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.

Sydney Alston

As an artist manager, my primary responsibility is to help my clients find success in their careers. I’m dedicated to identifying opportunities and creating revenue streams to help them break through in the industry. However, one of the most disappointing lessons I’ve learned is that a manager can be fired at any time, even after significant successes. Read more>>

Robert Visitacion

Well, 2020 brought unprecedented challenges, particularly due to COVID-19. The pandemic had a significant impact on many businesses, including mine. We lost quite a few members during this time, which was understandable given the uncertainty and constant flow of information. Read more>>

Candice Damele

One of the most unexpected and challenging decisions at Damele Bridal was the move from a 2,300 sq ft store to a much smaller 900 sq ft location. This transition, during a time of personal and global upheaval, required a complete reimagining of the business and how we served our clients. Read more>>

Lonnie Treviño Jr

It’s a familiar story, really. It’s a story as old as 4 years ago. A little back story; Since 2011 The South Austin Moonlighters’ north star was to get The Band to Europe, The Iberian Peninsula, and The UK where Americana Texas music, more importantly Austin Texas Americana Music, is adored, dare I say, perhaps even more that in Texas itself. Read more>>

Zaro Vega

As creatives, sometimes we get wrapped up in the arts so much, that we forget to put importance on the business side of things, which in return become just equally as important as you evolve on your journey. We may even stray away from it because we might not fully understand it. Read more>>

Marc Cartwright

I believe that we have the power to create the perspectives which shapes our reality. If you find ways to achieve your goals without relying on the elements you feel may be stopping you, those elements won’t be an obstacle. Read more>>

Mychal Sorensen

For me, one of the most challenging unexpected problems I’ve faced in the creative industry is just how difficult it’s been to really break in. When I went to school for animation and film, my professors prefaced us that these industries were, comparatively speaking, niche and ultra-competitive, and I’ve, like many other artists, experienced it first hand. Read more>>

Alice Jihyun Kim

One of the most unexpected challenges I faced in my creative journey as a musical theater performer was during my debut performance as Tuptim in “The King and I” at La Commedia Theater in Ohio. Along with the usual pressures of preparing for a major role, I encountered an unexpected personal hurdle: Read more>>