Risk is a topic that comes up a lot in our conversations with entrepreneurs and creatives, but a related topic is investments. Investments come in many forms – investing your time, money, heart and soul, etc. So, with that broad definition of investment in mind, we asked rising stars in the community to tell us the stories of the best or worst investments they’ve made.

Rick George

As an independent musician, especially in a not so mainstream genre, it’s important to try things out and see what sticks. With no management or major representation, it’s up to me to promote my music. I’ve tried different PR and advertising companies some worked great, some did nothing. Moreover, you need to at least try something out instead of nothing at all. Read more>>

Linc Jolly

Art school. Flat out. It can be both a dream and a dilemma, depending on your goals and circumstances, it can easily become one of the worst (or best) investments you can make as an inspiring artist.

Looking back I would have to say there are of course positives to deciding to attend art school. For me, I chose to attend the University of South Carolinas art program. Rather than SCAD or other art schools around Charleston, not being a Gamecock wasn’t an option. It is an excellent school and a chance to open yourself to new and interesting ideas… I would say for me, it was partly the best investment due to creative growth… art school gave me an immersive environment to refine my skills, explore new mediums, and unlock my artistic potential. Read more>>

Omid Mousaei

The best investment I ever made wasn’t in stocks, real estate, or even a fancy marketing campaign—it was in myself and in Mad Mind Studios. As an immigrant, starting a business meant taking a leap of faith, trusting that my vision and hard work would pay off. There was no safety net, no guaranteed success—just a relentless drive to build something meaningful. Read more>>