We asked some of the most interesting folks in the community to open up about how they think about taking chances and the role risk has played in their lives and careers. Risk is by far the topic folks talk to us most about and we hope the responses below will help shed light on many different perspectives.

Shea Abramo | Artist & Entrepreneur

If there’s one career that is risky it’s definitely the living of an artist. My timeline of projects has just been an ongoing collection of tools on technique, practices, and developing a brand but they all came from a precarious path. Studying, fine tuning and research is also a daily grind and maintains the unwanted risks that can loom in this line of work. The first leap that comes to mind is gaining comfort in the uncomfortable. Not just in your process of creating but how you represent yourself and how you interact with the public. Just doing something you’ve never done…each piece I create is elevating my medium and attempting to paint something I think is impossible, that my entire art process is fueled by the torture of getting to a breakthrough in what I am trying to accomplish. Read more>>

Jason Armstrong | A whiskey drinking, cigar smoking, massage teaching, dog loving, entrepreneurial lover of learning

I am a firm believer in taking calculated, educated risk. Life is risky and nothing in life doesn’t involve risk. I often vacillate between something an old football coach told me, which is “you think long, you think wrong” and an intricate evaluation process. At the end my final question to myself is “what’s the WORST that can happen? If everything goes completely sideways will I be ok with that outcome” if the answer to that is yes..then I’ll make the move. But I think risk taking is a learned art, much like critical thinking. They actually go hand in hand to me. I can honestly say that good or bad, my ability to take risk, own my decisions and be ok with the final outcome..good or bad, has been key to were I am. Read more>>

Radhaa Nilia | International Author, Speaker and Publishing Priestess at Radhaa Publishing House

Risk is deeply ingrained in my journey, a testament to an upbringing marked by perpetual change. The turbulence of my youth, characterized by a lack of stability and familiarity, became the crucible for the resilience and adaptability I now hold dear. In a more conventional upbringing, the allure of a stable, unchanging life might have swayed me. However, constant change was my reality, sparking a thirst for the unknown and a curiosity that extended beyond familiar horizons. My mother defied societal norms with the audacious creation of a gallery. With no safety net, she became its visionary, navigating a “make it or break it” scenario. Her unwavering determination and refusal to succumb to circumstances left an indelible mark on my mind and heart. A footsteps I would soon follow from an inspired watchful eyes. Read more>>

Jill Powell | Esthetician

Risk means to me, that you are responsible for any damage, loss, or difficulty to anything that you invest your time and/or money in. I knew starting my business that it would be difficult and each time, a door was shut in my face, it only pushed me more to succeed. I was denied for every loan I applied for. I ended up putting everything on my credit cards without a loan. At the end of the day, I’m thankful for the opportunities to learn to navigate other ways to pursue your passion and business. Read more>>