20 years in corporate America, I decided to start my own business in 2018 because I wanted to implement creative ideas that would move the needle for people who were working hard to live their dreams..  Read more>>

Lil Grizz | Master of Traditional Hatmaking with over 50 years experience

I would have to say that this is a multi-faceted answer. First and foremost, Lil Grizz himself is such an engaging personality. He had built up a huge network of customers and potential customers with a history of 40+ years crisscrossing the country selling hats at living history events. These same potential customers were just becoming comfortable with social media and online shopping at the time that we took our business online and Lil Grizz came “off the road”. Read more>>

Morgan Alexander | Songwriter and Troubadour

I believe the base line factor for my musical success would be the flexible ability to connect with the audience, What do I mean? I’m talking about short on stage get to know you conversations that lead to impromptu original songs. Songs about that individual or group.  Read more>>

Brianna Shelko | Founder/Chief Music Officer

The ability to follow through and follow up politely and strategically, while genuinely caring about the people I’m approaching, has undoubtedly been a key factor behind the success of my business and personal brand. While many individuals may articulate their intentions and plans, my consistent demonstration of taking concrete actions and delivering on promises sets me apart in this industry and has helped to establish a reputation of reliability, trustworthiness and authenticity. Read more>>

Lauren Hays | Creator of Dogfriendlynash

Truly the most important part of any success is a supportive and engaging community! It takes time to be able to plan out helpful content for our dog loving community and when our posts, reels and other content are liked, shared and engaged with – it makes all the difference! Read more>>

Jennifer Hobbs | Wedding Chapel Owner

Running a business is akin to raising a child, demanding constant adjustment and reevaluation. While you can study and practice established methodologies, the actual circumstances may diverge significantly from expectations, necessitating flexibility, adaptability, and patience as key assets in business. Without these attributes, mistakes are almost inevitable. Read more>>

Dion Harris | Fitness Coach/ ( DBX ) Dion’s Bootcamp Xtreme

Determination and consistency! When you are determined to accomplish a goal it will be very achievable , but only if you’re consistent and that has been the key to my accomplishments. Your goals will never be a straight line so be prepared for road blocks ahead, so buckle up and continue to drive forward no matter what because adversity makes being resilient that much greater. Read more>>

Robin Lapre | President of the nonprofit Saving Cheatham Animals Mission PAWSible (SCAMP), and physician.

I attribute the success of Saving Cheatham Animals Mission PAWSible (SCAMP) to having a defined mission (to help the animals of Cheatham County Animal Control), and clearly articulating to others the need and demonstrating what we have done to stay true to that mission. When running a nonprofit, or a private business, I find it important not to hide behind the name of the organization. Read more>>

Emily Michael | Salon owner & stylist

As a hairstylist, I think what’s most important behind my brand is kindness to others. I work with people all day long, providing services ranging in hair color to extensions to bridal services, and what keeps people coming back is how you made them feel. Read more>>

James DiNanno | Wedding Entertainment Company Owner & Creative

I think the most important factor behind our success is that we always remain focused on what our clients love about the brand. We built the company on an authentic foundation and mission. Music is so important to me and everyone on the team. Initially, we wanted to offer couples a music experience that goes beyond wedding cliches, and avoid hokey emcee banter. Read more>>

Tori Gay | Singer/Songwriter/Comedien

The absolute most important factor to the success (progress) I’ve experienced is the calling. I never set out to be a professional singer/songwriter/comedienne/actress, but that’s exactly where I’ve ended up (at Biblical Times Theater) – all because I felt the Lord calling me into music ministry, 20 years ago. Read more>>

Olivia Alfrey | Owner and operator

Markets have been a great way to meet new people, talk about our products and show them how much their pet likes eating them. We have had several pet parents be surprised that their pet will eat our treats. They say their pet normally doesn’t like treats from the store. Quality makes a big difference. Read more>>

Amanda Swanson | Professional Photographer and Business Owner

The most important factor is definitely the support from my fiance, family, and friends as well as the knowledge I’ve learned from my degree in photography. Read more>>

