Risk is a topic that comes up a lot in our conversations with entrepreneurs and creatives, but a related topic is investments. Investments come in many forms – investing your time, money, heart and soul, etc. So, with that broad definition of investment in mind, we asked rising stars in the community to tell us the stories of the best or worst investments they’ve made.

Mariah Walton

The best and worst investment I made as a business owner was starting a network marketing business. It was the best investment because of the personal development and structure I embraced that transformed my employee mindset into an entreprenuer mindset. Additionally, it helped me to define my values and build character such as integrity, grit, and responsibility. It gave language for the burning desire for more I felt internally as an employee. I learned how to effectively budget and became a better steward of my finances. Read more>>

Taryn Jerez

I can honestly say that the biggest investment in my business in the last 7 years came from community. Whether that community was an investment of time, money, vulnerability or all three- community will always be where you’ll get your biggest ROI (return on investment)! It took me too many years to realize that just because you can build your business by yourself, it doesn’t mean you have to. Those first few years working desperately to build my coaching business while working in my full time corporate design career came from a mixture of passion and scarcity- Read more>>

Jorielle King

Unlike some untrained, self-proclaimed coaches, I am a certified John Maxwell Leadership Team coach, trainer, and speaker. I take investing in my personal and professional development seriously. During my initial registration, I only expected to receive my life coach certification through this program. I had no idea other opportunities, such as, certified public speaking and leadership development training, would be made available to me. Read more>>

MBE June

The best investment I ever made, without a doubt, is me purchasing my own (mobile) studio. The idea was first planted in my head back in 2012. I was in College at the time and I was studying the music industry, more than I was the curriculum in school at the time. I was watching everything from performances, to interviews and all the behind the scenes stuff too. I wanted to become the biggest artist in the world, so I was studying all the greats. At the time, Juicy J from Three Six Mafia was working on his solo career and he had the biggest song in the world “Bandz a make her dance”. Read more>>

Lewski Money

I’ve made apt of bad investments in my life. From time an energy to money an resources, but I’ve made some good investments to. The best one I’ve ever made was for myself. Betting on me to win instead of someone else. I started taking that time that energy an I put it into me. All of it. I have 1 life to live an I be damned if I spend it betting on someone else to win for me, or for someone else to teach me to win. Read more>>

Kailey Kercher

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that investing time into relationships is always worth while. My approach to wedding photography is telling an honest story about who the people are in the photos. To do that well I invest time to get to know my clients. I always tell my clients, if you’re trying to tell a story about someone, how do you expect to tell it without knowing the story. When it comes to documentary wedding photography and wedding days in general there are a million little stories balled up into less than 24 hours. In photography, my job is to document. Read more>>

Bill Betts and Barry Estelhomme

The best investment thus far would be purchasing hd webcams and microphones. The upgraded technology provides for a better picture and sound experience for viewers. Upon our first Youtube video, we noticed how grainy the footage was. After purchasing the hd webcams and microphones, there was a great improvement with the video and sound quality. Read more>>

Aerial Ambitions

When the pandemic hit the Greenville, SC, aerial community, the longest running facility closed down and multiple teachers either retired or moved. Both Khris and Amanda missed the physical and creative outlet that aerial silks provided. They researched teacher training and found Paperdoll Militia Virtual Teacher Training. A new facility had opened with the perfect set up for aerial silks, Motive School of Movement. Read more>>

Briya Brown

The best investment I’ve made and will continue to make is knowledge and education. Knowledge is power. Nothing makes me happier than serving and helping people progress and I believe that that is my calling and assignment in life. I want to make a meaningful impact. My aspirations have always been to serve vulnerable communities by combating health disparities in health and wellness, tackling racial disparities in the legal system, and educating these communities to enable intergenerational mobility. Read more>>