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.

Courtney Farris

When I first started my business I went through a company to start my LLC and that was just a horrible idea. At the time I thought I was making the right decision because I was nervous to mess the paperwork up but it took over 2 months for me to get my LLC and actually start taking clients in my suite. Read more>>

Aakash Desai

Mental health. I think underlying any thing I decide to do, whether creative or otherwise, is emotion. When my emotions change, so does the conviction I have behind what I’m trying to do.  Read more>>

AMN Whiitey

Things go left all the time. But as an artist, you have to be able to adapt quick or one little mistake can cost more than it should. Most problems ive had are unexpected problems. Read more>>

Maty Young

I’ve faced plenty of unexpected challenges throughout my creative journey, each teaching me something new. One memorable experience happened while working on our latest feature, which is currently in post-production. Read more>>

Shawn Harris

I believe this is one of the most important topics to address because in the landscape we live in where social media is king, we tend to see that most people only show their wins and never the losses. Read more>>

Raven Irabor

I want to say the most unexpected problem that I’ve faced in my journey is capital/finances — but I think most of us can agree that choosing a creative path, especially as someone whose identity is considered to be of a “marginalized” community, comes with financial hardship. Read more>>

Mike Diggs

When I chose to pursue a career as a professional musician, I knew it wouldn’t come without its challenges. My biggest concerns were always things like my playing ability, networking skills, getting hired or booked, and whatever else related to the music part of it all.  Read more>>

Heather Ashle

I think a lot of fiction authors believe in the tweaked adage, “If I write it, they will read.” That may sound like it comes from a place of arrogance, but I believe it stems from untamable passion. Read more>>

Rebecca Scolnick

I’ve known that I wanted to pursue a life and career in the arts since I was a kid, making up songs and stories and costumed in my mother’s best scarves. Read more>>

Maya Azucena

My name is Maya Azucena. I’m an award-winning singer, songwriter, recording artist and humanitarian born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. Read more>>

Casey Oberhansli

Being a Cinematographer, filmmaker, or creative of any kind in the last four years has been a major challenge. The world is constantly bearing down on you and disrupting the flow of creativity. Read more>>