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.
Ben Cronly

The Byrd Theatre is a movie palace and we recently had to replace our chiller. We had A/C until August of 2023. Our chiller on top of the roof died after 9 years in service. The refrigerant in the system mixed with the water shutting the system down. We had to replace the chiller but we first needed to get quotes from several vendors to be sure we were getting the best value. We did not have the funding to replace the unit. Luckily being a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, we were able to raise the necessary funds in about 2 months. We finally signed a contract in February 2024 but the lead time to receive the chiller was approximately 4 months. I was very nervous about getting the new chiller in time for the summer. In July 2024, we received the new chiller and put it up on the roof. While we had the new chiller in place, the machine was not working properly. We had technicians come out almost daily to fix the problem but they couldn’t find the problem. Finally in August 2024, the technicians figured out the problem and resolved the issue. We now have a working chiller and A/C in the building. Read more>>
Kindle Thompson

I recently have been dealing with health issues the past few months that have caused me to put my dreams on hold. I had a major physical health crisis during a recent fitting and had to go to the hospital and not attend the fashion show I was casted for. It was very sad, but made me realize my health is important over everything , I think everyone needs to learn that. You are not just important because your career, you are alive, and a human. Read more>>
Camille Whitworth

In the early stages, my partner, Sidney Webb, and I were suddenly unable to get some of the essential ingredients for our signature cocktails, and there were constant delays in getting our specialty bar tools and glassware. I remember one particularly stressful weekend where we had a fully booked night of cocktail classes, and the syrups and garnishes we needed to make some of our most popular drinks simply didn’t arrive. Read more>>
Chloe Scout Nix

I have been having a hard time as of late grappling with my art practice. I am exploring topics that are very close to myself and navigating complicated emotions tied to certain life experiences or longings that feel at a heightened level right now. I make work because I feel like I have to in order to release these feelings into something physical. It isn’t something I think is fun necessarily, but it is rewarding. It can be an issue sometimes when I get too wrapped up in the feelings and emotions tied into this project. Most of my work is self portraiture based and so the need for me to be present physically can also make things difficult in a whole other way. I have found that in order to keep my sanity during my art making practice I need to separate myself in to person Chloe and Artist Chloe. It is one way I have learned to talk about my work with more ease. Read more>>
Lexy Johnson

One of the most unexpected problems in my creative journey is being diagnosed with an extremely rare and untreatable skin disease, Lichen Planus Pigmentosus. This disease has affected the skin on my face and neck – which is often in the forefront of the content that I enjoy sharing – beauty tips, skincare products, style and outfit inspiration. Having to watch the pigment on my face and neck get darker over time, has caused extreme distress and on many days, stifled my inspiration and motivation to create. I am currently on the path of mental healing and I am starting to embrace the skin journey that I am on. I have accepted my imperfections and have made a decision to allow the strength behind deciding to share my skin struggles with the world fuel my drive to create even more! There is a certain freedom that comes with being authentic to who you really are. For me, that means letting go of the need to be perfect and continue share my style inspiration with the world, celebrating my individuality and the beauty that lies in imperfection. I want to show others that our struggles do not define us; instead, they can be a source of strength and resilience. Read more>>
Emily Grindell

I have owned my business for 3 1/2 years and very much learning as I go by trial and error. Some of the biggest issues I have had is trusting people all the time. I started my business as a naive and laid back approach that people will always do the honoring thing. I have come across a handful of times where that has proven to not be wise. I had to come to the realization that not everyone will do the honoring thing, not everyone values what I value, not everyone will make things right or be kind. People sometimes don’t pay their bill, people sometimes say they will do something, then don’t. One of the biggest things I did to resolve unexpected issues over the few years, is making a super detailed and concrete contract that is required to be signed before service. Read more>>