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.

Clay Harkey

Best investment I ever made for my business was purchasing sewing machines. Before then, everything made was stitched by hand. Although we enjoy the hand stitched look, the amount of orders coming in forced us to figure out how to make things faster without losing quality. Read more>>

Shauna King

I began working as an educational consultant after gaining experience as a teacher, principal, and school district administrator. My information and knowledge had kept me current for several years, but without ongoing training, listening, and learning from those still in the classroom, I would have lost touch with the current issues and pain points that they were experiencing. Read more>>

Mike Howren

Without a doubt, the single best investment I have made in my life is the time and money I have invested into my mind. Prior to starting my first business in 2012, personal development was just not a part of my life. Read more>>

Jessica Michelle Hall

Investing in yourself means prioritizing your personal development, growth, and well-being. When you invest in yourself, you are dedicating time, effort, and resources to enhance your skills, expand your knowledge, and cultivate your passions. Read more>>

Rachel Simon

When I started my business in 2018 I figured I better have a website because without one, who is going to take me seriously. I had seen so many commercials over the years for SquareSpace and I figured it would be as simple as the ads made it seem. Read more>>

Johnny DeFeo

When I was in grad school for painting I received a grant to purchase art materials– I stretched the definition of “art materials” and purchased a moving truck with the funds. Read more>>

Ciara Rae

The best investment I ever made was in myself. But not in the way that most people would expect.. And not in the way that most creatives are told to. I’ve always been a songwriter, performer and creative. Read more>>