As almost any entrepreneur or creative will tell you, unexpected problems are to be expected. Below, you’ll hear some incredible stories that highlight and illustrate the kinds of issues and problems entrepreneurs and creatives are dealing with everyday. It’s not easy, but the silver lining is that dealing with unexpected problems is one of the best ways to develop antifragility.

Kate Dardine

When I quit the job that I’d been in for almost 30 years back in 2016 to pursue art full-time, I was excited to be able to devote long hours in the studio to creating paintings. I imagined that the work would just flow. That with a more consistent practice, I would eventually be able to speed up my process. This has not turned out to be true. Read more>>

Alejandra Manjarres

With the pandemic I believe all business have faced unexpected challenges. For us while the pandemic brought on lots of growth opportunities it also presented several unforeseen problems that at times left me feeling helpless. The top 3 biggest disrupters have been: -Hiring new employees Read more>>

Andrew Chiwara

During my time as a business owner I started in the cosmetic industry selling false lashes, then eventually transitioning into selling lace wigs and finally moving into the fashion industry getting my own designs manufactured. Read more>> 

Nisha Desai

Being a female entrepreneur of color brings its fair share of challenges above and beyond the normal difficulties of starting your own company. Anise’s philosophy that culture impacts the way we think, emote and behave is proven true in our daily work – we are expected to fit the mold of a traditional / Western entrepreneur and often struggle to do so given the Eastern values we adopted while growing up. Read more>>

Nicole Ialeggio

Oh my gosh yes, starting a business was totally one of the best decisions I have made, but it takes perseverance to get through those unexpected twists and turns! I had started my business a few months prior to this. I was 4 weeks postpartum, and had just told my 9-5 that I wouldn’t be returning after my maternity leave. Read more>>

Caitie Canacakos

Opening up a gym in 2020. One of the best and worst times of my life as a business owner. Being shut down 1 month after getting the keys to our new location, fresh paint on the walls and equipment starting to pile in, not just life, but the business took a sudden stop. Cops were called on us even as we tried to follow the rules. Read more>>