In our experience, most folks, including ourselves don’t have enough of an understanding of risk and the role it plays in our lives and careers and so we have made a concerted effort as a team to have conversations about risk with our interviewees. We’ve shared some highlights below.

Pep (Nachaye) B. (Blanks) | L.E | PRO MUA | ENTREPRENEUR

Risks Build Character. Of course we are not always ready for the outcomes of the risks that we take or attempt to take, but usually it is for a good cause. As a new and upcoming entrepreneur, I am realizing that in order to get to my ultimate goal, risks have to be taken. I am a perfectionist so I always want things to be right or setup how it should be, because I simply don’t want to fail. However, failure isn’t an option but it has to happen in order to learn lessons and build wisdom. I have taken a few risks in my small period of time being a business owner. The biggest risk I took was moving from my home state to a state I knew nothing about. Read more>>

Coyé Tyler | Music & Digital Artist

To most people, risk-taking is a gamble. I think of risk-taking as an opportunity to do something great. There’s a cliché quote that says “You miss one hundred percent of the shots you don’t take.” This is very true for any and everything. Listen to that voice that tells you your idea or creative thought is a good one. Why? It’s because nine times out of ten it actually is. Self-doubt comes from second-guessing and second-guessing stems from not wanting to take a risk. So go ahead and follow your creative mind. I invest money into my creativity, and there’s always going to be that fifty-fifty chance that it doesn’t get seen or heard. But knowing I took that risk sharing my story, and my creativity, what I love with the world is all that matters to me. Read more>>

Farai Gotora | Writer & Stand Up Comedian

I think of risk as outcomes. There is a “scale” on which I weigh pros and cons when deciding on a course of action to take. I think risk is present everywhere. Every decision I make has a set of outcomes it can bring and whatever decision I make I must live with, along with its future outcomes. So whether I do or don’t, there is risk. In terms of my career, I had to decide if I wanted to be a legitimate stand up comedian, writer and producer or if not. The risks of pursuing these avenues are many and varied. Yet, the risks of not pursuing these creative avenues that bring me and yes, other people joy were also great. I had to decide which path I was going to take and also acknowledge the risk associated with my decision. Read more>>

Deborah Slobin | Co-owner of Le Shoppe Modern, Estate Sales, & Auction House

I think about risk as a necessary facet of both life and business. While the common sentiment, “big risk, big reward” is rather cliché, as with most cliches, it contains quite a bit of truth. Risk has played a huge part in my life and career. When I was in my early 20’s I moved cross-country from Michigan to Florida on my own to start a new life. I made my way up through the food distribution business until I was one of the top salespeople in the state, selling high-quality meats to luxury hotels and Michelin-star restaurants. After working in that business for nearly 25 years, I moved back to Michigan to be closer to my aging parents and started over yet again. Read more>>

Nicholette Driggs, CFLE | Development Director, Comprehensive Therapy Center

If you had asked me in 2017, I wouldn’t have considered myself a huge risk-taker. My childhood and early adult life were inconsistent and I longed for consistency and predictability. Immediately after high school, I started working for the school district I graduated from in their child care center. I worked there for 16 years, slowly moving up the ladder until I took over as Director. In 2017, I started what was my dream job in the district, Coordinator of Family Resources. Unfortunately, after a year in the position, the District needed to cut its budget, which included me. I was in an uncomfortable place, still finishing up my bachelor’s degree and now unemployed. Read more>>

Christian Williams | Professional Development Consultant & Résumé Guru®

think that taking risk is extremely important – as ironic as that may be because I am typically more of a risk averse person. However, one quote that I often hear and reference is that, “people tend to regret what they didn’t do more than what they did”. Therefore, taking risks is extremely important. Sometimes we worry about the worst – “what If this opportunity doesn’t work out?” But I challenge you to reprogram your thinking and consider what if it does? What is the risk you want to take is the best investment of life? If I didn’t take a risk, then I wouldn’t be in the predicament that I am in today. The best place for growth is often outside of our comfort zone. Read more>>

Andrew Hamlet | Producer and Videographer

Risk is part of life. There are no guarantees that what you are doing is going to payoff. I think there are ways however to be smart about it. Three questions I always ask myself that help me deal with risk. 1. Does the risk match my goals, core beliefs and brand. I don’t want to risk in areas that don’t further these areas of my business. It communicates the wrong message to my customers and or followers, People like to follow leaders, teams and businesses that have clear goals and direction. Many choices even risky ones that align with your goals give your company and customers a clear vision of what you’re all about.
2. If it’s not in line with my core beliefs it could spread valuable resources and investments into areas I don’t want. Read more>>

