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.

Tali Gallo

The bridal retail industry is known for it’s glamour and high touch experience. There two factors that eat into the profitability of a bridal shop: store appearance and expensive inventory. The overall costs to build out a bridal store can range from $100,000 to $400,000 depending on the formality and square footage. In bridal, it’s not just the build out cost, its the maintenance and the constant renovation. Long gone are the mom and pop looking shops. Read more>>

Lyndsay McLeod

Access to raw materials continues to prove to be a challenging factor for my company. We are looking to offer a very specific product and in order to do that, the materials we use are very specific. We walk a fine line of making sure we are stocked with the things we need while avoiding over ordering and risking certain ingredients expiring. Read more>>

Nichole Richardson

Taxes and Necessary bills . No matter how much you make or how hard you work to increase your revenue . Taxes necessary bills for your business can be overwhelming. Read more>>

Tanya Howard

I believe the biggest challenge to profitability in the baking/home baking industry is not knowing your numbers. I have struggled in that area and sometimes I still do. There are many reasons it can be a challenge. From the constant day to day inflation, not tracking every expense, not valuing your worth and product. Read more>>

Samantha Toliver

One of the biggest challenges early on and even mid-way through my small business journey is finding the right clientele. Some people see balloon art as something easy when in reality I have spent several years learning a lot of do’s and don’ts to get to where I am now. Yes any one can technically put a balloon garland together but it is through trial and error where you truly learn all of the challenges along with being a real balloon artist.. I can say now I have an established clientele and I am so grateful for the customers who see my value and trust me with their special day.. Read more>>