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.

Amy Zhang

The most unexpected problem I faced in my professional career was being fired simply for putting my health first at my last job. After discussing with my manager at the time that I have dietary and supplement needs that are important for my healing, I trusted that he would have my back when authorities questioned why I brought my lunchbox with me out onto the warehouse floor. An investigation was initiated and a few days later, I found out that he did not have my back and I was fired for “breaching security,” even though the reason was completely false. It seemed like a set-up to get me fired and not fair. It was completely unexpected, and part of me wishes I would have caught on to what was going on so I could have recorded it all and sought legal action. Read more>>

Darrell Brown

At about the time as a writer that I had gathered a small but loyal audience and was receiving encouraging feedback and building toward a larger market, I had always written what I liked to read. I had moved past emulating other styles and had one that was my own that owed a lot to all that came before. People were noticing trends and tendencies, good and bad, that were signatures of my work, and I was trying hard to make the trademarks more distinctive and the negatives an aberration rather than a predictable byproduct. It was at this point that I began to think of the mass market and marketability by asking myself, “What do others like to read?” Read more>>

Chris Van Etten Van Etten

In 2012, I lost both legs from an IED in Afghanistan. That, along with a TBI has added a layer of challenge to many of the things I’ve pursued. One example is when I was in I began my fitness journey. Many of the workouts had to be modified and there weren’t many examples I could pull from at the time, so I had to learn as I went. Now, with volunteering and helping with Dogs2Dogtags and other veteran organizations, working around my memory issues related to my TBI. Read more>>

Vanaya Jack-davis

I have always been interested in writing poetry, stories, and dramas. I desired to write inspiring stories, drama, and poetry that came from a position of positivity. I never imagined that my first published work was about me being a victim of spousal abuse for over two years. This was not the type of story that I had imagined writing, and it was both traumatic and therapeutic at the same time. Read more>>

Shreya Thosar

An artistic career offers the freedom to tell stories, provoke thought, and inspire others.However, the road to success in the arts is rarely smooth. It requires persistence in the face of rejection, financial instability, and self-doubt. Building a portfolio, networking, and marketing oneself are essential skills in today’s competitive and interconnected world. Many artists juggle multiple jobs or collaborate with others to sustain their careers. This adaptability, however, fosters resilience and often leads to unexpected opportunities. Read more>>

Chad Austin

My unexpected problem was me having to do the work myself, luckily this is relatively easy to do since we are an advertising company. I’ve hired employees but none of them have been consistent. Read more>>

Milagros Luis

One of the most unexpected issues I faced when arriving in the United States was dealing with casting stereotypes. However, rejection is redirection, and the frustration motivated me to pursue another career path that allowed me to reclaim my identity and create space for others to do the same.

In 2021, I joined the performance track of Fordham’s Theatre Program. During my freshman year, there was only one show casting a Latina female role. The play included Spanish dialogue, and as one of only two international Spanish-speaking actresses in the program—my friend and I—I thought one of us might naturally get the part. We both made it to callbacks, but neither of us was cast. When I asked for feedback, the response was, “You don’t look Latina enough.” Read more>>

Hassan Al-wali

Unexpectedly being incarcerated over a misunderstanding with a law officer and how he was assuming I kidnapped my son that I walk in the store with. Topical bullshit.
On December 8th, 2023 I was incarcerated. Lost everything. Over a racial misunderstand in Leon County, located in Tallahassee,FL. Damn near a whole year.
I lost everything but gained so much wisdom in the process. Making the experience a nothing more than blessing in disguise. Believe it or not. I got more intoned with myself and with me always on go, I was graced nothing but time to reconstruct myself as well. Gained deep faith in Islam, pick brothers up, became wiser & more as a father , and learned how to be a leader & a blessing upon others in the darkest times of my life. Read more>>

Shandrea Daniel

A school can be closed at anytime in the charter school world. As a school leader the biggest goal is to ensure the school stays open. I have had several instances where the school community had to fight to keep the school open. Continuing to keep teachers coming to work and families staying invested during the un-nerving time takes a lot of planning, strategy and hope. A leader always has to keep a solid foundation and be the smile to keep the motivation and courage to continue the fight on a consistent basis. A leader has to be the face of the school rather it’s doing well or not and in renewal time a school can face unintentional consequences going through a renewal process. Read more>>