Rodolfo Alvarado | Writer, Scholar & Educator

Risk-taking has been an integral part of my life and career journey. I’ve always believed that taking risks can lead to new opportunities and personal growth. One significant moment where I embraced risk was during my time at the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. I had the privilege of working closely with the Ford Family, including Steve Hemp, who was then the president of the museum and village, and Sheila Ford Hemp. We undertook the monumental task of restoring the historic Henry Ford Home after a devastating fire, just in time for the 150th anniversary of the Quadricycle, Henry Ford’s first car. It was a risky endeavor, but the reward was preserving an important piece of history. Read more>>

KEEN | Artist & Creator

It’s funny, I was JUST talking to my best-friend about risks today, and how i’m kind of burnt out on taking them LOL. But first what is a risk? The definition says: a situation involving exposure to danger. The potential for harm or financial loss. By way of definition, risks are extremely scary, right?!! But sometimes can be your only choice; or very much needed for certain results. The role taking risks has played in my life/career has been very important. I feel like my entire life has been risk after risk, trusting God fully to carry me through. (which he has, so all praise to him for it.) I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I hadn’t taken certain risks and my modeling career wouldn’t even exist without every risk I’ve taken. Read more>>

Kayla-Teresa Johnson | Model & Makeup Artist

I am a moderate risk taker. It makes me uncomfortable and usually I’d rather not risk anything, but my boyfriend taught me how important it was to not be stagnant. To take risks is to live life, so I force myself to take risks and so far I haven’t regretted it. Read more>>

Ebony Davis | Poet, Author, Small Business Owner, Motivational Speaker, and Philanthropist

When it comes to taking risks, I personally don’t look at them as risks even if that is what they are. I am a firm believer that anything we endure in life is either a lesson or a blessing and sometimes the blessing come after the lesson. I feel my ability to motivate and inspire through poetry is my God given purpose to incorporate the change I want to see. So, with that I know there will be different obstacles (risks) that will occur along the way. Taking risks has played a MAJOR part in my career. As I mentioned I believe I am walking in my God given purpose doing what it is I was put here to do. With that it requires me to have faith and that faith is amplified whenever I take “risks”. Read more>>

BOOSTER | Singer/Songwriter & Composer

Risk has played a major role in my career. Whether it be musically or just taking some steps in life that may seem unorthodox, risk has always been a factor in my approach in life. As the music director of a lot of churches, concerts and Music artists I always feel the need to give people something different than what their ears are used to hearing in the musical arrangement. If you don’t risk the arrangement sometimes, I feel like you will always get the same outcome. Read more>>

DAndre J. Herron | Business Owner & Innovator (The Godfather of Detroit)

Growing up in Detroit, Michigan, was a unique and transformative experience. The city, known for its rich history, diverse culture, and a blend of challenges and opportunities, has left an indelible mark on my life. Detroit, often referred to as the “Motor City,” has a rich automotive heritage, and it’s where I learned the value of resilience, community, and the importance of embracing change. The city’s vibrant music scene, with Motown’s legacy and its contribution to various music genres, provided a soundtrack to my formative years, teaching me the power of creativity and the ability to inspire others. The sense of unity and pride in Detroit’s cultural heritage instilled in me a deep appreciation for the arts. Read more>>

Carolyn Drakes | Fashion designer and Event organizer

I believe you must take risks in order to succeed. How else will you know what you’re capable of. Now don’t get me wrong any risks I take I take them with a bit of fear and nervousness. I have been creating my own designs for a few years now however I’ve been limited in what I can do, because I’ve been to afraid to take the next step in my skill evolution for fear of not being good at it on a higher level. Recently I’ve enrolled a sewing and pattern making class at CCS Detroit so that I can expand my design capabilities. I’m still creating my custom fedoras, bowties and upcycled creations. Read more>>

Jessica Princinsky | Family, Lifestyle and Wedding Photographer

For most of my life, I tended to be very risk averse. But I’ve developed a lot over the years and now I think I just had a fear of loss. I liked playing it safe and knowing what to expect, but it didn’t get me anywhere. After some personal struggles, I felt more inclined to work past my fears instead of letting them determine my decisions. In my career as a photographer, I have taken so many bold risks that I never thought I would take, but the results have been outstanding. There is no way I would have been able to accomplish as much as I have without those risks. Now I find the risks to be rather exciting! Read more>>

Jay Irwin | Co-owner of Match Frame Creative, Mondo, Studio Jefferson, and Face Funding.

