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.

Sarah Vanasse Miles

My Audible subscription! It is my studio mate, business mentor and an awesome source of inspiration. When you’re a business owner, you need to make every second count. When I paint I can’t be reading a physical book at the same time; So I put on my audiobooks and can learn while I produce. It’s awesome. Read more>>

Nishanth Shri Shiva

I would say that the time I’ve invested and the professional connections I’ve built have been the most significant investments I’ve made in my life so far. It’s become clear to me that my commitment to showing up for work when I’m hired is not only crucial for my job but also for my own aspirations and goals. Creating the same level of accountability when I’m not externally supervised can be tough, but it’s crucial for me to hold myself responsible for how I manage my time and approach my work. Read more>>

Mariela I’V

Best Investments I have made is in myself for my career as Actress, Model and Producer . In advertisement, memberships, photography, travel and education. I also have made great investments in my businesses as my production that I have had since I was 23, Vanity M.I.V Productions that is reformed to Simplicity Productions . Read more>>

Darcy Graf

Absolutely hands down I think the best investment one can make in terms of their business is to allocate both time and funds each year aimed solely at personal development. At the end of the day, your business is only as good as YOU-especially if you are a small business owner. Each year, I prioritize workshops, classes, seminars and retreats that help me grow as a person, entrepreneur and artist. Read more>>

J’Quay Gibbs

Ever since I started my training to go into this craft as a career, I’ve heard the same phrase over and over, “If you have any interest in doing anything else, do that instead.” They were implying on how incredibly difficult this industry is. I didn’t want to believe it, but it’s very much true. Which is why I’ve had to learn, and am still woking on, to invest in myself. Read more>>

DZE LIKE RZA

My worst investment was going to school for something i’m not passionate about. There was a point in time where I was looking for a trade to help fund what I really wanted to do. I ended up narrowing it down between CDL driving and working on cars. It was a mistake because it took away a lot of valuable time I could have put into my music career. Read more>>

Jonathan Hayes

As I’ve grown older and more experienced I’ve come to realize that my time and mental health is more valuable than money. Younger me, from back when I was sleeping on a pile of dirty clothes with no furniture might disagree, but it’s the conlcusion I’ve ultimately landed on. I haven’t had many terrible financial investments, at least as it pertains to my art. Read more>>

Jason Kennedy

In an attempt to improve shoes with the ultimate goal to become famous I purchased a lot of expensive lighting equipment in order to improve Our shows. The idea made sense in my head, but the lighting equipment posed many issues in the practical application stage of setting them up at venues. The main problem was the logistics of transporting all the equipment and hiring someone to run the lights while we played. Read more>>

Monisa Ruiz

The best investment I’ve made is investing in myself whether it’s for my health, happiness, or another makeup run to Sephora or Ulta for content. I’ve made a big investment in taking time that I am 100% okay health wise. Health is everything and my mental health is so precious. My health being good makes me happier and motivates me to continue on this journey. Read more>>

Erika Pinkley

When talking about this business of mine, I must say that the absolute best investment I ever made was my starter kit. Just the act of purchasing that one high dollar investment was also giving myself the opportunity to take a chance on something new. I had not idea if I was even going to like making stained glass, or if I would even be any good at it, but I did know that I would never find out if I didn’t at least take a chance on myself and just go for it! Read more>>