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.

Dan Black

When I decided to pursue work as a full time artist, I didn’t anticipate the challenge it would be to maintain love for the creative process. Read more>>

John Colwell

“First off, I am the co-owner and manager of JacksHouseDallas. We throw legal after-hour events downtown at the Lounge, 2204 Elm Street, primarily featuring house music, but we will also host other vibes in our side room. Read more>>

Ashleigh Chanél

When talking about unexpected problems and issues, it’s the feeling of being stuck at places that you don’t want to be stuck in but you don’t necessarily know how to get out of them. Read more>>

Shelly Belk

Some of the most unexpected problems I faced in business was how much of my own “stuff” would come up. Becoming a business owner was unknowingly to me one of the biggest portals to healing some deep-rooted stuff. Read more>>

Luisa Walker

In the summer of 2022, I was working as a door-to-door canvasser for a non-profit organization. I walked six miles a day for six hours every day. It was hard work, but it funded my musical career and paid the bills. Read more>>

Laura Blacklow

Any resources I wish I had known about When I attended undergraduate school, no one ever told me how challenging it would be to keep making art. Read more>>

Brittnie Selbert

We (my co-owner Beth and I) experienced Baptiste Power Yoga for the first time, years ago, at the studio we now own. We went through a life-changing yoga teacher training there and were both inspired to share the practices of yoga with as many humans as possible. Read more>>

Ishaan Tyagi

We hear about these incredibly inspiring stories of how people get where they are through some really rough patches. But my road hasn’t been one with overwhelming struggles. Read more>>

Nkechi Okonkwo

We had to close our studio down in December. It’s been a tough process for me because I really fell in love with the space my partner and I created. But I will say I kind of saw it coming consider the high cost of rent. Read more>>

Crystal Perry

In recent years, the criminalization of homelessness has become an alarming trend, exacerbating the challenges faced by nonprofits supporting and placing those without housing stability. Read more>>

Katie Valentine

Life always has a way of taking your plans and sending you off in another direction. I got my iPad in 2021 to use for digital planning and some doodling but I fell in love with creating art with the Procreate app. Read more>>