We asked some of the brightest and most thoughtful entrepreneurs, artists and creatives in the community to tell us about something they believe that most people in their space disagree with and we’ve shared highlights below.

Jenn Terrell

Many people in the photography and social media industries advise against sharing political views or personal values, but for me, that’s one of the most meaningful ways I connect with my clients.

For example, I was one of the first wedding photographers in Arkansas to openly work with and promote LGBTQIA+ couples. I made sure that anyone visiting my website knew exactly where I stood. Did I lose potential clients because of this? Probably. But I firmly believe that when you’re photographing one of the most important days of a person’s life, sharing similar values makes a world of difference. Read more>>

Maureen Gibbons

I have practiced emergency medicine for well over a decade and loved it. Before and during medical school, I enjoyed my career as an athletic trainer. The thread tying all of my careers together is my coaching and mentoring. As a serial entrepreneur, I always had the urge to make things better, find solutions. Toward the end of my traditional medical career, however, my beliefs shifted. Read more>>

Nicole A. Watlington

There’s no wrong way to build a career and grow within the audio post-production industry. I’ve met many old-school purists who are very hierarchical and firmly believe that you need to climb the ladder strictly step by step—going from runner to assistant or transfer then to junior sound editor, and so on. And while that path may be ideal, not everyone has the opportunity to build a career the traditional way. Many BIPOC, women, and folks from disadvantaged economic backgrounds, particularly in and from the global south, put in the work day and night yet still struggle to find people who can open those learning experiences doors for them, especially when they migrate looking for better opportunities. Read more>>

Grace Park

I believe in not following the trends when it comes to fashion. Everyone is surrounded by and advertised the idea that they need to buy, buy, buy. But this idea is only sustainable for people who have disposable income because trends fade fast then the next minute you have to buy more clothes for the next trend that popped up. The main issue with following trends is that fashion is meant to be a personal experience and a way to authentically express yourself – it has to be in tune with who you are and what your lifestyle is. I believe that when you show up authentically as yourself, that’s when you attract the best things in life – and I want everyone to feel comfortable in their own skin without having to pretend to be someone they’re not to fit society’s standards. I truly believe in empowering and elevating my clients through styling. Read more>>