As almost any entrepreneur or creative will tell you, unexpected problems are to be expected. Below, you’ll hear some incredible stories that highlight and illustrate the kinds of issues and problems entrepreneurs and creatives are dealing with everyday. It’s not easy, but the silver lining is that dealing with unexpected problems is one of the best ways to develop antifragility.

Liting Li

Delay closing Foudnation Problems House with dead body Solar panel transfer Seller didn’t do what they said Seller left unwanted stuff behind Read more>>

Neyssa Lee

When I first started my business, I naively thought that “if I build it, they will come.” That by merely saying, “hey I’m a photographer” clients would come flooding in. Yet that wasn’t the case. Instead, I had to put in the work, building a marketing plan, share about my business like crazy. I felt a bit like I was pimping myself out, which felt unnatural. Yet, it was the only way people would learn about what I offer. As clients started coming in, I learned I had another problem. I did not have any systems in place to help me handle a growing business. I had to figure out systems for client communication, editing, marketing, etc, all so that my client could feel a smooth and streamlined experience. Read more>>

Armando Dirienzo

our biggest problem was we timed our opening almost exactly with the COVID shutdown. It doesn’t get more unexpected than that. Our Grand Opening was March 1st of 2020, 2 weeks later we had to shut down for four months. we thought for sure we were going to be closed before we really even had a chance to show anyone our product. We were running on fumes financially and we didn’t qualify for any government money because you had to be opened before February 1st of 2020 in order to get anything. Basically we hanging on by a thread. Our landlord worked with us and we knew what we had so we were running games for 2 people in an 8k sq ft arena. it was weird but it turned out that it worked out because people didn’t want to share space with strangers during all of that, from there we just gradually got busier until November of that year when we started booking up. A year later we opened our second location Read more>>

Daniel Castellano

One of the most unexpected challenges I faced was the high cost of shipping to Hawaii. Starting a business is tough anywhere, but the logistics of running one on an island add a whole new layer of complexity. For instance, I once needed six grow lights that cost $50 each, totaling $300. At first, the manufacturer didn’t even ship to Hawaii. I called them and explained that I couldn’t find these lights anywhere on the island. They agreed to make an exception, but the shipping alone was an additional $250, nearly the same cost as the products themselves. Luckily, these weren’t expenses that I would need to order from the mainland too often. I decided that this is just part of what businesses go through, and I was okay with eating the shipping costs upfront. After all, I knew it would all work itself out in the end. This perspective helped me stay positive and focused on the bigger picture, knowing that these initial challenges were just stepping stones to greater success. Read more>>

Elizabeth Meigs

One of the most unexpected problems I faced in my business was dealing with a lack of support from someone I thought would be my biggest cheerleader—my husband. When I started stepping into my calling as a speaker and coach, I believed I had the support I needed. But as I pursued my purpose, God opened doors, and the enemy began to work through the person closest to me to stop me. It was devastating to hear things like, “No one will ever pay you to tell your story. The only financial security you’ll ever have is through your degree.” These words cut deeply, especially since I knew without a doubt that God had called me to share my story to inspire and equip others, as I had been doing for over a decade working as an Occupational Therapist, providing hope to those who were lost in a time when that was what they needed most. Read more>>

Kendra Eberhart

There have been so many problems that have come about while I’ve tried to kick off Beautifully Ill, INC, & most revolve around finances & health. In 2019, I had my first bikini car wash to raise awareness & funds for the legalization (etc…) of my nonprofit. I was super excited because many of my friends I’ve met, either acting or modeling, helped me for free. They all were so sweet about why they wanted to help, & (lol) some didn’t even know I was sick. Yet, I kid you not, right after I had that carwash, I was let go from a job at this marketing law firm that I’ve had for 8 years due to “lack” of work available. I got the job not too long after I graduated from Georgia State. Read more>>

Ron Mcpherson

Artists always have big challenges, and for me it was no different. Fear was the main roadblock. The pressures of making a certain amount of money by a certain amount of time was a constant weight. It would certainly test my talents and ability to let the world know I was there to be of service doing what I love. Fear also held me back. It kept me second guessing about, “what everyone else will think”. Like many others, I had been programmed to believe that vulnerability was a sign of weakness. Read more>>

Megan Ellison

impactful: the COVID-19 pandemic and a recent issue with my studio’s building that forced us to close temporarily. When COVID-19 hit, it was a shock to the entire world, and like so many small businesses, we had to adapt overnight. Our dance studio thrives on in-person connection and community, and suddenly, those were no longer possible. We pivoted to virtual classes, which allowed us to maintain some level of engagement and revenue, but it was far from ideal. Navigating this period required creativity, patience, and constant communication with our families to keep the business afloat. Read more>>

Minye Cho

Unexpected challenges are a given in the production and creative world. One unforgettable moment happened in New York, during a shoot in a 100+ year-old building. We needed hot water for a shower scene, and the art team had planned ahead with a portable heater. But on the day of the shoot, the heater was accidentally left behind. Suddenly, it turned into a classic production problem, one we had to solve on the spot. I both hate and love this feeling- it’s stressful, but there’s nothing quite like the rush of finding a solution under pressure haha. Read more>>