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.

Camilo Segura

For me, the biggest challenge is get deeply know my clients. Know their needs, wishes, thoughts, etc. and transform them into a materialize idea. At the same time, be empathetic with them, understand how they want to make their lives easier, functional and productive in their living environment! Read more>>

Angie Tovar

I went from working for someone to opening a beauty suite to acquiring a store front in a course of 4 months so it is automatically assumed it came easy. I feel many don’t see that I did work 2 jobs for 2 years, followed by working for someone for almost 7 years before I took the leap. Yes from the outside it looks like it has been all money coming in. Read more>>

Jacqueline Inman-Wise

Much like many other industries, inflation hit the beauty/hair industry hard. We’ve seen an upwards of 30% increase in the cost of supplies over the last couple years, which makes profitability even more complicated than before. There’s a fine line between what some view as unnecessary price increases and price increases that are necessary to not only continue offering quality services to your clientele but also allowing you to still make money at the end of the day. Read more>>

Infinite Allah

I feel like the biggest thing hurting profitability for photographers and creatives in general is actually the time investment. Yes a camera is expensive, yes a laptop is expensive, yes gear is expensive. But I feel like like time efficiency plays the biggest role. Read more>>

Okoyae Robinson

The biggest challenge to profitability is exposure. This is a challenge when starting a business because you’re unknown to the masses and to entities that could be helpful to your success. Exposure from big brands or big names would be helpful solely for the fact that they reach the masses or they have a strong ability to reach the masses. I feel if any startup / beginner gets exposure from a channel that could reach the masses, would definitely help with the challenge to profitability, EXPOSURE. Read more>>

Stephanie Bantz

I sell almost a disposable product. My stickers are used mainly in paper planners. Once it is used, that is the end of it. So it is extremely hard to keep up with the economy. My materials have consistently been increasing over the last few years but unfortunately it is hard to incorporate that into my prices. Most customers look and see a paper sticker. Use it once and it is gone. Read more>>

Olivia Sparks

I feel like in the beauty industry, keeping up with trends is the standard by which artists & creators are judged. In today’s climate, social media is king– and it is the biggest challenge to profitability in the beauty industry. Over the past several years, there has been less of a focus on artistry & business education, and more of a focus on what products, influencers, and beauty brands are in the spotlight at any given time. Read more>>

Kassy Gjere

Custom decorated cookies are a labor of love, they’re incredibly detailed and time consuming. Profitability in this profession can be difficult if you’re not charging for your time/expertise along with the cost of goods. I know there are people out there who may not think a single decorated cookie is worth $6 – $7 but a lot goes into that one single cookie. Read more>>