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.

Lisa Caskey

One of the best investments I’ve made, hands down, was hiring an executive assistant. Before that, I was drowning in administrative work—accounting, billing, emails, scheduling, marketing—all the tasks that I avoided because, honestly, I’m not great at them, and I don’t enjoy doing them. I was spending so much time and energy on things that were out of alignment with what I do best, it was pulling away from my creative energy, impacting my ability to write. Read more>>

Ian Weller

I admit, my worst investment was in a hybrid publishing company. They published my book Poetry Anthology: Peace and Redemption & Strength for Autism. The whole thing was a publishing offer. They offered to do the bulk of the work and make it widely available. I ultimately paid over $7000 for a place on Amazon and being registered in the Library of Congress. It wasn’t available to be ordered in any other platform. They made a considerable amount of money before I cut ties with them completely. They gave me less than $100 in royalties throughout the 5 year span I worked with them. Read more>>

Brittney Reynolds

The best investment I’ve ever made, was in myself and in my craft as a tattoo artist. I’ve always been an artist, just never pursued my art in a professional form until I did and now I own a business, have a career, a professional license no one can take from me or fire me from, and the means to set my child’s future up and a legacy to pass on. Read more>>

Ruth Austin

The best investment I’ve made as an artist has been investing in myself – specifically, taking the leap to explore mixed media art after years of working in watercolor. While I loved creating art after my daughters left for college, I found watercolors limiting. I couldn’t achieve the bright colors I love or layer and edit my work the way I envisioned. As someone who loves to experiment and add depth to my pieces, I felt constrained. Read more>>

Eric Smith

The best investment I’ve made thus far is, investing in myself, i.e., believing in myself and my songs. I used to play lots of cover songs but as my original song repertoire increased, I began to play more of my songs. In the process, I found that people connect with what I’m singing about. Whether it be of humor or real life topics. I sing about life. I try and keep it real. I blend/write my songs with passion and humor. I write from the heart and the funny-bone. Read more>>