I think risk is a part of everyone’s life every day. I find it really freeing to embrace that fact instead of trying to insulate ourselves from it. I’m continually learning from and surrounding myself with people who have made great plays in business, and they all have a list of failures behind each victory. I guess my hope is to continue to be open to uncertainty. Read more>>

Jessica Farhat | Nurse Practitioner, Owner of NECTAR body•face•skin

When I think about risk, I think about the potential loss, sacrifice, and the potential gain as a consequence of risk. When we take a chance at trying something new with a potential outcome of success or failure, it is then that we advance our skills in the most crucial ways. It is the experience we gain with risk taking that build resilience and perseverance within ourselves. Thinking back as far as I can to my first thoughtful encounters with risk was when I was a little kid. I remember looking at the monkey bars and thought about the risk. Read more>>

Jay Hill | Music Creator, Selector & Founder of imprint, People of the Light Records

First off thank you, Voyage Michigan for asking me back! To answer this intriguing question, I view taking risks really as synonymous with re-framing and overcome fears. For me, this is a daily process within the confines of all my decisions – following my heart and being guided by intuition. Meanwhile being conscious of countering all the negative messages that love to pop up in my head and can ultimately hold me back if I allow them to take hold. My record label, People of the Light in and of itself is probably one of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken. Read more>>

Jenna Lu | Multi Media Artist

As an overall creative, I have trouble sticking to one medium. My skills shine the best in my pen drawings, but I just like creating something out of nothing. As a traditional artist, my go to mediums are pens, pencils and paint. I enjoy building models from scraps, clay or anything I can find. The possibilities are endless. I took up macrame during the pandemic as a way to make some cash, then it became a regular item people started to ask for. With so many different mediums, it was a risk to incorporate all of my creations in my business. Read more>>

Michelle Plucinsky | Idea Farmer and Creative Director

I didn’t realise what a risk taker I was until our son came to work for us in the business and I was always trying new things which made him uncomfortable. I thought to myself, I’ve always been this way- jumping into the unknown. That’s what kept things exciting for me and ahead of my competitors! I was always willing to look at things in a new way, or get ideas from another industry and apply it to my own. I think risk taking is fun and leads to new opportunities that open doors in new ways to expand your options. And if you aren’t having fun and expanding, what’s the point?! 😃 Read more>>

Victoria Cummings | Founder of Innovative Alignments, a boutique recruitment firms based out of Detroit

As an astrology enthusiast, it’s funny how being a Capricorn comes with the reputation of being risk-averse. In my personal experience, I have found that taking risks has played a significant role in both my life and career. While it is true that I approach risks with careful consideration, weighing the pros and cons, I truly believe that calculated risks have been instrumental in my successes. By stepping out of my comfort zone, embracing new opportunities, and pushing boundaries, I have been able to grow, learn valuable lessons, and really discover untapped potential within myself. Read more>>

John Lawrence | Guitarist, Author, Recording Artist and Founder and Artistic Director of the John E. Lawrence Summer Jazz Series

The goal of the John E. Lawrence Summer Jazz Series is to bring to the community the best in smooth jazz concerts every Friday all summer long. That means the best recording artist, the best stage and the best sound company. The risk taking comes in to play when I book everyone involved with no regards as to cost or budget. The goal is to make the jazz series the best that it can be. Read more>>

Jade Massel | Self produced singer songwriter, Dancer, Owner of Translucent Jade, Co-founder Of Puritea

Risk taking has played a huge role in my life, and career.
I have learned to approach each choice I am met with as an opportunity to step more fully into who I am. I tell myself that I am here to learn and am in an ongoing process of risk taking for the rest of my life. Allowing myself to be courageous is allowing myself a fulfillment.I like to be open to the flow of change internally that guides my expansion and creative expression. I enjoy taking on new roles artistically, exploring new concepts in my music, creating jewelry designs I havent seen before, and sharing my inisghts. I take risks, by getting out of my comfort zone and being open to new experiences and/or challenges. Read more>>

