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.

Mogli Maureal

Back in 2022 I received an offer of what I thought was a dream gig for me. 7 time Grammy award winning artist, Jacob Collier Facetime’s me and says would you like to be my photo/videographer for my world tour? As a musician, it was an incredible opportunity so I hit the road with 6 world class musicians and 9 top crew in the industry.  Read more>>

Daisy Akusu

One of the biggest unexpected challenges I’ve faced in my creative journey is dealing with imposter syndrome—especially when I’m directing on set without having a formal background like film school or theater training. When you’re building from the ground up, it’s easy to question if you’re good enough or if you even belong in that position. Read more>>

Brandon Lowe

Filmmaking is one of the most expensive, stressful, tedious, and often invasive forms of art known to man. Invasive might be too dramatic, unless you’re a jerk of a filmmaker. But what I mean by that is you’ll often run into issues where you’re in a place no one wants you in. Luckily here in Missouri, you don’t need a permit to film in most areas. But that doesn’t always mean you’ll be welcomed with open arms by the public. As an indie filmmaker I have to be very careful how I go about things. We’ve had several encounters with police while filming. No matter what the law says about where I can be with a camera, the second someone complains it can very quickly be over. Read more>>

Alisa Kisa

One of the most unexpected challenges in my creative journey came from temporarily losing access to the one thing that fuels me most — the sea. I used to work aboard Virgin Voyages, and being surrounded by people, constantly in motion, and living in that ever-changing rhythm of the ocean filled me with energy. That energy would quietly overflow into art — on breaks I’d paint nails for myself and my fellow crew, sketch in my cabin with aquarelle pens and fine liners my dad gifted me before I left. It was COVID-era, so we spent a lot of time alone. Art was my sanctuary. Read more>>

Jennifer Fierros

As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that unexpected challenges are not roadblocks but redirections to something greater. One of the biggest and most unforeseen challenges I faced was in 2020 when I was preparing to open my first physical tax office. I had everything lined up, the credentials, the location, the business model, everything was ready to go. Then, that dream, inspired by childhood memories of adoring every paper clip and sticky note, was suddenly suspended when COVID-19 hit during tax season. Businesses shut down, people lost jobs, and the world as we knew it changed overnight. Read more>>