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.

Rosie Kim

I enjoy learning and readily take classes when necessary. Maintaining a beginner’s mindset has taught me valuable lessons. During my second year of college, I completed a 3D modeling course, and this spring, I enrolled in a stone carving class, integrating this skill into my sculpture work. Read more>>

Gaetano Vicini

I would say photoshop. Before that it was cut and paste when creating for instance a collage, Also the Wacom Cintiq drawing display. It was a life changer. For a while I had a Bamboo. You have to draw on a flat surface and guess while looking at the screen! Read more>>

Emily Nicolaides

The best investment I’ve ever made in myself has undoubtedly been in education. Simultaneously, it’s also been the worst investment at times. Allow me to elaborate. Read more>>

Audra Buras

When I first started making money regularly as a voice artist it was a little worrying putting those funds back into my business. Whenever I would land a sizable client or project, I would invest the profit back into my studio. During the first few years I was constantly upgrading microphones, software, and other technology. Read more>>

Carmen Margaziotis, L.Ac

In the early days of my business, I craved mentorship. As a new entrepreneur, there’s so much to learn on your own. I knew there were coaches and other people who could help, but it always seemed like a big investment, and a frivolous one at that. I believed I should be able to figure things out on my own. Read more>>

Margaret Orlando

The Best AND Worst investment I have made as a business owner is buying a food truck unseen in Texas off the internet. My hubby and I had just decided to take our idea of starting our BBQ business to the next level. After writing up the business plan and moving money around to be fully self funded, we booked our first event. Read more>>

Charlize Diaz de Leon

In order to pursue acting you have to be willing to invest your time and money. Time to go to acting class, film auditions, play the waiting game after an audition, etc. Money on acting classes, headshots, etc. In order to be the best version of yourself in these auditions you have to invest. It is a complete risk, but if you love it enough it is alls so worth it. Read more>>