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.

Morgan Mcray

The best investment I have made so far has to be my first brick and mortar location. Starting as a mobile bridal shop, Magnolia Bridal was growing quickly and the demand for our bridal gowns and customer service warranted a permanent location. I was lucky enough to find a retail space on the corner of a busy spot in town. and in just three short weeks, we turned a cell phone provider store into our beautiful bridal shop. Securing this prominent location has helped so many more community members learn about our business! Read more>>

Lauran Kerr-heraly

The best investment I have made as a business owner is in business support groups. As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to feel lonely and like you have no idea what you’re doing. I like being able to bounce ideas off each other, get targeted mentorship, and have a place to rant. Currently, I’m in a group led by copywriter and coach Stacy Braga. When it comes to copy, most of my training and practice is in academic writing, which is miles away from copywriting for marketing and sales! Having someone teach me how to write this way as well as review what I create has been a game changer for me. Read more>>

Deangela Mann

The best investment I’ve made as a business owner has been in myself—my growth, confidence, and skill set. When I began my modeling career, I quickly realized that success wasn’t just about how I looked or performed; it was about how much I believed in myself and my ability to stand out in a competitive industry. I invested in professional development by practicing my craft through workshops, perfecting my walk, and learning how to present myself as a brand. I also dedicated time to self-care to maintain the physical, mental, and emotional energy needed to thrive in both my personal and professional life. A significant moment for me was participating in Fashion Week Columbus, where I had to trust in my preparation and authenticity to showcase my work on a prestigious platform. Read more>>