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.

Alan Smyth

There are any number of obstacles on any creative journey. It feels like once you’ve acquired that compulsion to pursue that passion, then that should be enough. It feels clear and right to start down that road. But, you are subject to a myriad of roadblocks: Theres not enough work; you are the wrong “type”; you’re too young, you’re too old: you sound funny! So many decisions are made by so many people that have ZERO to do with you, but can affect you deeply. Read more>>

Brian Bernazard

The most unexpected problems I have faced in my creative journey have actually stemmed from my ability to excel in multiple creative fields. Although this might initially be seen as a strength to be proficient at multiple skill sets, I have found that it has hindered me at times when attempting to find more freelance opportunities. Sometimes it is easier for someone in a hiring position to select someone that simply works in one field because it is easier to digest the artist’s singular focused portfolio and envision what they can provide for their project. Read more>>

Curtis Jones

Around October/september 2022 had just gotten my new place open concept and was well on to creating new music back in my own space. Later 2023 around the summer time I called myself trying to be more inclusive with family and other colleagues who I’ve connected with from music. Well that didn’t work out the best for me, I ended up with a broken Mac book which ultimately kinda had me a little depressed and down and out because I’m being told I may lose everything “music” mainly all I was worried about. But I ended up moving out my place, computer half way working but I was luckily able to return back to bank rose production studios my home away from home. Read more>>

Darryl Ware

Access to capital has been the biggest problem facing my business. Access to capital and large investments are the difference between scalability and lack of extended operations. As a Founder, it appeared as if networking and relationship building would lead to an early-seed investment from a bank or institution, but traditional banks have large barriers against new business owners like myself. A lack of capital and the unexpected departures of key partnerships can make you look foolish at times as well as make you feel as if your business is going nowhere. The entrepreneurship journey is full of the unexpected. Read more>>

Noah Griffith

I have a neuromuscular disease called Friedreich’s ataxia and have gone through a lot of trials, including losing my father, to get to where I am and be successful. Read more>>

Nomakhosi Ndebele

So, as a creative entrepreneur, one of the biggest hurdles I constantly navigate is what I like to call “idea overload.” Picture this: you’re in the zone, creativity flowing, and suddenly you’re hit with a flood of brilliant ideas. It’s like standing in the middle of a brainstorm storm – exhilarating yet overwhelming at the same time. Initially, my instinct is to dive headfirst into all these incredible concepts and bring them to life simultaneously. But, through trial and error, I’ve learned a vital lesson – patience is indeed a virtue. Instead of spreading myself thin across multiple projects, I’ve discovered the power of focusing on one significant idea at a time. Read more>>

Rachel Raya

One of the most unexpected problems I have faced in my business is dealing with an unhappy client. No one wants an unhappy client. I want my clients to leave feeling heard and excited. To achieve this, I always encourage them to be honest with me so I can ensure they’re getting exactly what they want. I had created a few mood boards for my client to choose from. Once she selected one, we moved forward with that direction. I thought we were on the same page, but when I shared the brand guidelines, she was very unhappy and didn’t like it at all. It wasn’t necessarily the design itself, but rather the colors, fonts, and logo. I felt very defeated. Read more>>

Sally Whitney

Building our brewery has been a rollercoaster of challenges, none more dramatic than Mother Nature’s wrath. After pouring blood, sweat, and tears into constructing our dream space, a devastating storm ripped through our city, leaving our brewery in ruins. It was a gut-wrenching moment that tested our resilience to the core. With the building a total loss and our grand opening dreams shattered, we faced a stark choice: walk away or fight back. Driven by our passion and the significant investment we’d already made, we refused to give up. Leveraging Andrew’s (my husband and business partner) industry expertise, we pivoted our business to produce a line of non-alcoholic beverages. This unexpected turn not only helped us survive but laid the groundwork for a new and exciting product line. Read more>>

Tim Mckay

My name is Tim McKay. My day-job has been in software design and I have maintained a regular art practice for about 20 years. My work is currently focused on geometric abstraction with a focus on color. Almost a year ago I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). During this past year I have had to think through what my art practice might look like having a degenerative, non-curable illness in which my motor and cognitive skills will be in continual decline with increasing body tremor. Here’s what I’m learning: 1. I will not be as productive. My day is more filled than usual with actions to help me feel better–exercise, therapy, and sleep need more time. I have had to accept that on an “off day” I may be able to work in only a limited way. Read more>>