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.
Jennifer Ingram
The best investment (time and money) I’ve made has been in my own leadership development though lifelong learning. My growth as a leader has happened through both formal and informal ways. In graduate school I studied organizational leadership. This provided various frameworks and methodologies that have given structure to my understanding of leadership characteristics and approaches. Read more>>
Moss Da Beast
The best investment has always been in myself and my ideas. I have tried to garner investors before I carried out an idea or plan and it never worked. Once I took on the attitude of doing for self and being a self starter, I was met with plenty people who wanted to help me either with free labor or actual partner who wanted to invest with me. Read more>>
Tamika Lamison
Without a doubt the best investment I have made in terms of both time and money is myself. There is an old saying in Hollywood: “Never use your own money. ” Well, I’d like to debunk that myth. The most impact I have ever had in my career is via personal investment with time and money. I will give you two examples. Read more>>
Michael Ryu
The best investment I’ve made as a wedding photographer was for me to spend quality and meaningful time with my clients and getting to know them. I quickly realized that yes, my job is to take photos, but also, the relationship building with the couple was just as important when you’re documenting their most special day of their lives. It allows me to be more intentional with my photographs that I take, and see all of their most vulnerable and raw moments in its purest and beautiful form. Read more>>
Yunyi Dai
Working as a freelance illustrator means that I create my own schedule for the week and keep track of my tasks and commission deadlines. Every freelancer’s needs and priorities are unique, so the investments I have made are just some suggestions based on my own specific goals and circumstances. Read more>>
Karina Arrezola-Reyes
The best investment I’ve made towards my business is investing in a permanent jewelry welder . First off, permanent jewelry is jewelry that is clasp less which can’t be taken off daily. I already had my finished handmade & curated jewelry business but I noticed permanent jewelry was getting noticed . Read more>>
Hugo Maldonado
The best investment was investing in myself. It has helped me develop my artistic and innovative abilities. I freed myself from having any restrictions and collaborating with others that share my vision and can help make it a reality. Read more>>
Tamia Wells
My best investment was the time dedicated to my children. From an early age I recognized their gifts and talents. If it wasn’t for them, I would have never been able to transition so smoothly from one industry to another. I worked in the beauty industry for years before transitioning to Artist Management and then owning a record label titled Cruzn Cozy Records LLC. Read more>>
Taj Jewett
The best decision I made was to invest in myself as much as I invest in others. As a creative musician a lot of my time is spent making others happy, making others feel safe and accepted. Though I have the means and skills to do this for others, I began to realize that this was a means I was lacking in myself. Read more>>
Monique Roberson
When I started my boutique business (MoGlamorous Boutique) I did some research but not a whole lot that I know now. When I first started I got a lash vendor then I worked my way to getting a EIN number and reseller license. Once I got my license I started ordering sunglasses and clothes from a vendor in China. Read more>>
Melissa Center
The best investment I’ve ever made has been hiring a coach! Specifically, hiring a coach to guide me through the crowdfunding process for my solo show Marrying Jake Gyllenhaal. Not only did I successfully fund my project, I was able to translate my success into my current business. Here is the backstory – Read more>>