Profits differ from net income, and no where is there clearer than for small business owner-operators, artists, and creatives. Just because you have a certain amount of money left over after covering expenses doesn’t mean you’ve made profits. Why? Because you have to factor in the cost of your labor and the risk you took and so after factoring that in, millions of small businesses and artists and creatives are operating with little to no profit. However, it doesn’t have to be this way and so we wanted to create a space where sharp entrepreneurs and creatives could come together and discuss the challenges to profitability and potential solutions. If you have something valuable to add to this conversation that can help others achieve profitability, please reach out to us as we want to get your ideas in front of our readers.

Sierra Eldridge

The biggest challenge to profitability in the balloon industry is that customers do not understand the costs of good quality balloons. Most people think “They’re just balloons” but they’re not just balloons. For instance, if you buy balloons from amazon and begin blowing up the balloons; half of the balloons will pop and even if they didn’t pop there aren’t enough balloons provided to recreate what is advertised. Read more>>

Adriana Martinez

One of my biggest challenges has been the one population of event decorators. It’s always a challenge, especially having to hear the usual “I’ve found someone cheaper” I had to find what best fits me and clientele. Something I always tell them prior to starting on quotes is “Quality over Quantity” do you want to wow your guest when they are walking into your event, I always want my clients to be able to brag about their event. Read more>>

Raul Rivero

This is a piece of conversation between Ansel Adams and Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway- Mr. Adams, I love your pictures, what brand of camera you use? Adams- Mr. Hemingway, I love your book, what brand of typewriter you use? This conversation never happened but it shows us that any art work is thanks to the person behind the tool. Read more>>

Angela Fabbri

One of the biggest challenges artists face is selling their work. So many creatives are masters at creating and don’t really struggle with inspiration, but when it comes to marketing and selling their work, they hit a road block. This will directly effect profitability…obviously. The most talented artist could be cranking out the most incredible work, but if no one knows they exist they won’t sell a thing. The best thing you can do with any weakness is first, recognize it and then, find someone to help with exactly that piece. Read more>>

Nigel Aves

Photography is a democratic medium, in this modern day and age of digital photography and cell phones with cameras everyone can take photographs. They may not be great photographs but the process of taking pictures has become exceedingly easy. Why has it become easy, there is no need any longer to send away film for processing and printing. This is both good and bad. Read more>>

Raemi Ruue

For the last 13 years, I’ve maintained a consistent client base, gaining new business every year. But the last few months have been different. Drastically. With the rise of Gen Z, incredible smart phone technology paired with social media, there are new and unique challenges that I’ve seen. One of the biggest challenges I’m faced with today is the democratization of photography. Read more>>

Allie Dear

Content creation seems to have a ton of potential monetarily, but the toughest question to me is what you are willing to do to make that money. One of the fundamental questions I ask myself when considering how I want to work with brands is how related the brands need to be to my niche, and how my followers will perceive that partnership. Read more>>