Lindsey McAlister | Commercial & Portrait Photographer

Relationship building has been a huge piece of the puzzle for me. I secretly cringe when someone unknowingly asks, “How is it running a business in such a saturated marketing like Nashville?” Read more>>

Jasmine Lang | Travel Makeup Artistry

The most distinguished factor about the success of my brand is that I didn’t quit. Also, I know that anything is possible if I have a plan in place and follow up on what I set out to do even if things don’t go as planned. My brand has been a series of trial and error, but I always learn and make it a win in the end. Read more>>

Jose Calabres | Artist and Art Gallery Owner

First, we should talk about what we consider success. I believe that the heart of everything lies in that concept. Personally, I measure success by the amount of satisfaction it brings us to do something, beyond what it can offer us financially. In my case, I have been involved in the world of art since I was a child because my parents are artists.  Read more>>

Ashley Littlefield | Social Media Marketer

For Maker’s Market TN, it has always been about the Makers! What started as a church donation drive event has blossomed into a deeply-felt mission for us as a couple! What was meant to be a summer event became a means to connect people, to bring attention to the hard-earned craft of some of the most talented people we’ve ever met. Novice or experienced Maker, we wanted to meet and encourage them all. Read more>>

Haas Almahdi | American Record Producer

Honestly, it is a burning desire, creating good habits and establishing relationships behind my success. I am managed by a music publishing company by the name of Winners Circle Publishing. Owner Kash John’s and Billboard Producer Yak beats are a big factor of my success in the music business. Read more>>

Christa Black | Christa Black – Owner and Director of Stretch-N-Grow of East Tennessee

I contribute the success of SNG to being who we say we are. When we present our program to a school, we tell them that we are here to change the future of health and wellness for our children through FUN and IMAGINATION. These are not just words to us.  Read more>>

Laney Snider | Owner

I believe that the most important factor to our success has been our ‘failure is not an option’ attitude. It has never crossed our minds when things got hard or when margins were tight that we could quit. We have made mistakes as we have come up and I’m sure we will make more, but we learn from those mistakes and grow forward. Read more>>

Beth Snapp | Occupational Therapist, Massage Therapist, Singer-songwriter

As both a bodywork business owner, as well as a singer-songwriter, I think my brand is most influenced by ‘the co-created experience.’ Lasting impressions are often built from relationship…not what I tell you to do, what you tell me to do, but what we do together to find a common bond and goal.

Chastidyi Parrott | Venue Owner and Photographer

There are several important factors behind the success of Chapel in the Hollow. We built it to give couples a way to have a mini version of a traditional wedding. We started it right before the time that micro weddings and elopements were becoming a more popular idea. We were lucky during covid that we were outdoor, micro, and in a state that did not completely shut down. Read more>>

Tiffany Anton | Founder of Powered By Her

Powered By Her is a brand that celebrates a strong female community. We strive to be real and raw with our initiatives and work to create a safe environment. Often female driven brands use colors that are typically a bit more feminine and fonts and feel softer. When Powered By Her launched, we felt like it was important to stand out a bit.  Read more>>

Becca Lovelady | Owner Operator

There are SO many factors behind our success. When narrowing it all down to one and it having to be the most important, I would definitely say honoring God! We recognize that every achievement, every opportunity, and every challenge is a gift, and we remain humbled! Read more>> 

Kat Garza | Model/Influencer

My continued success has several facets but I can sum it all up in one word, ‘confidence’. In my mid 50s, I had reached a pinnacle in my life and I knew change was coming. The first, while it may seem trivial, I quit dying my hair. Just the thought of ditching the dye seemed almost like a call to freedom.  Read more>>

Anthony Mitchell Jr | Artist, Podcaster, & Community Outreach Organizer.

I know that my response may sound cliched, but Gods presence in y life has propelled my family & I to places we knew was possible. GOD has given us a blueprint for life, opportunities for strategic networking connections, continual creative ideas, realistic goals and so much more‼️ Read more>>