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.

PMX

When we started this group, none of us had any experience being musicians or content creators, so naturally everything is a game of trial and error as we experiment with different projects and ideas. When it came time to shoot our debut music video- though we’d spent many months planning and trying to think ahead- we ran into a few issues that led to big changes in our video. Read more>>

Renee Phoenix

Having unexpected problems and issues with people in the music industry can be a challenging experience, but surprisingly, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise for me. While initially frustrating and disheartening, these encounters ultimately led to personal growth, making me more self-reliant and capable in the process. Read more>>

Leda Toussaint

Oooo. This is such a great question. I was recently invited to the More Than Graphics Podcast to discuss growth. Growth in my business and life in general. One of the most important things to remember about growth is the guarantee of pain associated with growing or being stretched. I’m not talking about physical pain, although sometimes it feels like it. I’m talking about mental and emotional labor, work, and effort experienced through unexpected problems. Read more>>

Isha Moore

As a small business owner, it’s important not to overlook the most crucial aspect of IMNovateHP PRO – the client’s journey. Providing a positive experience for clients is vital for our business’s success. In the early days, we believed we had all the necessary professional touches, but when clients reached out for services, we faced challenges in pushing them through the marketing funnel. Read more>>

Crissy Stratford

I have drawn and been a sketch artist my entire life. My brother (also an artist) and I used to draw comic books for each other. While other kids played sports, Robbie & I would draw. That’s how we played. I’ve honed my craft over the years, and through my journey became a meticulous detail ink artist. I draw very quickly. This is wonderful for selling commissioned art pieces and advancing my art career! Read more>>

Martheus Wade

I think one of the unexpected problems I’ve faced doing comic books is the perception of what I’m supposed to be creating. I’m a black man who’s main character is a Japanese woman. That’s hard for some to get over. I never thought that would be a “problem”. But, the older I get, the more it becomes a problem. Being black, there is a real expectation and limit in what I’m supposed to creatively do and I’ve always wanted to break that ceiling and create what’s real to me. Sometimes thoes expectations coincide with what I choose to create. But most often it does not. Read more>>

Oronde Oplex” Stephens Producer

I think some of the unexpected issues that happen in my space is communication. When you’re dealing with artists, we all have our quirks on expressing ourselves. And so working with people, I find, can often be the most challenging activity. Even employers admit Emotional Intelligence (EI) is more valuable than one’s IQ. So I encourage artists to study Emotional Intelligence because often how you work with people will have a significant impact on your personal goals if those goals include working with people. Read more>>

Chelsea Amato

As of right now, I am undergoing IVF and it has severely limited me in terms of taking on projects. These days I often have to say “No” and just hope that when I am done with this phase in my life (Whatever may happen) there will still be opportunities for me. Read more>>

Genna Rubolino

Florida Virtual Notary LLC (“FVN”) was founded in February 2020 and the anticipated customer base was young professionals ranging from thirty (30) to fifty (50) years old. The pandemic shut down was initiated in March 2020. The demand for online notarization became individuals over the age of sixty-five (65) executing estate planning and real estate documents; since those were the individuals most affected by the shutdown, Read more>>

Alexander McKee

This topic option couldn’t help but put a smile on my face — at the end of the day, all a director does is solve the unexpected problems that occur on every single shoot. And I mean EVERY single shoot. I will spend countless hours at my desk breaking down a script, storyboarding our various angles, and collaborating with the crew on the best order to get the shots in. But the true challenge is learning to adjust and change a plan that has been in the work for weeks, perhaps months. Read more>>

Emily Fickes

When deciding to open my small store I had a vision and a dream….. I knew I wanted to help others in the process of following my own and show people that anything is possible. When I first opened I had very few vendors. Signs on tables that said “this spot could be yours”. I quickly fill those spots. However some items just sat and wouldn’t sell. I have trouble with conflict and don’t like confrontation. Read more>>

Hoodstar Dreamz

Learning the Business side if the Music Industry, its what’s ignored or unknown to a lot of new/upcoming artist. It definitely can clear your obstacles if learned & applied correctly. Read more>>

Veronica Brackett

Having the confidence that I could do it! As well as learning how to handle the stress and learning to how manage the backend of things. Read more>>

Temani Chapple

I had a former manger that was stealing money, ruining my image, and he cost me the job I had at the time Read more>>

Nicole Rizzuto

It came to my attention a growing problem of botched nipple tattoos being done on breast cancer survivors performed by untrained medical personnel. My name is Nicole Rizzuto, an NBSTSA certified surgical technologist, seasoned artist and licensed tattoo artist that is bringing both the medical and art world together in my career. In my early age, I practiced body art tattooing in a private apprenticeship for a year. At that point I knew art was my number one passion.The start of my medica Read more>>

Omar & Lisa Bush

Everything we have done or attempted to accomplish has had some difficulty. Even before we met, the road was rough. People have doubted our abilities in our personal careers, there have been business failures, & even problems in our marriage that we’ve had to fight through. The number one thing that we have learned is that persistence, prayer and a strong faith has to be a part of the plan. Without it, nothing will work out. Read more>>