Having to overcome unexpected problems is a hallmark of entrepreneurship. Almost every business owner, artist, maker, and creative we know has had to deal with countless unexpected problems that arise in the journey and so we asked some brilliant folks from the community to share their stories of the unexpected problems they’ve faced along the way.

Jeremy Dougherty

As most founders would likely agree, attempting to quantify the problems a business experiences over a six-year period is futile. They are infinite, enduring, and at times unnerving. These “problems” and our ability to navigate them, make up the life blood of the organization. I say that because seven years ago, when I was setting up Maroon Bell, I believed well run companies were immune from material problems. This is not true. Problems are as much a part of the company as the products we sell. They are like the air we breathe. The day they disappear will be the day we disappear as well. Read more>>

Dana Pluss Parks

For over 13 years, DPP Communications has provided lifestyle and consumer clients with strategic counsel, public relations planning, executive visibility campaigns, media relations, social media, product launches, event & community relations as well as trade show support. We have landed clients in hundreds of international, national and local print, broadcast and online media outlets including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Newsweek, Gourmet, Travel + Leisure Sunset, Denver Post, Westword, 5280, Denver Magazine and many more. Read more>>

Hector Soto

Trying to participate in as many events as possible while attending school was one of the challenges we encountered. We were also on the waitlist for a number of different farmer’s markets that were packed with vendors. We also started our company while the covid epidemic was at its peak, so we focused solely on delivery for the first six months. We were affected by the Covid Pandemic since one of our marketplaces had to be canceled because of covid. But that didn’t stop us from obtaining values and valuing quality. Read more>>

Jamaica Booker

I actually started my business as a print-on-demand T-shirt Boutique and during the height of the pandemic my manufacturer was experiencing major shipping delays. I recall it taking over two months for them to ship out orders to my customers which in turn affected my business credibility. I literally had to cease all operations because I didn’t want to have anyone waiting that long for items they were expecting to receive in less of a time frame. Read more>>

Laura Resau

Over the years, through trial and error (and pain and tears) I’ve realized that following my creative path just feels right. I feel most alive when, one way or another, I notice and make beauty every day. (Which is not to say I never have blah days—but now those are the exception!) As a novelist, I nurture a sense of wonder through writing, but more importantly, through the details of everyday life. The books that result are the icing on the cake. Read more>>

Tracy Marroquin

When my husband Scott and I started Leanna Organics, a CBD Skincare and Wellness brand, in 2018, we thought having a website would bring in customers and sales but soon realized it would take more than a website. People needed to be aware of our business and products; we began doing local markets in our community every weekend for the first year and hit hard on social media, with Twitter being our most prominent platform. In late 2018 we opened a brick-and-mortar, but three months after opening, COVID hit, and we closed our shop for eight weeks. Read more>>

Lauren Childs

I’ve written a number of screenplays, have chosen great cast and crew and am working on manifesting the money to make them. The fact that this is taking so long is hugely frustrating. Some days I want to scream and I think – am I cursed or does God want me to do some particular things? I tend to think the latter and one reason I know my movies will be made and will be extremely popular is not just that they’re really good stories with exceptionally talented people who will work on them, but that I’ll use them to increase the safety and happiness of animals. Read more>>