There is so much to learn from investments that went really well as well as those that went really poorly and so we asked some of the wisest creatives and entrepreneurs in the community to tell us the stories of their best and worst investments.

Barrie Kealoha

Therapy. Oh my god, therapy. Therapy, and reading the book “Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents” changed my entire life, which of course had a massive impact on my artistic career as well. Going to the therapy, putting in the work and the time and the tears and the effort and the PATIENCE and the kindness to myself really there into stark relief just how much of my life (and thus, my artistic life) was spent trying to manage the emotions of others. Read more>>

Noré Arnett

My best investment as a business owner was joining a business coaching program. This coaching program taught me the in’s and outs of running a business, such as an Email/SMS Marketing, my business processes, Accounting Systems, my ideal client profile, my business systems, etc. Before joining this program, I was running my business loosely; Read more>>

Ryan Erickson

When I decided to make the switch from being a wedding photographer for 15 years to focus solely on dog portraits, I knew I could use some guidance. One of the best investments that I made early on with Fetch Photo Truck is to seek out a business coach. I was able to transfer a lot of the knowledge that I gained from my past career but knew that working with someone with specific expertise in managing a pet photography studio would be the way to go. It was a lot of money for me at the time to hire a coach but looking back I can appreciate how that allowed me to hit the ground running with my new adventure. Read more>>

Donna Everhart

When I began writing seriously in 2011, I began following a couple of literary agent blogs. I was mostly a “lurker,” hanging out to read what they had to say about the publishing industry. The most consistent piece of advice given between these two agents, (who didn’t work for the same agency) was to hire a freelance editor. That was the best FREE advice ever. Read more>>

Shanderia Montgomery

One of the best investments I have made was giving my time to volunteer and teach minority small business owners about the importance of having good record keeping. I have been able to help several local business owners get on track with their business and see them grow. I have also been able to volunteer to speak to middle school children about being self employed as an Accountant. I made the decision to volunteer because I enjoy educating business owners as to how having proper record keeping affects how their business can be funded. Read more>>

Jose Angel Hernandez

Art is an individual expression of the artist that requires exploration and discovery. Throughout an artistic journey, I feel artists need to take risks and leverage each opportunity to discover positive outcomes besides financial benefits. I would like to tell the story about how and why I was offered a solo show, how I prepared for the event, and what did I learn, I would like to share with readers my philosophy in regard to an artistic style, bodies of work, and the business of art. Read more>>

Yoshie Nakayama

The best investment I have ever made would be the tuition, living expenses, and time to study at Berklee College of Music. I decided I wouldn’t want to spend the next ten years the same way when I was reaching my ten years of continuous service at an organization in Tokyo. I had a teaching license for music in middle school and high school from Kunitachi College of Music, but I didn’t become one. Read more>>

Shanice Bryan

One of the best investments I’ve made as a cake artist and business owner is purchasing the Cake Safe. About three years ago I took an order for a five-tier wedding cake. This was the largest wedding cake that I had ever made at that time. The drive to the venue was about an hour and a half so I had to make sure that I had everything planned out. Read more>>

Elayne Brunson

The best investment I’ve ever made is purchasing 95% of a block in a historic Main St. district of downtown. For the most recent acquisition timing most definitely was a major contributor to the acquisition. Initially, I purchased an office located on the corner parcel of the block. It included office space that was ready to use as the electricity as well as the plumbing were in usable condition. Read more>>

Chel’le Marie

I would have to say my worst investment was a female artist I managed in 2020. I had made it a point to give her the support and energy I had never received and when it showed signs of paying off she cut me out of deals and situations. She made up lies on my name in an effort to tarnish my reputation. Read more>>