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.

Abby Fitzgerald

As a business owner and principal interior designer, one of the biggest challenges to profitability in our industry is the widespread availability — and expectation — of quick design and cheap furniture. The rise of fast-furniture retailers combined with the influence of home design shows on major networks and social media DIY’ers has created a perception that beautiful interiors can be achieved overnight and on a shoestring budget. Read more>>

Oleg Kholodov

One of the biggest challenges to profitability in the wedding videography industry is the common misconception about what goes into creating a wedding film – and why it costs what it does. Many people outside the industry see a price tag of $4,000, $5,000, or even $10,000 for a wedding video and immediately assume it’s overpriced. Some even compare it to what a doctor might earn in a day. But what they don’t see is the enormous amount of work that happens behind the scenes – before, during, and long after the wedding day. Read more>>

Jennifer Cuevas

One of the biggest challenges to profitability in the restaurant industry is managing rising costs while maintaining quality and customer satisfaction. Food prices, labor costs, and overhead expenses continue to increase, making it challenging to keep menu prices competitive without sacrificing quality. Additionally, the restaurant industry often faces challenges with staff retention and fluctuating customer demand, which can impact consistency and profitability. To overcome these challenges, restaurant owners need to be innovative, adaptable, and focused on creating exceptional dining experiences that keep customers coming back. Read more>>