Eric Robinson | CEO/Rapper : Goat Town E

Chances make champions, you gotta take a chance to be a champ. Thats my take on it. I remembered when I was was getting my business off the ground. I had met Calicoe (Detroit Battle Rapper) at a restaurant in Atlanta. At the time I didn’t know him at all, just only knew of him. Long story short I approached him and we have records recorded together. If I would have never took the chance of approaching him, I would have never got his contact. Hence “Chances Make Champions” Read more>>

Sheila Burns | Counselor & Business Owner

I have always enjoyed taking risks, even if they were a bit scary. My tolerance for change has made some of the decisions in my life easier. I spent all of my life in a rural area and after 40 years, I took a risk to move to a new place. I left my job of 10 years and my home of over 20 years to move to Ann Arbor MI. I was ready for something new and different. My kids had both graduated from high school and I felt I had the freedom to make some decisions. It was bittersweet for all of us, moving out of our family home. That move informed a lot of the change that has since occurred in my life. I moved without having a job or real plan of how to move forward. I just knew I would figure it out, as always. I didn’t work for 8 months and then took several positions that were a step backward in my career. Read more>>

Jasmine Lipsey | Professional Makeup Artist

Risks can be subjective and objective. They have complexity and it’s important to have discernment when making decisions. Risks have played a huge role in my life and in my career. I don’t live like many people I know, I do a lot of things many people would not take the risk to do but rewards can be high! Starting my own business and choosing to be in a creative field was a risk all of its own.
I believe you have to take chances in life to get to live a dream and it can all be worth it with the right mindset and attitude! Read more>>

Keirsten Johnson | Kookie Konnoisseur

I have an appreciation for the age-old saying, “no risk, no reward.” Nevertheless, rather than categorize my approach as overly cautious, I tend to describe it as that of a “calculated risk-taker.” This entails a methodical examination of potential gains and losses within the boundaries of my knowledge and experience before I make any decisions. In my dual roles as the leader of both my household and my business, it becomes paramount for me to adopt a deliberate approach to risk. My risk assessment pivots on two critical aspects: the repercussions on my financial stability and the long-term viability of my business. Read more>>

Katherine Cundiff | Photographer and Artists

I’m a firm believer that life is short and you need to pursue what makes you happy, even if that means taking a risk. Sometimes we fail and that’s okay, it keeps us humble. It’s good to learn lessons the hard way from time to time to make the small wins feel so much more significant. Risk has been a big part of my life. I have never chosen to take the easy path in life and feel like just about every big move I’ve made has had quite a bit of risk. Risks have made me believe in myself more and given me the confidence to realize what I am capable of when I set my mind to things. Read more>>

Marin Beardslee | Artist & Fashion Designer

The way I view risk in my career is that it can be an opportunity for me to grow as an artist. One of the scariest moments in my career was putting my face in front of the camera, hitting record, and sending the first video of me showcasing my art to millions of people on the internet. I was so worried that I was going to be cyberbullied for the gap in my teeth, the dimple in my chin, or my thick (but fierce) eyebrows. Even though I knew this could be a possibility, I knew in order for my business to grow it was time to stop letting my fear control me, and take the risk! And it really paid off! Before I knew it my videos made my art and social media gain engagement like crazy. Read more>>

Brittany Bacinski | Author, Entrepreneur and Podcast Host

Nearly everything great and magnificent that has happened to me in my life has happened as a direct result of taking risks. With every bold and brave choice I have made, I have tasted the sweetest fruit. I think a lot of people fear the unknown, but in my opinion, that unknown is where the magic is created. I am nearly addicted to calculated risk taking now because of the beautiful ways it has shifted my entire life and career Once you start playing big, you can’t go back to playing small. Read more>>

Yvonne Warmack | Business owner

I believe risk taking is imperative in life and in business. You have to be willing to take risks no matter the outcome. I think that risks can be fearful and exciting at the same time. You’re nervous at first because you don’t know what the outcome will be but, I think whether the impact is negative or positive you will learn a valuable lesson from the risks you take. For example, when I began J’aime la mode boutique I took a risk in investing in my business. It did not pay off in the beginning and sometimes I do not always reach my sales goal but, the more time I invest into my business the greater the outcome will be. Read more>>

Amari Dickerson | Business Owmer

I have never been afraid to take risk. Taking a risk only has two outcomes, success or failure. If I succeed? Great, now I know this is something I can do. If I fail, I just take a step back and think about where things went wrong and what I can do differently. Taking a risk and starting my own Etsy shop has created clientele for me that I thought I would never have. Taking that risk allowed me to have an increase in sales, income, and support for my business. Read more>>