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.

Nathalie Noboa

The best investment I have made starts at funding my artist development throughout these past 10 years or so. However, it definitely took a combination of both time and money to invest in my learning. Let’s start at the beginning, raw talent, no experience, and no training, the years were ahead of me and in my favor. Read more>>

Seiko Sisco

The best investment I made for myself was one year ago when I finally said yes to my dreams of becoming a surface pattern designer and decided to take a course called Immersion by industry leader Bonnie Christine. Ever since I launched my handmade baby shop, Waku Waku Baby, my secret goal has been to design my own fabric patterns for my baby products. Read more>>

Maishia Johnson

When I first launched my boutique, I had a specific consumer in mind. I wanted to target the women who still had to work in the office for part of the week. Women who are getting “dressed” to go to brunch. Women who want their clothes to speak for them when they walked into rooms. Women who want to be fashionable when they go to church. Women who are called extra, over the top, or doing too much! Read more>>

Marge Hinge

I think the best investment that I’ve made was applying for and getting a catalyst grant. I live in the city of Providence, RI and they have an incredible grant program for design businesses that offers reimbursement grant money, a mentor, and 6 months of business workshops and classes to develop your business. I had been encouraged to apply to grants before but I was always scared to and didn’t always believe I could get one, Read more>>

Nadine Chavez

Growing up I knew I always had a passion for the beauty industry. I decided to follow my passion and get my cosmetology license. Being from a small town I knew I wanted learn from only the best and work in an inspiring environment. In order to do that I knew I had to take risks. After landing a job at one of the best salons in West Hollywood I then moved to Hollywood to begin my career. Read more>>