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.

Nai-Muh Dennis

Met my business manager and artisanal partners while volunteering with WOOF (Worldwide Organization of Organic Farming) in Senegal, West Africa. Read more>>

Yegi Saryan

It was May 2015 and I had just been denied a promotion opportunity at my corporate job which pushed me to the edge to quit my 9-5 and start my own business. Read more>>

Ray Howard

I was harassed about my weight and attire while flying on an Alaska airlines flight with my family. I was wearing a long line sports bra and shorts and even when I covered up with a crop top T-shirt I was still harassed and told to cover up more. Read more>>

Shannon Wright

It’s interesting working as a creative in the current market. There is art and design everywhere you look but landing a job doing what you love is very challenging, but not impossible! Read more>>

Jeremias Marcolin

There have been many problems in my career as an artist. For example: Many times I have run out of ideas for the lyrics of my songs, creative processes that have not worked correctly. Read more>>

Jemier Jenkins

The Struggle of the Artist: Navigating Theatre’s Ethical Quandaries in an Age of Corporate Influence As an artist deeply entrenched in the world of theatre, I have found myself grappling with an ethical dilemma that seems to be growing ever more complex and urgent: Read more>> 

Alicia Robinson

As a Mobile Notary Public/ Title Insurance Producer Indipendent Contactor (TIPIC), I have a license that authorizes me to conduct closings on homes here in the state of Maryland. Read more>>

Ben Hollis

I had no idea, growing up, that “spirituality” had anything to do with wanting a life in performing and creating. Nor did I foresee the need to examine my inner works to free myself from desires and fantasies about success that, Read more>>

Tom Brown

Marketing is one issue that is hard to figure out as a creative. I’ve read the books, read the blogs and have tried just about everything, within reason. Read more>>