Have you ever had a friend look at a business and randomly throw out numbers that made it seem like that business owner must be making serious bank? We’ve experienced that many times, and know from conversations with operators and owners in those industries that their real profitability is often far, far less. The reason is often that there are unique challenges to profitability in almost every industry and so we wanted to create a space for entrepreneurs from across industries and markets to discuss the challenges to profitability in their industries.

Alexej Matejka

I think the biggest challenge regarding profitability right now within the industry is that everyone has a camera on their phone. Photography is no longer seen as a skill worth paying for because non-photographers think that all that photography requires is a decent camera. In reality, being a good photographer requires so much time learning how to use the gear you have, learning how to edit, retouch, post models, work with light, create and explain your vision, and so much more. Read more>>

Queen Doyenne

Payment isn’t always guaranteed with each project. In this career path you will gain a lot of experience and networking opportunities that can set you up for success, but don’t assume each door that opens for you is your “golden ticket” opportunity. Most of the time, you will be gifted with amazing chances to work with people but the only payment they can give you is their name/ credit on your work, but by you knowing that person can open another opportunity to speak with someone else. Whether it is modeling or acting you have to be happy with knowning that you will be financially uncomfortable for many years within this field. Read more>>

Anna VanAgtmael

The majority of the population spends money on their health and wellbeing last. It can be easier to justify upgrading your home or spending money on your family than investing in your mental and physical health. The wellness industry is a billion dollar industry, so people are investing in themselves, it just feels like a longer sales process than say replacing the roof on your house. Read more>>

Vantoria Johns

As a candle manufacturer, I’ve spent many, many months researching and testing my products. It can be more expensive when first starting a small business to purchase supplies and materials in smaller quantities. If you are lucky enough for your business to grow, you can then consider purchasing bulk quantities which will ultimately help with your bottom line. The big box stores that sell candles are able to manufacture and/or purchase goods in such large quantities that they are then able to sell them for a third of the cost that a small business would have to sell them for. Read more>>

Crystal Goeringer

The cookier, baker, pastry world has really exploded in the last couple years. With an over flooded market you really have to be competitive in making your treats stand out, while also tasting good. You have to be priced right, but make sure you charge your worth as well. Read more>>

Anna Kate Tillison

One of the biggest challenges in my industry of fitness is that it tends to be very oversaturated. But that should not deter you from trying to pursue a career in fitness. All you have to do is think outside the box. Learning how to maximize your time, and be as efficient as possible with how you make your money. Read more>>

Anné Montague Young

Overheard costs in the beauty industry are HIGH. Depending on the brand you decide to use, a tube of color can be $6-10, On any given day, I carry 200-300 tubes of color to ensure I have options for whatever my guests may decide they want. Licensing fees, advertising fees, utilities, laundry service…the costs add up quickly. It’s important to have business acumen and know the costs of goods to ensure you pricing can make you profitable. Read more>>

Nick Kaufenberg

Like any business flexibility is paramount to the success of a food truck. Many believe that because we are operating out of a truck our overhead costs are minimal. This is fundamentally false. Yes, they are less expensive than owning a brick and mortar but there are still many expenses required. With the recent rising costs on everything, I have found it difficult to stay relevant while increasing my prices. Read more>>

Andy Petran

Climate change and land access. The unstable whims of our changed climate make open field horticulture less viable annually, and skyrocketing prices and interest rates for farmland are unlikely to decrease as land gets bought up by hedge funds, residential development companies, and millionaires/billionaires viewing farmland as a stable investment opportunity to dump their funds. Read more>>